How to Maximize Python Commandos in Helldivers 2

[Emberfire]

Helldivers 2 players, get ready—Arrowhead is dropping a new war bond, Python Commandos, and it looks like it could be one of the most exciting additions we've seen in a while. As a long-time player, I’ve been following the development closely, and this war bond seems to bring together some of the best elements from previous releases while adding fresh strategies for both melee and ranged players.

Miniguns and Mob Control

One of the standout features of this war bond is the M1000 Maxigun, the minigun that fans have been asking for. This weapon is designed to be a mobile DPS powerhouse, ideal for clearing large mobs of enemies. Based on the previews, it appears to have around 1,000 rounds and medium armor penetration, which is perfect for handling a variety of targets—from Devastators to Overseers.

If you’re planning to dominate the battlefield, pairing this with a teammate carrying a resupply pack is a smart move. You can take on waves of enemies while your friend keeps the ammo flowing, making for some seriously satisfying teamwork. Personally, I think this could become a go-to choice for anyone who enjoys a high-impact, “spray and pray” playstyle.

For those looking to save some grind time, some players have mentioned you can buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock certain war bond rewards faster. While I usually prefer earning them in-game, this can be a useful shortcut if you’re eager to try the Python Commandos loadout without waiting.

Melee Potential with the Constrictor

On the melee side, the war bond introduces the Constrictor, a two-handed chainsword that ramps from medium to heavy armor penetration as you attack. This weapon pairs beautifully with the new armor set, which provides ragdoll resistance and boosts melee damage by 100%.

From my perspective, this is a huge quality-of-life improvement. Ragdolling mid-swing has been one of the more frustrating aspects of melee combat, so this armor perk lets you maintain momentum and deal consistent damage. Even if Helldivers’ health is still on the low side, this combo ensures you can swing with confidence and maximize your damage output.

It’s worth noting that this melee setup is ideal for players who enjoy a slower, methodical approach to combat. You can start with medium penetration for quick hits or hold the aim button to rev up to AP4 for full damage potential—flexibility that gives you control over every engagement.

New Backpack and Primary Weapons

The war bond also includes the Hot Dog guard dog backpack, equipped with a flamethrower. If the AI behaves as expected, this could become one of the best support pets in the game. It’s especially effective for crowd control, working alongside the minigun or other primary weapons to keep enemies at bay.

Speaking of primary weapons, the bundle offers a hybrid assault rifle and grenade launcher. With light armor penetration and roughly 95–100 damage, this weapon is versatile for both crowd suppression and precision engagements. While it may seem underwhelming compared to heavy-pen weapons, its combination of semi-automatic rifle fire and grenade utility makes it a flexible choice for most missions.

For players looking to expand their resources, platforms like U4GM are sometimes mentioned as a way to access in-game currency like super credits. While I personally recommend earning through missions, it’s a potential option for those wanting to experiment with new gear immediately.

Armor and Survivability

The Python Commandos armor set is a highlight of this war bond. With ragdoll resistance and a melee damage bonus, it complements both the chainsword and minigun setups. Essentially, it removes interruptions from stagger effects, allowing for uninterrupted attacks. This makes aggressive melee builds more viable and allows minigun users to maintain sustained fire during hectic mob encounters.

While full immunity numbers aren’t confirmed yet, even partial protection feels like a meaningful improvement for survivability. It’s a thoughtful design choice that meshes well with the war bond’s overall theme, giving players a cohesive and effective toolkit.

Overall, Python Commandos seems poised to be one of the strongest war bonds in Helldivers 2. Between the M1000 Maxigun, Constrictor chainsword, versatile primary weapons, and strategic armor perks, this set offers a variety of playstyles for both ranged and melee enthusiasts. Whether you’re into crowd control, melee combat, or hybrid tactics, there’s something here to experiment with.

Personally, I’m looking forward to jumping in on December 2nd to test the strategies in live missions. Based on what we’ve seen so far, this war bond could easily become a fan favorite for its thematic cohesion and practical effectiveness.

Resource Guide: Helldivers 2 – LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle Guide