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.

Unlock Requirement
The Punisher unlocks at rank 16 (Colonel Commandant).

Upgrades
Extended Magazine
 * Increases the amount of rounds in the magazine. The amount of extra ammunition in each magazine varies from weapon to weapon. Whether it is a longer magazine, drum, or box, extended magazine is the collective name for more bullets before you need to reload, something that is almost always desirable.

Extended Barrel
 * The extended barrel forces the shots to stay together and accelerate in the same direction for longer. It results in a tighter grouping and more damage on target.

Weapon Stats

 * 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.

Gameplay Tips

 * As the Punisher has an internal magazine (similar to the way the M2016 Constitution functions), it requires each round to be reloaded manually. 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.


 * The Punisher is 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.