When it comes to sidearms in Helldivers 2, the SG-20 Halt stands out as a powerful yet situational weapon. Unlike the heavy primaries or support stratagems, this compact shotgun delivers devastating close-range stopping power, making it a strong pick for tight encounters. In this guide, we’ll break down How to Use the SG-20 Halt in Helldivers 2 – Tips, Stats & Best Loadouts, helping you decide when and how to bring it into battle.
SG-20 Halt Overview
The SG-20 Halt is a compact shotgun designed as a secondary weapon. Its key appeal is the ability to output burst damage at close range, capable of shredding weaker enemies or staggering tougher ones long enough to reposition. Unlike standard pistols or machine pistols, the Halt is all about risk and reward—its short effective range demands aggressive play, but the payoff can be massive.
Key Stats
Weapon Type: Secondary shotgun
Effective Range: Very short (close quarters only)
Damage Output: High burst at point-blank range
Reload Speed: Slower than pistols, moderate downtime
Ammo Capacity: Limited compared to other sidearms
These stats make it clear: the SG-20 Halt is not a versatile sidearm, but in the right conditions, it can swing encounters in your favor.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
High stopping power in close-range fights.
Excellent for interrupting enemy charges or crowding bugs.
Secondary slot allows pairing with long-range primaries.
Weaknesses
Ineffective at medium or long range.
Ammo can run out quickly in sustained firefights.
Reload speed makes timing crucial in high-pressure situations.
How to Use the SG-20 Halt Effectively
Learning How to Use the SG-20 Halt in Helldivers 2 – Tips, Stats & Best Loadouts comes down to understanding positioning and timing.
Stay Close to Targets: The Halt’s damage falls off dramatically beyond a few meters, so treat it as a tool for ambushes or panic defense.
Stagger Big Threats: While it won’t kill armored foes outright, the stagger effect can give you or your squad a crucial opening.
Ammo Management: Use it sparingly, saving shots for enemies that get too close, rather than trying to clear waves with it.
Reload Smartly: Find safe moments to reload, since getting caught mid-reload can cost you dearly.
Best Loadouts with the SG-20 Halt
Because it’s a sidearm, the SG-20 Halt works best when paired with primaries that cover its weaknesses.
Long-Range Rifles (AR-23, BR-14): These allow you to handle enemies at a distance, while the Halt gives you insurance in close-quarters.
Heavy Anti-Armor Weapons (Eruptor, Scythe, Railgun): Perfect for squads where you need big damage at range but a backup option up close.
Support Roles: If you’re carrying heavy stratagems like supply packs or support turrets, the Halt provides personal defense when enemies close the gap.
The SG-20 Halt may not be the most versatile sidearm in Helldivers 2, but when used wisely, it becomes a clutch weapon in close-range scenarios. Its strength lies in its raw stopping power, making it a great secondary for players who like to keep their primaries focused on mid-to-long-range engagements. If you learn its limitations and capitalize on its burst damage, the Halt can turn desperate moments into survivable ones.
