SG-8 Punisher

The first shotgun used by the Helldivers is still in action by certain groups of soldiers. It has a low spread that can deal massive damage to single targets. A quirk compared to other weapons is that each shell has to be loaded manually as it has an internal magazine (similar to the way the M2016 Constitution functions).

It's also effective at longer ranges than might be expected for a shotgun, and is easily capable of killing light and medium infantry that are just out of sight. Especially lethal versus the Illuminate's shielded Observers (a one-hit kill) and, at close range, their Obelisks.

Helldivers start with 36 shells of Punisher ammunition, and can carry up to 72. If 2 or less shells remain in the internal magazine when the weapon is fired, the 'low ammunition' warning sound will play.

Reload time for each shell is 0.55 seconds, except if the internal magazine is fully emptied. In that case, the first shell takes 0.9 seconds to reload; a visual cue is the different reload animation.

Total reload time is at least 3.85 seconds if one shell is left in the internal magazine, plus the delay between reload command inputs for each shell. If the Punisher needs to be reloaded fully, the minimum reload time becomes 4.75 seconds.

As this weapon has an internal magazine, the slow reload of the first shell replaces the "chambered round" mechanic of other weapons. This is why it is important to avoid getting stuck reloading the last shell in the Punisher's magazine: it will nearly halve the speed at which shells can be loaded and fired.

Unlock Requirement
The Punisher unlocks at rank 16.