The new Python Commando Warbond in Helldivers 2 introduces a lineup of highly requested additions to the Helldiver arsenal. Players can now equip armor that reduces ragdoll effects, wield a belt-fed minigun with a matching ammo pack, and deploy a drone armed with a flamethrower. However, the item that has sparked the most curiosity is the Defoliation Tool — better known as the chainsaw.
While it’s still far from the iconic chainswords seen in the Warhammer 40K universe, the Defoliation Tool delivers a brutal and highly specialized melee experience. It’s a niche support option made for the bold (or reckless) Helldivers willing to get up close and personal with democracy’s enemies. In this guide, we’ll break down how it works, which factions it’s most effective against, and how to build a loadout around it.
How to Use the Defoliation Tool Effectively
The Defoliation Tool is unlocked on page two of the Python Commando Warbond. Unlike most melee weapons that occupy your secondary slot, this one functions as a support weapon Stratagem, replacing your usual heavy weapon choice — similar to the Super Earth Flag.
Unlike the Flag, though, this chainsaw actually has practical applications. It comes with medium armor penetration by default, and that damage ramps up to heavy penetration if you maintain contact with a target for a short period of time. When used correctly, it can tear through even some of the more durable enemies.
One unique perk is its ability to destroy supply crates, giving it a small but noteworthy utility role during missions.
Its biggest weakness, however, is crowd control. Because it generally attacks one enemy at a time, you can get overwhelmed very easily — even by low-tier foes. Charging into a pack of Terminids is a fast way to meet an early end. Instead, the key to using this weapon well is hit-and-move tactics and strong positioning.
Pairing the Defoliation Tool with Stun Grenades or the Gas Guard Dog makes a dramatic difference. These tools give you breathing room, control enemy movement, and create openings for precise, deadly strikes.
It shines most when used on isolated enemies. If you approach unnoticed, you can even stun-lock tougher targets like Hulks, Impalers, or Harvesters. That said, once supporting enemies enter the fight, your window of opportunity quickly disappears.
You’ll also need to fight the natural urge to chainsaw everything in sight — discipline is your friend. Save it for priority close-range targets like Illuminate Fleshmobs and Overseers, or Automaton Berserkers and Devastators when they manage to close the gap.
Faction Matchups
Against Automatons
Since Automatons specialize in ranged combat, it’s hard to create safe openings for melee attacks. Still, the Defoliation Tool can instantly tear through Berserkers and Devastators and can even stagger Hulks with repeated hits. It’s also capable of destroying bot fabricators, but due to constant incoming fire, you must be extremely selective with when and where you use it.
Against the Illuminate
Surprisingly, this is where the chainsaw finds decent value — just not in the way you might expect. It’s terrible against large waves of Voteless, who will quickly swarm and overwhelm you. However, it absolutely shreds Fleshmobs and Staff Overseers, and it can destroy Warp Ship spawners effectively. If you insist on close-quarters combat against Voteless, the CQC-2 Saber is a much stronger option.
Against the Terminids
This is its weakest matchup overall. The short wind-up time is often longer than the animations needed for most Terminids to attack. Combined with their tendency to swarm, the Defoliation Tool becomes extremely risky. It can work against isolated units like an Impaler or Alpha Commander, but in most situations, the danger outweighs the reward.
Recommended Loadout for the Defoliation Tool
Using the Defoliation Tool forces you into close combat, putting you at risk not only from enemies but also from your own teammates’ fire. A smart loadout is essential to support its strengths and cover its weaknesses.
Armor Passive
Rock Solid – Doubles melee damage and improves resistance to knockdowns.
Primary Weapons
- R-36 Eruptor – Excellent for crowd control and destroying spawners at range
- AR-2 Coyote – Reliable, medium-penetration assault rifle that also applies burn damage
Secondary Options
- P-4 Senator – A powerful and dependable backup
- GP-31 Grenade Pistol – Ideal if you want more anti-structure firepower
- GP-20 Ultimatum – Gives you another way to deal with elite enemies
Grenades
- G-123 Thermite – Helpful against tougher, armored targets
- G-23 Stun – Creates openings and allows for safe re-positioning
Stratagems
- CQC-9 Defoliation Tool – The core of this build
- AX/TX-13 “Guard Dog” Dog Breath or LIFT-182 Warp Pack Choose between crowd control or enhanced mobility
- Eagle Strafing Run or Orbital Smoke Strike Strafing Run for raw damage Smoke Strike for cover and safe approaches
- A/AC-8 Autocannon Sentry or Eagle 500kg Bomb Defensive support vs instant deletion of high-value targets
Is the Defoliation Tool Worth Using?
In the right hands, the Defoliation Tool can be incredibly fun and occasionally very effective. It can chew through a Spore Spewer in seconds, dismantle Illuminate structures, and even allow you to brawl with a Hulk if your positioning is perfect.
That being said, as a pure support weapon, it struggles to compete with more reliable ranged options. It requires specific conditions, isolated enemies, and perfect timing. On lower difficulties, it feels powerful and hilarious. Once you climb above level 6, though, the risks rise sharply and the advantages diminish rapidly.
Ultimately, the Defoliation Tool is less about efficiency and more about embracing chaos, adrenaline, and pure Helldiver madness. It’s not the optimal choice — but it might just be the most entertaining one.
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