Defoliation Tool Loadout & Tips for Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2‘s new Python Commando Warbond saw the release of some long-requested weaponry added to the Helldiver arsenal, including an armor set that reduces the effects of ragdolling, a belt-fed minigun and ammo pack combo, and a drone with a flamethrower attachment. The Defoliation Tool (read: chainsaw) might be turning the most heads, however.

While nowhere near the Warhammer 40K chainsword that fans have dreamed of, the Defoliation Tool still packs a punch, offering a very niche Support Weapon perfect for Helldivers who are insane enough to wield it. This guide explores how the weapon functions, which factions it excels against, and a sample loadout to complement this vicious weapon in the fight to preserve democracy in Helldivers 2.

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The Defoliation Tool can be found on page two of the Python Commando Warbond. While most other melee weapons in the game take the position of your secondary weapon, the Defoliation Tool joins the Super Earth Flag as a melee weapon Stratagem, taking the place of your support weapon slot.

The Super Earth Flag was relegated to little more than a meme pick, but is the Defoliation Tool any different? It does offer some distinct advantages over the Super Earth Flag, that’s for sure. With a standard medium armor penetration with its attacks, which can quickly ramp up into heavy armor penetration when sawing at the same enemy for a short time, it has the potential to dish out some devious damage up close.

The issue you’ll run into is that the Defoliation Tool is bad at dealing with groups. You’d think it would be great at mowing down hordes of Terminid scavengers, but because it can typically only kill one at a time, it’s easy to get quickly overwhelmed. That’s why quick strikes and repositioning is crucial. You can’t wade into a dozen bugs and expect to come away unscathed. Instead, you’ll want to bring along some other tools to help mitigate threats. Stun Grenades or the Gas Guard Dog can both be instrumental in helping keep you alive as you carve through enemies.

The Defoliation Tool can be a strong option against isolated enemies—even some heavies like the Impaler, Hulk, or Harvester can be stunlocked while you’re carving into them (if you get the drop on them and are able to attack a few times first). But, if they have allies swarming you, you won’t get the chance to finish the job.

• Against Automatons: Due to the faction’s emphasis on ranged weaponry, the Defoliation Tool rarely gets a moment to shine. It can cut through Berserkers and Devastators in one hit, stunlock Hulks if you get a few hits in first, and it can destroy bot fabricators, but with how often you’re getting shot at, you need to be extremely sparing with when you’re using the Defoliation Tool.
• Against Illuminate: Surprisingly solid option, though not how you’d think. The Defoliation Tool is terrible at cutting down the hordes of Voteless. They will quickly overrun you, forcing you to reposition constantly and making you wish you were using any other weapon. Instead, reserve the chainsaw for Fleshmobs and Staff Overseers, which fall apart quickly. It also destroys Warp Ship spawners. If you really want to melee Voteless, the CQC-2 Saber is a far superior option.
• Against Terminds: Not a great option here, unfortunately. The Defoliation Tool has a brief wind-up period, which is just a hair longer than the time it takes for pretty much every Terminid to get an attack in. The chainsaw isn’t good at dealing with large groups, so it’ll only shine when attacking solitary targets, which is a rarity against the Terminids. Solid at cutting up an Impaler or Alpha Commander in a pinch, but too dangerous against most other units.

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Sample Loadout to Complement the Defoliation Tool

The Defoliation Tool requires you to get up close to your enemies and carve them apart, putting yourself in great mortal peril—not only from the enemy, but from potential friendly fire as well. You’ll want to find equipment that complements the chainsaw’s specific niche.

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It’s a fun tool that can be effective in the right hands, but it’s never going to be as effective as the vast majority of other Support Weapons (it edges out the Sterilizer, at least). You can perform some hilarious and fun feats with this thing. It can destroy a Spore Spewer in about eight seconds. You can go toe-to-toe with an Automaton Hulk if you get a good angle on it. It can destroy bot fabricators and illuminate warp ships!

But, as a Support Weapon, it leaves a lot to be desired. It struggles against groups of enemies, and while it can be effective against some heavy units, they need to be isolated, which is exceedingly rare in higher difficulties. The Defoliation Tool puts you right in the face of some of Super Earth’s greatest foes, and while it does fulfill a certain power fantasy, it’s exceedingly reckless while offering few upsides when compared to ranged support weapons. On lower difficulties, it can shine, but once you climb above difficulty 6, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage using this (admittedly very cool) weapon.

Released

February 8, 2024

ESRB

Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact

Developer(s)

Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing