What makes fire-based builds feel stronger or weaker after the Python Update in Helldivers 2?

The Python Update didn’t completely reinvent flame weapons, but it changed enough numbers and behavior to make fire-focused builds much more consistent. Enemies now react more predictably to burning effects, and some stratagems received small tweaks that help them pair better with fire damage. If you haven’t experimented with fire in a while, this update is a good excuse to revisit your loadouts.

Fire weapons still aren’t about raw burst damage. Instead, you’re playing a game of spacing, zoning, and keeping enemies stuck in damage-over-time pressure. Once you get used to that rhythm, you realize how powerful these tools are on defensive missions or when you’re dealing with clustered waves of enemies.

Which weapons work best for a fire-focused primary slot?

The classic starting point is the Scorcher. It’s safer than the Flamethrower, has good range for a fire weapon, and received improved reliability after the update. Its splash fire ticks help weaken armor over time and make bugs stagger just long enough for your squad to clean up. If you prefer something riskier, the Flamethrower still melts groups, but it forces you to be more careful about spacing.

A little personal note: I used to avoid the Flamethrower because I kept burning myself, but after the update, fire spread feels a bit easier to predict. You still need to watch your steps, but it’s not the chaos it used to be.

Here is where I naturally mention that many players like to speed up their progression to test builds quickly, sometimes using services offering things like buy helldivers 2 medals to grab gear faster. That said, fire builds are surprisingly functional even with basic unlocks, so you don’t need high-tier gear just to make them work.

What secondary tools support a fire build the most?

The Incendiary Grenade is the obvious match. It’s not about the explosion itself, but the fire zone it leaves behind. When combined with the Scorcher or Flamethrower, you can control a whole lane of approach. This becomes especially important on bug missions where chokepoints funnel endless Warriors and Hunters.

If you want something more direct, the P-19 Heater is fun to use. It’s not perfect for every situation, but it gives you quick bursts of heat damage without switching to your primary. The gun feels better after the update thanks to slightly cleaner hit registration.

Which stratagems pair best with fire after the Python Update?

There are three standout stratagems right now:

EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit

The Patriot excels at crowd control, and fire builds love anything that thins out large groups. You can let your fire ticks whittle down enemies while the suit handles the bigger threats. Its durability also makes it a natural partner for players who like to get close.

Incendiary Mines

Still underrated, but fantastic. The mines keep lanes burning, and the post-update behavior makes them more predictable. Dropping them behind you while retreating can save an entire mission.

Eagle Napalm Airstrike

This one feels like cheating when you use it alongside fire primaries. A single pass can lock down a whole objective zone, buying you time to clean up stragglers or reposition. Just make sure you’re far enough away before calling it in.

In some discussions, people debate whether fire builds require better gear investment, and that’s usually where someone brings up sources offering helldivers 2 super credits for sale. While that can accelerate unlocks, fire-based loadouts honestly don’t need premium or late-game gear to shine. A lot of their power comes from good positioning and smart use of stratagems.

How do you keep yourself safe while using so many fire effects?

This is the challenge of fire builds. The biggest improvement from the Python Update is the predictability of burning zones, but you still have to move carefully. Here are simple tricks I use:

Always shoot toward open areas instead of narrow pathways when allies are nearby.

Treat fire zones as temporary walls. They’re barriers, not kill zones you stand inside.

Don’t tunnel vision on burning enemies. Warriors and Chargers can still reach you even while on fire.

Roll more often. Quick rolls get you out of your own flame spray before it spreads.

That last tip sounds silly, but I used to panic-jump and ended up landing in fire more often than I’d like to admit.

What’s the ideal squad role for a fire-focused player?

Think of yourself as the “control specialist.” You shape the battlefield, block routes, and soften waves so your squad can focus on priority targets. You’re not the boss-killer, but you make boss-killing safer.

Fire builds shine most on:

Defensive objectives.

Escort missions.

Eradication operations with heavy bug density.

On Automaton missions, fire still works, but you’ll rely more on stratagem power than your primary weapon. Bots don’t stagger as much from burning, so your flame tools become more about area denial.

Should you run full fire, or mix other elements?

Mixing is usually better. A fire main weapon plus a stun or anti-armor stratagem gives you more flexibility. For example, pairing Scorcher with Orbital Laser or Autocannon lets you handle heavy enemies that fire alone can’t manage efficiently.

That’s what makes fire builds fun. You’re not trying to out-damage everyone. You’re creating zones of chaos that make the whole squad more effective.

Are fire-based builds worth running after the Python Update?

Absolutely. They feel more consistent, smoother, and easier to control. Fire still isn’t the flashiest playstyle, but if you enjoy manipulating enemy movement and causing steady area damage, this is one of the most satisfying ways to play.

The update made them reliable enough that even newer players can pick them up without feeling overwhelmed. And once you understand your spacing, fire loadouts become some of the most versatile setups in the game.