The Helldivers 2 StA-52 Assault Rifle Guide – How to Get, Stats & Review is something many players have been looking for, especially those who want a reliable primary weapon to carry into chaotic missions. The StA-52, often considered the backbone of a soldier’s arsenal, has made its return in Helldivers 2 with some noticeable updates. Let’s break down how to unlock it, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it deserves a place in your loadout.
How to Unlock the StA-52
Unlocking the StA-52 isn’t overly complicated. Like most standard assault rifles, it becomes available fairly early in progression. You’ll need to advance through the initial campaign missions and earn enough requisition to add it to your armory. Players familiar with the first Helldivers will find the process intuitive, but it still requires a few hours of play to grind the necessary resources.
Weapon Stats and Performance
The StA-52 is built around balance rather than specialization. Its damage per shot isn’t the highest, but it offers a steady fire rate and manageable recoil, making it a dependable weapon for most encounters. Key attributes include:
Damage: Moderate, effective against light to medium enemies.
Rate of Fire: Consistent and controllable, making it suitable for both bursts and longer sprays.
Accuracy: Reliable at mid-range, with noticeable spread if you push the weapon too far.
Reload Speed: Quick enough to keep you in the fight without too much downtime.
Compared to other primaries, the StA-52 won’t melt heavy armor or elite units on its own, but it’s versatile enough to cover most situations when paired with a strong secondary or stratagem.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the biggest strengths of the StA-52 is its adaptability. It’s the kind of rifle you can bring into missions without knowing exactly what you’ll face and still perform effectively. For new players, it offers a forgiving learning curve, while veterans appreciate its reliability in chaotic fights.
The trade-off is its lack of specialization. Against armored targets, you’ll quickly find yourself leaning on grenades, support weapons, or squadmates to handle the tougher enemies. If you prefer weapons that excel in a particular niche, the StA-52 may feel a bit too middle-of-the-road.
Player Review and Impressions
In practice, the StA-52 has earned a reputation as a dependable but unspectacular choice. Many Helldivers describe it as the “comfort pick” — not flashy, but it won’t let you down. Its strength lies in consistency, which is often more valuable than raw damage output when the battlefield gets hectic.
For players looking for a straightforward rifle that feels good to use and doesn’t punish mistakes, the StA-52 is a solid pick. Veterans chasing high-level optimization may eventually swap it out for weapons with more specialized roles, but the rifle remains a reliable cornerstone of any arsenal.
The Helldivers 2 StA-52 Assault Rifle Guide – How to Get, Stats & Review highlights what makes this weapon a classic: balance, reliability, and ease of use. While it may not dominate in any single category, its adaptability makes it one of the most dependable rifles in Helldivers 2. If you’re just starting your campaign or want a reliable fallback option, the StA-52 deserves a place in your loadout.