Selecting the right weapon can be pivotal in ensuring your survival while spreading managed democracy in Helldivers 2. Historically, the LAS-16 Sickle has been celebrated as one of the top primary weapons available. However, following the introduction of the Servants of Freedom Warbond, a formidable new contender has emerged: the LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle.
This advanced weapon operates on energy-based mechanics, abandoning overheating protections for the capability of continuous, unceasing fire without the hassles of reloading. Yet, there’s a significant trade-off: prolonged fire increases the weapon’s heat levels until it begins to damage your own armor.
Given the balance between firepower and inherent risk, the question arises: Is the LAS-17 superior to the tried-and-true LAS-16, or does the latter still reign supreme? We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of both weapons, weighing their strengths and weaknesses and discussing their potential tactical advantages.
How to Unlock the LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle
To acquire the LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle, players must navigate to the first page of the Servants of Freedom Warbond in Helldivers 2. The purchase requires 1, 000 Super Credits followed by the use of 35 Medals to unlock this energy weapon.
In contrast, the LAS-16 Sickle is included in the Cutting Edge Warbond, which, while similarly priced at 1, 000 Super Credits, requires only 20 Medals for access.
The recent emergence of the Illuminate faction has simplified the process of accumulating Super Credits in Helldivers 2. Their new urban maps feature concentrated points of interest, thereby amplifying your chances of discovering SC loot piles during missions. With dedicated effort, players could potentially purchase a premium Warbond within a single day of gameplay.
LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle vs. LAS-16 Sickle: A Detailed Comparison
| LAS-17 | LAS-16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Automatic Primary Weapon | Automatic Primary Weapon |
| Penetration | Medium Armor | Light Armor |
| Damage | 55 (increases post-overheating) | 55 |
| Fire Rate | 700 rounds per minute | 750 rounds per minute |
| Capacity | 15 seconds (approx.165 rounds) before self-ignition | 7 seconds (approx.85 rounds) before overheating |
| Reload | 2.8 seconds | 1.9 seconds |
| Cooldown | 24 seconds after reaching maximum heat | 12.5 seconds after reaching maximum heat |
| Scope | 25, 50, and 100 | 25, 50, and 100 |
| Selling Feature | Increased damage with infinite ammo until succumbing to burn damage | Infinite ammo with managed heat levels |
The LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle is a refined take on the LAS-16 Sickle found in Helldivers 2, using advanced energy heat sinks and capable of consistent damage output. However, it notably lacks any built-in overheating protection.
While the standard LAS-16 requires reloading after reaching its overheating threshold, the LAS-17 can technically keep firing despite overheating, a feature that amplifies both its potential firepower and the risk of self-harm. Key mechanics to note include:
- Firing over 50 rounds induces light burn damage.
- Firing over 165 rounds can lead to full ignition, causing significant burn damage.
For a clearer understanding of the LAS-17’s heat mechanics, observe gameplay footage to gauge how long you can fire before inflicting burn damage upon yourself.
Interestingly, despite the LAS-17’s official description indicating increased damage post-overheating, initial feedback suggests it still deals standard damage, likely hinting at a bug yet to be addressed.
One of the notable advantages of the LAS-17 is its capability to penetrate medium armor. This makes it particularly effective against tougher adversaries, including Hive Guards, Bile Spewers, Scout Striders, and Overseers. Its extended sustained fire allows players to engage multiple foes without moving much, effectively turning the tide in hard-fought encounters.
Should You Get the LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle or the LAS-16 Sickle in Helldivers 2?
The LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle stands as a strong contender for being among the finest primary weapons in Helldivers 2, a title the LAS-16 Sickle has retained since its inception. However, it’s crucial to understand that both weapons offer distinct tactical benefits suited to varying playstyles.
| The LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle is excellent for players who | The LAS-16 Sickle is great for players who |
|---|---|
| Favor aggressive tactics and want to engage large enemy hordes effectively. | Prefer a more user-friendly weapon, ideal for newcomers. |
| Require a weapon adept at dealing with medium-armored foes. | Focus less on confronting medium-armored opponents. |
| Possess gear that helps manage heat and self-inflicted damage. | Do not need to stress about overheating mechanics. |
Tactical Advantages
The LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle thrives only when paired with the correct loadout. Its unique overheating system has led to a surge in popularity for flame-resistant armor among players. The Inflammable armor passive significantly curtails the light burn damage when reaching the initial overheating threshold.
Moreover, utilizing two specific boosters can nearly eliminate self-damage risks. The Vitality Enhancement booster helps alleviate the initial burn ticks, while an Experimental Infusion Stim grants temporary immunity during ignition, allowing players to inject another stim for additional protection. This setup effectively extends sustained fire duration, ultimately maximizing damage output while health allows.
Going prone further decreases self-damage risks, permitting longer usage of the LAS-17 before needing to administer stim. Hence, while the LAS-17 is indeed a powerful weapon, it necessitates player investment—both in terms of armor and enhancing gear. Conversely, the LAS-16 Sickle is user-friendly and ready to use right out of the box.
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