The APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle (AMR) stands as one of the most iconic long-range support weapons in Helldivers 2, offering unparalleled precision and armor penetration for skilled marksmen. It’s a weapon that rewards accuracy, patience, and tactical positioning—perfect for players who prefer taking out key targets from a safe distance rather than spraying bullets into a swarm.
Overview and Unlock Details
The APW-1 belongs to the Support Weapon category and can be unlocked early, at Level 1, for 5,000 Requisition Slips under the Patriotic Administration Center. Its Stratagem Code—⬇️⬅️➡️⬆️⬇️—summons a Hellpod containing the rifle, available with unlimited uses but a 480-second cooldown by default (reduced to 410.4 seconds with full upgrades).
As a Heavy Armor Penetrating weapon, it fills a niche between standard anti-personnel rifles and heavy anti-tank options like the Recoilless Rifle.
Weapon Stats and Performance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Damage | 450 Ballistic |
| Fire Rate | 400 rpm (semi-auto) |
| Magazine | 7 rounds |
| Spare Mags | 6 |
| Max Penetration | Heavy (AP4) |
| Scope Zoom | 50m / 100m / 200m |
| Reload Time | Moderate |
| Ergonomics | 35 |
| Recoil | Extremely high (300 vertical) |
While the rifle’s DPS sits around 3000, its true power lies in the precision and armor-penetration of each 12.5mm EIT round. Each shot is devastating—but recoil is punishing, and managing it effectively requires experience and positioning.
Effective Use and Target Priorities
Against Terminids
- Alpha Commanders, Bile Spewers, and Hive Guards can be one-shot with a clean headshot.
- Chargers: Aim directly at the rear weak spot; targeting armored legs is inefficient.
- Bile Titans and Impalers: The head is your best target for reliable kills.
Against Automatons
- Devastators: Drop with a single headshot or hit to the exposed stomach.
- Scout Striders: Target the waist; Hulks need two headshots.
- Tanks & Turrets: Fire into the rear vent for maximum damage.
- Factory Striders: Use the AMR to remove gatling turrets before aiming for the belly.
Against Illuminates
- Harvesters: Four shots to the hip joint can dismantle them quickly.
The AMR excels in eliminating medium to high-priority targets with surgical precision. Its zoom scope (50m–200m) allows flexible engagement distances, but the absence of a reticle in third-person means you’ll need to rely on ADS aiming for consistent accuracy.
If you’re aiming to sharpen your loadout and dominate high-threat missions, the APW-1 is the perfect precision companion. Its stopping power rewards patience and accuracy, making every shot count. For faster progression and stronger gear options, you can Buy Helldivers 2 Items to complement your build and maximize your battlefield efficiency.
Combat Tips
- Control the Recoil – Go prone or crouch to reduce recoil dramatically. Armor with recoil mitigation also helps for sustained fire.
- Reload Smartly – Reloading with one bullet left grants a “7+1” capacity, optimizing ammo use and reload timing.
- Backup Weapon – Always pair the AMR with a fast-firing sidearm like the P-19 Redeemer or AR-23A Liberator Carbine to handle crowds.
- Situational Awareness – The rifle is weak against hordes; position yourself with escape routes or teammates who can cover close-range threats.
Comparison to Similar Weapons
The AC-8 Autocannon and APW-1 AMR both fill anti-armor support roles, but the AMR trades explosive splash for higher single-shot power and better handling. It also doesn’t occupy a backpack slot, making it ideal for mobile loadouts where flexibility matters.
Where the Autocannon thrives in area denial and suppression, the AMR dominates in precision elimination, particularly on higher difficulties where every bullet and second counts.
Ship Module Synergies
The APW-1 benefits heavily from upgrades in the Patriotic Administration Center:
- Donation Access Licence – Start with maximum magazines.
- Payroll Management System – Reduces reload time by 10%.
- Superior Packing Methodology – Full ammo refills from supply crates.
- Streamlined Request Process / Morale Augmentation – Shorter cooldowns.
With the Streamlined Launch Process (Engineering Bay), you can even deploy the AMR instantly—a critical edge in high-intensity missions.
The APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle is a specialist’s weapon—deadly in skilled hands but punishing for the reckless. It thrives in a team composition where the user acts as overwatch, picking off key armored targets and supporting squadmates with surgical precision. While it won’t save you from a swarm, it will delete high-value threats faster than almost any other gun in Helldivers 2.
If you enjoy methodical, high-impact gameplay and can handle the recoil, the APW-1 deserves a slot in your arsenal.
