The Exploding Crossbow in Helldivers 2 is one of those weapons that feels incredibly satisfying to use when mastered. While it might not be the most conventional choice compared to rifles or heavy ordnance, its unique mechanics make it a strong option for squads that like versatility and explosive crowd control. This guide will break down its strengths, weaknesses, and best practices for using it effectively on the battlefield.

What Makes the Exploding Crossbow Unique

Unlike traditional firearms, the Exploding Crossbow fires bolts that stick into enemies or surfaces before detonating after a short delay. This delayed explosion is the key to its playstyle. It allows you to stick bolts to big targets or fire them into choke points where enemies are swarming. The blast radius is wide enough to clear groups of lighter enemies, and it can even stagger tougher ones, making it a useful tool for both offense and defense.

However, timing is everything. The delay before detonation means you’ll need to anticipate enemy movement. Firing too late can result in wasted shots, while misjudging the distance can cause the explosion to harm you or your squadmates. Communication and positioning become critical when wielding this weapon.

Best Situations to Use the Exploding Crossbow

1. Choke Points and Narrow Corridors
   The weapon excels when enemies funnel into tight areas. A well-placed bolt can wipe out entire groups before they even reach you.

2. Against Heavily Armored Enemies
   While not the most damaging weapon against bosses, sticking multiple bolts into big enemies before they detonate can deal reliable, cumulative damage.

3. Crowd Control for Objectives
   Defending extraction zones or data points often means facing endless waves. Using the Exploding Crossbow to create explosive traps can buy your team precious time.

Tips for Using the Weapon Effectively

• Aim for Surfaces Near Enemies: If you can’t land a direct hit, shooting the ground or walls nearby still ensures damage when the bolts explode.

• Keep Your Distance: The splash damage can hurt you and your squad, so always give yourself space before firing into close combat.

• Combine With Squad Weapons: Pair it with teammates using high rate-of-fire weapons for a balance of immediate and delayed damage.

Resource Management and Upgrades

The Exploding Crossbow is most effective when you’ve invested in the right upgrades and support gear. To progress faster and improve your arsenal, many players look to buy helldivers 2 super credits or buy helldivers 2 samples, which help in unlocking better gear and stratagems. These resources can speed up your loadout customization, letting you test weapons like the Exploding Crossbow sooner rather than later.

The Exploding Crossbow may not be the easiest weapon to master in Helldivers 2, but in the right hands, it becomes a devastating tool for both solo players and squads. It rewards foresight, positioning, and coordination, making it a great pick for players who enjoy tactical gameplay with a bit of explosive flair.

If you’re looking to diversify your arsenal beyond the usual rifles and heavy weapons, the Exploding Crossbow is worth adding to your loadout and experimenting with in different missions.