The AR-61 Tenderizer is one of those rifles in Helldivers 2 that feels immediately satisfying once you learn how to use it properly. It fills a niche between close-quarters stopping power and sustained mid-range fire, making it a solid pick for squads that need versatility without sacrificing fire rate. If you're thinking about experimenting with new loadouts or trying to optimize your weapon setups, this guide will walk you through what the Tenderizer does well and how to make it shine in the field.

Overview of the AR-61 Tenderizer

The Tenderizer is designed to deliver consistent, heavy rounds with moderate recoil. It doesn’t burst down enemies like some of the higher-damage rifles, but it excels when you're facing multiple medium-threat targets. Think of it as a dependable line weapon that balances accuracy and crowd control.

Its magazine size gives you room to push forward without reloading too often, and the recoil is manageable as long as you stay disciplined with your shots. Helldivers who enjoy a controlled, tactical playstyle tend to appreciate it most.

Best Situations to Use the AR-61

1. Mid-range combat
The Tenderizer performs best when you're not too close and not too far. Its accuracy holds up well if you aim in controlled bursts.

2. Defensive positions
If you're holding a location during objectives or extraction, the steady output of fire helps your squad suppress enemies without burning through ammo too quickly.

3. Team support
It pairs well with heavier weapons in the squad. While someone else is focused on armor-piercing weapons or explosives, you can clear smaller mobs and keep the pressure off.

Loadout Tips and Synergy

Stratagem support:
Pairing the AR-61 with anti-armor stratagems or explosives helps cover its weakness against heavy enemies. Orbital strikes or Eagle support are great backups.

Sidearms and backups:
If you're running the Tenderizer, consider a secondary weapon with strong burst potential. A heavy pistol or flamethrower stratagem works well depending on your squad’s composition.

Armor considerations:
Light and medium armor both work with this rifle. Lighter gear keeps you mobile for kiting, while medium armor gives you some cushion if your positioning slips.

Combat Tips

• Use burst control: Firing in shorter bursts helps maintain accuracy, especially when enemies are at mid to long range.

• Aim for weak points: The Tenderizer rewards precision. It’s not a spray-and-pray weapon.

• Manage reloads early: Don’t wait for an empty mag. Reload proactively between waves or during a lull.

• Watch your positioning: Standing still to control recoil is helpful, but always be ready to move when enemies close in.

Progression and Upgrades

As the game updates and more gear becomes available, many players look for ways to optimize their loadouts quickly. Some players choose to buy helldivers 2 items to speed up unlocks or improve their arsenal faster than grinding alone. Others look for shortcuts to acquire certain currencies and resources.

If you're trying to expand your arsenal or unlock premium gear, you might also explore options to buy helldivers 2 super credits. These can help you access weapon variants or armor sets more efficiently, especially when new content drops.

When to Switch from the AR-61

While the Tenderizer is a reliable mid-range workhorse, there are situations where another rifle might outperform it:

• Missions with heavily armored enemies

• Stealth or speed-focused operations

• Squad builds relying on close-range burst or long-range precision

If your squad needs more specialized firepower, don’t hesitate to swap it out based on the mission’s difficulty and faction.

The AR-61 Tenderizer isn’t the flashiest rifle in Helldivers 2, but it stands out for its reliability and balanced performance. Once you adapt to its rhythm and learn when to reload, it becomes a dependable part of almost any mid-range combat strategy. Whether you're climbing difficulty levels or supporting a squad objective, this rifle is worth giving a fair shot.