SG-451 Cookout Guide: Helldivers 2

The **SG-451 Cookout** stands out as a powerhouse shotgun in Helldivers 2, especially after the Escalation of Freedom update. This light armor-piercing incendiary weapon excels in crowd control, igniting swarms with every blast while delivering solid ballistic punch. Designed for close-quarters chaos, it rewards aggressive playstyles with burning DoT effects that melt through lighter foes.

Unlocking the SG-451 Cookout

Players gain access to the Cookout through the **Freedom’s Flame Premium Warbond**, available on the first page for just 20 Medals. This early unlock makes it attainable soon after diving into the warbond, ideal for newcomers pushing higher difficulties.

To purchase warbonds, accumulate Medals from mission completions. Focus on Terminid operations for quicker progression, as the Cookout shines brightest against bug hordes. Once unlocked, equip it via your armory loadout screen before launching missions.

Core Stats and Performance Breakdown

The Cookout fires 20 pellets per shell, each dealing 16 ballistic damage and a mere 3 durable damage—its primary weakness against tougher armor. However, the incendiary effect compensates: even one pellet triggers a 2.4-second burn inflicting 134 fire damage to main health pools (halved against durable parts).

**Key Stats Table:**

Handling feels responsive with superior ergonomics, low drag, and quick swivel speed—perfect for tracking skittering targets. Resupplies fully restore 60 shells from one box, matching QoL buffs on Slugger and Punisher.

Mastering Combat with the Cookout

Success hinges on **center-mass aiming** followed by target-swapping. A full shell to the body yields ~320 ballistic, 60 durable, plus 134 fire (454 total ballistic equiv., 127 durable). Let burns tick fully before re-engaging survivors after ~3 seconds.

Stagger is exceptional, halting Warriors and Stalkers mid-charge. Spread illuminates targets, aiding adjustments in dim bug nests.

Against Terminids: Swarm Shredder

• Scavengers/Hunters: Single pellets ignite groups; spread clears packs effortlessly.
• Warriors (incl. Alpha Commanders): Two-thirds pellets to body + burn = guaranteed kill. Stun-locks prevent charges; headshots optional to dodge death explosions.
• Stalkers/Bile Spewers: Lower jaw shots (unarmored) down Spewers in 2-3 shells. Burns handle Stalkers solo.

For heavies like Chargers or Bile Titans, use as support: burns chip armor while stratagems finish them.

Versus Automatons: Situational Pick

Lower difficulties favor it against light bots due to spread and burns. Against heavier foes, durable damage limits it—pair with anti-armor tools. Steam discussions note meta potential on easier levels but swaps needed for Helldive bots.

Optimal Loadouts for Every Playstyle

Tailor loadouts to amplify the Cookout’s strengths. Focus on mobility, ammo sustain, and heavy-target denial.

Terminid Frontline Bully

Primary: SG-451 Cookout

Secondary: P-19 Redeemer (quick follow-ups)

Grenade: Stun Grenades (2x) – Crowd control, Charger stuns, repositioning.

Armor: Light/Medium for speed (e.g., with Jump Pack).

Support: Supply Pack (ammo) or Jump Pack (mobility).

Stratagems:

• Orbital Precision Strike – Bile Titans/Chargers
• GPS / Radar – Positional awareness
• Tesla Tower / Mortar Sentry – Zone denial

This setup racks insane kills, bullies swarms, and sustains long ops.

Balanced All-Rounder

Stratagems: Eagle 500kg Bomb, Orbital Laser, Guard Dog.

Bot-Hunting Variant

Swap to Recoilless for heavies; use Cookout for scout/bike swarms.

Advanced Tactics and Tips

• Ammo Economy: Let DoT finish lights; resupply efficiency shines.
• Weaknesses: Avoid over-reliance on durable damage; fire halved vs. durable parts. Momentum/Falloff bugs can glitch burns—test patches.
• Pairings: Excels with mobile stratagems like Jump Pack for hit-and-run.
• Difficulty Scaling: God-tier on Super Helldive vs. bugs; viable mid-tier bots.

Positionally aware play: Dive frontlines, clear chaff, bait heavies for team strikes.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t chase headshots on armored foes—spread wastes pellets. Resist spamming shells; DoT is your DPS multiplier. On bot missions, prioritize anti-armor over Cookout solo.

FAQ

Q: How do I get more Cookout ammo mid-mission?
A: One resupply box refills full 60-shell reserve.

Q: Best against which faction?
A: Terminids—melts swarms. Situational vs. bots.

Q: Does it one-shot Warriors?
A: No, but body + burn does reliably.

Q: Warbond required?
A: Yes, Premium Freedom’s Flame, Page 1, 20 Medals.

Q: Better than Breaker Incendiary?
A: Tighter spread, better stagger; trades ammo for control.

Why the Cookout Dominates Meta

In Escalation of Freedom, it rivals Blitzer for crowd control, bullies mid-tiers, and enables aggressive democracy-spreading. Pair with team for Helldive clears.