For players diving into Helldivers 2, experimenting with weapon loadouts is part of the thrill. One build that stands out for its thematic appeal and raw power is the “Not Quite Full Arc Build.” While it comes with some serious caveats—especially in team play—it can make solo missions remarkably smooth. Here’s a detailed breakdown and analysis for players looking to optimize their arsenal.
Core Loadout and Strategy
At the heart of this build are two standout elements: the Ark Dog backpack and the K9 companion. This duo excels against squids because it bypasses chaff effects and can reliably stun overseers, flesh mobs, and even smaller enemies. The Ark Dog’s range and damage output make it arguably the most effective guard dog in the game. However, it’s a potent team killer if not used carefully, so this loadout is best for solo missions or well-coordinated teams equipped with Ark Armor.
Paired with the Arkthrower, the build delivers massive chaff-clearing and stun capabilities, making it highly effective against flying and ground overseers. While the combination struggles slightly against harvesters, the Erupter serves as a complementary solution. The Erupter’s explosive power and stagger potential help manage harvesters and flesh mobs, even if it’s not ideal for rapid kills on multiple targets.
Tactical Equipment Choices

1. Tesla Tower: Excellent against squids, the Tesla Tower thrives when left unattended, cutting through voteless overseers with impressive efficiency. Although it’s vulnerable to harvesters and flesh mobs, its high damage and durability make it an essential defensive tool.
2. 500 kg Strategium: This all-rounder red strategium is effective for general combat and outpost clearing. While not an “arc” weapon per se, it offers utility and damage versatility.
3. Warrant Pistol: Recent buffs have transformed this sidearm into a reliable anti-snitch and flying overseer tool. Despite not being best-in-slot for damage, its precision and accuracy make it a solid secondary choice.
4. Arc Grenade: Fun and situational, the Arc Grenade shines against small groups of overseers. While unreliable against larger mobs, it adds thematic flair and utility to the build.

Armor selection is equally critical. The electrical conduit medium armor enhances survivability against your own arc damage, Tesla Towers, and close-range harvesters. Vitality enhancements provide extra buffer against high-risk encounters.
Gameplay Insights
In practice, this build allows for smooth solo runs and effective outpost clearing. The Erupter handles landed ships efficiently, while the Ark Dog and Arkthrower control enemy patrols. Key tips from gameplay include:

• Prioritize taking out teleportation ships to minimize reinforcements.
• Use the Tesla Tower as a distraction and damage tool, especially in mid-range engagements.
• The Warrant Pistol now reliably hits side-moving snitches, enhancing mission efficiency.
• Maintain awareness of harvesters, as large clusters can overwhelm this setup.
• The Erupter is powerful but finicky; mastering its reload and bolt mechanics is essential.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Fun, thematic arc-focused build
• High solo survivability
• Excellent crowd control against overseers and squids
• Versatile against various enemy types with Erupter and Tesla Tower

Cons:

• Not team-friendly; high potential for team kills
• Weak against multiple harvesters simultaneously
• Some weapons (Arc Grenade, Erupter) can be unreliable under certain conditions
• Requires precise positioning and awareness to maximize effectiveness

Overall, the Not Quite Full Arc Build is a powerful and enjoyable choice for Helldivers 2 players who favor solo missions or highly coordinated teams. Its combination of the Ark Dog, Arkthrower, Tesla Tower, and Erupter creates an oppressive presence against enemies, particularly squids and overseers. While not perfect for every scenario, mastering this setup allows for satisfying, high-impact gameplay with strategic versatility.
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