While incredibly powerful and effective against armored targets, the Quasar Cannon typically does not one-shot Chargers in Helldivers 2.
Understanding the Quasar Cannon's Power
The LAS-99 Quasar Cannon is a unique support weapon known for its potent, single-shot explosive energy. It charges up a devastating projectile that possesses the power equivalent to an EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank round. This makes it exceptionally effective at dealing with heavily armored enemies like Chargers, but its primary function is armor penetration rather than instant obliteration from a single hit, especially against a full-health Charger's formidable front armor.
How the Quasar Cannon Interacts with Chargers
Chargers are among the most resilient enemies in Helldivers 2, heavily armored across most of their body. Their primary weak points are their unarmored backside and, critically, their exposed flesh once their leg armor is stripped.
- Armor Stripping: A single direct hit from the Quasar Cannon to a Charger's leg will strip its armor, exposing the soft, orange flesh beneath. This is where the Quasar Cannon truly shines, as it can do this from a safe distance with infinite ammunition.
- Follow-Up Damage: Once the leg armor is broken, the Charger becomes vulnerable. To complete the kill, you will need:
- Additional shots from a primary weapon aimed at the exposed leg.
- Another Quasar Cannon shot directly onto the exposed leg or, more effectively, the head (if armor is also compromised or from specific angles).
- A direct hit to the unarmored backside can also be very damaging, but still often requires multiple hits.
Essentially, it's often a two-step process: one Quasar shot to break the armor, and then follow-up damage to the exposed weak point.
Effective Strategies for Quasar Cannon Against Chargers
To efficiently eliminate Chargers using the Quasar Cannon, consider these tactics:
- Two-Shot Method:
- Aim and fire one Quasar shot at a Charger's leg.
- Once the armor is broken, quickly charge and fire a second Quasar shot directly into the now-exposed, glowing orange leg or head. This is often the most reliable way to solo a Charger with the Quasar Cannon.
- Team Coordination: If playing with teammates, one Quasar shot can strip the armor, allowing allies to finish the Charger quickly with concentrated fire from their primary weapons or other support weapons.
- Headshots: While a direct headshot might not instantly kill a full-health Charger, it can be extremely effective if the head armor is already compromised or if you manage to hit specific vulnerable parts during its charge animation. However, aiming for the leg is generally safer and more consistent for armor breaking.
Quasar Cannon vs. Other Anti-Tank Options
| Weapon Type | Primary Strength Against Chargers | One-Shot Potential (Frontal) | Ammo & Backpack Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quasar Cannon | Armor breaking, consistent damage, infinite ammo | No (typically) | Infinite, No Backpack |
| Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17) | Armor breaking, disposable | No (typically) | Limited, No Backpack |
| Recoilless Rifle | High burst damage, armor breaking | No (typically) | Limited, Backpack Required |
| Autocannon | Weak point targeting (rear), limited armor penetration | No (for direct front) | Limited, Backpack Required |
| Anti-Material Rifle | Weak point targeting (e.g., exposed leg) | No (for armored parts) | Limited, No Backpack |
The Quasar Cannon stands out due to its unique combination of significant explosive power, quick charge time, and unlimited ammunition, making it a highly versatile and sustainable choice for dealing with heavily armored threats throughout a mission without relying on supply drops.
