Should you use Unsafe Mode on Railgun in Helldivers 2?

Among the high-powered weapons at your disposal in Helldivers 2 is the Railgun, a unique weapon with a twist, the option to toggle between Safe Mode and Unsafe Mode. This feature tests the limits of daring Helldivers, but others remain hesitant to use it. As such, let’s talk about the Railgun’s Unsafe Mode in Helldivers 2 and decide whether you should use it or not.

What is the Unsafe Mode on Railgun in Helldivers 2?

The Unsafe Mode on the Railgun removes the limit on the weapon’s charge capacity, allowing players to access its full damage potential in Helldivers 2. However, this comes with a significant risk: if the Railgun reaches its maximum charge in Unsafe Mode (see the image above for reference), it will explode, instantly killing the player wielding it, regardless of their armor rating.

This mode is designed as a high-risk, high-reward option for players. It enables the Railgun to deal increased damage, which can be particularly effective against high-health targets like titans or tanks.

How to Turn On Unsafe Mode on Railgun?

To turn on Unsafe Mode for the Railgun in Helldivers 2, you need to perform a specific action while the weapon is equipped. Here’s how you can activate Unsafe Mode:

1. Hold the Reload Button: With the Railgun equipped, hold down the reload button. The exact button will depend on the platform you are playing on (press R on PC, Square on PlayStation).
2. Select ‘Unsafe Mode’: While holding the reload button, you will be given the option to toggle between Safe Mode and Unsafe Mode. Select Unsafe Mode to activate it.

Once Unsafe Mode is activated, the Railgun will no longer have a charge limit, enabling you to charge your shots to the weapon’s full potential for increased damage.

Should you use the Railgun’s Unsafe Mode?

Whether you should use the Railgun’s Unsafe Mode in Helldivers 2 depends on several factors, including your playstyle, the situation you find yourself in, and your ability to manage the weapon’s risk. When making your choice, keep the following things in mind:

Pros:

• Increased Damage: Unsafe Mode allows the Railgun to reach its maximum charge, dealing significantly more damage. This can be particularly effective against high-health targets like bosses or heavily armored enemies like Chargers.
• Tactical Utility: In scenarios where you’re facing a single, powerful enemy, the extra damage from Unsafe Mode can be a game-changer, potentially reducing the time to defeat such foes.

Cons:

• High Risk of Self-Damage: The most considerable drawback of Unsafe Mode is the risk of the Railgun exploding if it’s overcharged, instantly killing your character. This makes every use potentially dangerous.
• Management Challenge: In the heat of battle, especially during intense firefights or when being swarmed by enemies, keeping an eye on the charge level of the Railgun can be challenging. Someone can die too soon if they aren’t careful.

Unsafe Mode is more suited to engagements where you’re dealing with fewer, tougher enemies. In contrast, Safe Mode is generally preferable against groups of smaller, less armored enemies. Players who are confident in their ability to manage these aspects may find Unsafe Mode incredibly effective in specific missions and difficulty levels. However, for many players, the consistent and safer damage output of Safe Mode will be preferable in general.

Best tips when using the Railgun’s Unsafe Mode

1. Set your Railgun to UNSAFE mode for more power, specifically for taking down chargers in three shots.
2. Overcharge the railgun cautiously in UNSAFE mode, as it can be very powerful but also risky.
3. Target enemy weak points, such as bug heads, red eyeballs/cockpits on large robots, and vents on tanks/emplacement turrets, for maximum effectiveness.
4. When facing chargers, consider shooting their legs in SAFE mode, as it’s an easier target and still effective.
5. Use other weapons in combination with the railgun for faster and more resource-efficient takedowns.
6. When using the railgun, charge for about 2 seconds before firing, as there doesn’t seem to be a significant difference in damage output compared to longer charges.
7. Maintain a rhythm of charge, wait, fire, reload, and repeat to optimize efficiency in combat.
8. Be cautious of the railgun’s overcharge meter, visible on the gun, as it indicates the risk of explosion if fully charged.

These tips will guide you on how to effectively use the Unsafe Mode on the railgun in Helldivers 2, maximizing its power while minimizing risks and resource usage.

For more guides and walkthroughs, be sure to check out our main page for Helldivers 2. Also see:

• Helldivers 2: Vitality Enhancement Booster
• Helldivers 2 Major Order: How to Win Defend Campaigns