Upgrading weapons in Helldivers 2 isn’t just about hitting harder—it’s about tailoring your gear to match your playstyle and ensuring you can handle any threat the game throws at you. Whether you’re blasting through Terminids or fending off Automatons, an upgraded arsenal makes all the difference. Here are 10 of the fastest and most efficient ways to upgrade your favorite weapons in Helldivers 2, based on practical in-game experience.
1. Prioritize Medal Farming Missions
The most straightforward way to upgrade weapons is by unlocking attachments and mods via medals. Focus on missions with high Medal drop rates. These often appear during special operations or in areas with increased enemy activity. If you’re trying to save time, it’s wise to look for these hotspots first.
2. Speedrun Easy-Difficulty Objectives
If you’re just after resources and not XP, replaying low-difficulty missions with minimal resistance is a great way to collect upgrade materials quickly. Load in with a fast-moving squad, complete objectives efficiently, and extract fast—rinse and repeat.
3. Recycle Unused Weapons and Gear
The Armory allows you to dismantle unused items for materials, which can be reinvested into upgrades. It’s easy to hoard gear you never use, but breaking them down can provide an immediate boost to your current weapon upgrade path.
4. Buy Helldivers 2 Medals Strategically
If you’re short on time and need a quick boost, many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals to fast-track upgrades. This method is especially useful if you’re preparing for high-difficulty PvE or PvP missions where every weapon stat matters.
5. Squad Up for Resource Sharing
Playing with a coordinated squad means you can split responsibilities. While one player focuses on completing objectives, others can focus on gathering resources. This team approach reduces wasted time and ensures you collect everything needed for upgrades.
6. Use Stratagems That Enhance Efficiency
Certain support weapons and tools—like resource scanners or faster extraction beacons—can speed up missions, giving you more time to grind medals. The less time you spend navigating the map, the more time you have for earning upgrade materials.
7. Focus on Weapon-Specific Challenges
Each weapon has a set of associated in-game challenges. Completing these can unlock upgrades and boost weapon performance. If you’re working toward a specific build, target the challenges that correspond to your favorite weapons.
8. Save Medals for Meta-Effective Weapons
Don’t waste your medals upgrading every weapon in your arsenal. Instead, identify the current meta (or your personal top performers) and direct your resources there. This focused approach ensures your investments yield actual in-game performance gains.
9. Watch for Double Resource Events
From time to time, Helldivers 2 hosts double Medal or XP events. These windows are perfect for grinding. If you’re looking to make a big leap in weapon upgrades, schedule your playtime during these events.
10. Check U4GM for Cheap Helldivers 2 Medals
If you’re considering the faster route, some players turn to third-party solutions to buy cheap Helldivers 2 medals. Services like U4GM are often mentioned among the community for offering fast, safe, and budget-friendly Medal purchases. This is an option for players who prefer to skip the grind and jump straight into high-tier gameplay.
Upgrading your weapons in Helldivers 2 doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right strategies—whether you’re grinding through missions, tackling challenges, or investing smartly—you’ll have a fully upgraded loadout in no time. Stay efficient, keep your eye on the meta, and don’t be afraid to make tactical use of resources like U4GM when needed.