Helldivers 2 recently released its collaboration War Bond with Halo ODST, and as a long-time player, I wanted to give a thorough look at how these new weapons and armor perform in real gameplay. While the cosmetic designs are appealing, the functional aspects leave quite a bit to be desired, especially if you’re chasing efficiency on higher difficulty levels. Here’s my breakdown based on extensive testing across factions, enemies, and scenarios.

M6C SOCOM Pistol: Style Over Substance

The M6C SOCOM pistol comes with a 12-round capacity, suppressed light armor penetration, and 100 damage per shot. While the suppressor adds a cool aesthetic, it doesn’t actually help with stealth much—automatons will still detect you from distance. One-shotting smaller enemies like Billy Bob is possible, but the weapon struggles against more resilient foes such as devastators or warrior-class automatons.

For players who enjoy the nostalgic feel of Halo ODST, this weapon looks and sounds satisfying. However, from a gameplay perspective, it doesn’t bring any unique tactical advantage. Personally, I found myself preferring the Talon or other familiar sidearms for consistent performance.

If you’re looking to quickly stock up or complement your loadout with more in-game currency, platforms like U4GM can be a convenient option to buy Helldivers 2 medals without grinding excessively. This can help you unlock War Bonds faster if you want to experiment with these weapons.

M90A Shotgun: High Damage, Low Versatility

The M90A shotgun is a mixed bag. It deals 605 damage per shot with a six-round capacity, and the fire-and-reload cycle feels smooth. Up close, it can decimate hunters and Alpha Commanders, but it’s frustratingly limited against hive guards or other enemies with irregular weak points. Even after staggering, they can block your shots, making some encounters unnecessarily tedious.

Ammunition can be a limiting factor too. You get around 44–48 shells, which is barely enough for sustained combat. While combining it with other weapons like the autocannon can alleviate ammo concerns, it’s not a perfect solution. For lower difficulty levels, this shotgun works well, but against Devastators or in higher tiers, it quickly loses its edge.

Feet First Armor: Quiet but Underwhelming

The passive armor bonuses are worth noting but feel underpowered. The wearer makes 50% less noise and gains minor immunity to leg injuries from falls. While this prevents broken legs, it doesn’t significantly change gameplay, as fall damage still requires medical attention. Increasing identification ranges or enhancing mobility effects would make this armor more appealing. Right now, it’s a subtle quality-of-life improvement rather than a game-changer.

Assault and SMG Weapons: Solid but Unremarkable

The MA5C assault rifle and M7S SMG are functional, but neither feels exceptional. The MA5C has medium armor penetration with no scope, which makes precise shots on automatons or Illuminate overseers difficult. The M7S is fun to shoot at low-HP enemies, but its effectiveness in real combat is limited. Overall, these guns feel like filler content for this War Bond rather than true must-haves.

For players hunting the best Helldivers 2 items to enhance their loadouts, knowing where to get them efficiently is crucial. While some prefer in-game farming, I’ve found that checking the best place to buy Helldivers 2 items online can save time and let you focus on mastering missions and tactics rather than endless grinding.

In summary, the Halo ODST War Bond in Helldivers 2 offers stylish weapons and armor, but the actual gameplay benefits are limited. The M6C SOCOM and M7S SMG provide fun novelty, while the M90A shotgun delivers high damage but low versatility. Passive armor perks like Feet First are convenient but not impactful enough to justify exclusive use.

That said, if you’re a fan of Halo aesthetics or looking to diversify your loadout, this War Bond is worth exploring. And for those focused on efficiency or competitive gameplay, combining select War Bond weapons with traditional gear may provide the best balance.

Ultimately, Helldivers 2 continues to reward creative approaches, but some collaboration items feel more cosmetic than tactical. Keep experimenting, and remember—having the right strategy often outweighs having flashy gear.

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