The StA-52 Assault Rifle, a crossover from Killzone, is a unique addition to the Helldivers 2 arsenal. At first glance, its oversized drum magazine and fast rate of fire make it feel like a Liberator upgrade. But a closer look shows that it’s a specialized tool with clear upsides and equally clear drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown.
Procurement
The StA-52 was introduced during the Helldivers x Killzone crossover and could be purchased in the Superstore for 615 Super Credits. As a limited-time offering, not every player will have access to it now, but those who did unlock it gained a versatile alternative to the standard Liberator rifles.
Weapon Statistics
- Fire Rate: 790 rpm
- Recoil: 19
- Sway: 1
- Ergonomics: 55
- Capacity: 56
- Reload Time: 4.15 s
- Tactical Reload: 2.45 s
- Spare Magazines: 6
- Starting Magazines: 6
- Ammo Supply: 6 (supply) / 3 (ammo box)
Projectile Profile:
- Caliber: 5.5 mm, 5.5x50mm FMJ
- Velocity: 900 m/s
- Damage: 80 (standard), 15 (vs durable targets)
- Armor Penetration: Light AP only
- Forces: Demolition 10, Stagger 15, Push 10
Notable Limitation: The rifle does not support attachments.
Strengths
1. High Magazine Capacity
With 56 rounds per magazine, the StA-52 stands out among AR-class rifles. This means fewer reload interruptions in the middle of a swarm — giving you more uptime and survivability when every second counts.
2. Strong Crowd Control
A 790 rpm fire rate combined with 80 damage per shot makes it devastating against unarmored and lightly armored enemies. Controlled bursts can shred hordes quickly without losing accuracy.
3. Manageable Recoil and Stability
Despite the higher rate of fire, recoil (19) is very manageable. Sway is almost negligible, so the rifle feels stable when aiming down sights. This makes it beginner-friendly compared to other high-RoF primaries.
4. Suppressive Utility
The StA-52 has solid stagger and push values (15/10), which helps break up enemy rushes even if you don’t outright kill them. This gives squads breathing room when things get overwhelming.
If you’re planning to add the StA-52 to your arsenal, keeping your resources stocked is just as important as good aim. Many players prefer to buy cheap Helldivers 2 super credits to unlock crossover gear like this without delay, ensuring you’re always prepared for the toughest missions. Having both the weapon and the credits ready makes you far more versatile on the battlefield.
Weaknesses
1. Limited Armor Penetration
Its rounds only offer Light AP. That means it’s ineffective against Medium or Heavy armored enemies like Chargers, Hulks, or Devastators. You must rely on your secondary or stratagems to deal with tougher foes.
2. Poor Ammo Economy
Even with the large magazine, the StA-52 only carries six spare mags. In practice, this gives it less total ammunition than the AR-23 and AR-23A. You’ll run dry faster in long operations or when ammo drops are scarce.
3. Slower Reload Times
A full reload takes 4.15s, which is punishing if you let the mag empty during combat. While the tactical reload is shorter (2.45s), careless firing can leave you exposed.
4. Weak Range Options
Equipped only with iron sights and a flashlight instead of a laser, the StA-52 struggles at long range. It also lacks a burst-fire mode, leaving only Semi or Auto — limiting precision at extended distances.
Field Performance
In practice, the StA-52 sits between the AR-23 Liberator and the AR-23A Carbine. Its drum magazine holds 56 rounds, allowing for longer strings of fire before reloading. While its recoil is slightly heavier than the AR-23, its stability and accuracy remain excellent when fired in short, controlled bursts. This makes it particularly effective against waves of unarmored or lightly armored enemies, where sustained suppression is more valuable than armor penetration.
Ammunition reserves are its main drawback: with only six spare magazines, the StA-52 actually has less total ammunition than both the AR-23 and AR-23A, despite each magazine being larger. Extended firefights or careless spraying can leave you dry sooner than expected.
Tactical Considerations
- Armor Penetration: Limited to Light AP. Players should complement the StA-52 with a secondary or support weapon that can handle Medium or Heavy armored targets.
- Sights & Attachments: Equipped only with a flashlight (no laser sight) and standard iron sights, long-range precision is difficult. Semi-auto fire can stretch engagements, but the lack of burst-fire mode and range adjustments is noticeable compared to the AR-23.
- Role Fit: Best suited for frontline players who focus on area denial, crowd control, and clearing swarms of weaker enemies. It’s less reliable in missions where armored bugs or bots dominate the battlefield.
The StA-52 is not a straight upgrade over the Liberator family. It excels at sustained suppression and swarm clearing, but its weaknesses in ammo endurance and armor penetration make it situational. In practice, it shines when paired with teammates or loadouts that can handle armored enemies, while you focus on thinning out waves of fodder.
