SMG-45 Defender

A low calibre, rapid fire weapon that is compact and easy to handle. The Helldiver's mobility while aiming is higher when using this weapon.

Mini-Stun Ammunition
Each bullet is loaded with a tiny electrical charge, that upon impact releases its charge and delivers it into the target. Jokingly called battery bullets by the Helldivers.

Armor-Piercing Ammunition
This ammunition type has been specifically altered to counter armor and should have no trouble punching through lighter armor with little to no effort. Note that this will not make it possible to damaged heavily armored enemies.

Weapon Stats
Helldivers start with 8 magazines of Defender ammunition, and can carry up to 16. Each magazine contains 50 rounds. If 10 or less rounds remain in the magazine when the weapon is fired, the 'low ammunition' warning sound will play.

Reload time for a fully emptied magazine is 1.5 seconds; if reloaded while there are still rounds in the magazine, this drops to 1 second. In addition, this keeps a round in the chamber. This means a Defender with a chambered round gives a total of 51 shots before needing to be reloaded.

Unlock Requirement
The Defender unlocks at rank 4 (Specialist).

Gameplay Tips

 * Out of all the SMGs, the Defender has the lowest rate of fire, ensuring that it won't run out of ammo quickly. With its Mini-Stun upgrade, it makes for an effective squad support weapon.


 * The Defender is a one-handed weapon, and increases a Helldiver's mobility while aiming. SMGs can be used when carrying objectives such as the Black Box, Illuminate Power Core or Artillery shells.
 * Mortally wounded Helldivers can draw their one-handed weapon automatically by using the aiming controls (right analog stick or mouse). Keep in mind that it needs to be manually switched back to the previously selected weapon after dropping whatever the player was carrying or after recovering from mortal wounds.