The new R/GL-21 One-Two in Helldivers 2 is a very interesting weapon. But it also tells us what Arrowhead has planned for the future.
The new Python Commandos Premium Warbond is finally out in Helldivers 2. And while all the attention is on the new minigun, we’re here to talk about the primary weapon, the AR/GL-21 One-Two. This new hybrid assault rifle with a built-in grenade launcher is the dream weapon for any Helldiver, but it represents something that doesn’t bode well for the game’s future.
The player reactions for the new Warbond have been pretty positive, but the AR/GL-21 One-Two is the clearest indication yet that Helldivers 2’s weapon customization system isn’t getting better anytime soon. This might be the confirmation that Arrowhead Game Studios isn’t adding underbarrel customization beyond grips, lasers, and flashlights anytime soon.
The New One-Two AR in Helldivers 2 Is Bad for Customization
The AR/GL-21 One-Two is easily one of the coolest rifles we’ve gotten in recent Warbonds. Arrowhead’s newest primary weapon allows Helldivers to fire both rifle rounds and 40mm grenades without needing to use the secondary slot. That, on its own, is a massive boost in versatility. But what players are pointing out is what the gun doesn’t represent.
What I dont like about the New AR coming
byu/WaffleCopter68 inHelldivers
The thing is, when we saw the One-Two for the first time, the one thing on most players’ minds was if it could become an underbarrel grenade launcher attachment. You know, something that could be equipped on existing ARs rather than locked to a single weapon. Instead, the One-Two will be the only rifle to have a grenade launcher built in.
This design choice has left us to look at an uncomfortable conclusion. If Arrowhead’s intention is to use the grenade launcher as a key selling point of this weapon, they’re unlikely to give it to us as a universal attachment later. We already have a decent customization system for weapons in the game.
Explore all games
Anybody else feel like the ‘AR/GL-21 One-Two’ could be really cool as a standalone Underbarrel attachment?
byu/Hyperdragon1701 inHelldivers
You can add different types of grips, optics, muzzles, and magazines to your weapons. But unfortunately, none of these options is as big as a grenade launcher. And so, our fear is that the One-Two is not the beginning of deeper customization for weapons. Instead, it might be the replacement for it.
Even more discouraging are comments pointing back to earlier reports that Arrowhead originally planned far more extensive weapon systems—including modular Liberators and helmet HUD variations—before deadlines forced them to scale back. In that context, the One-Two feels less like a new option and more like a design compromise made permanent.
A Cool Concept, but It’s Bad News for the Future
Now, let’s get one thing straight. Players aren’t complaining about the One-Two’s power; they’re disappointed by what the weapon represents. One thing we would’ve liked to see in Helldivers 2 was more attachments, ammo conversions, special underbarrels, or any other modular components. Instead, it seems like what we’re going to get is yet another weapon variant.
The One-Two is the perfect example of this established pattern with Warbonds. We get a new gun with a slightly different role and slightly different stats. Of course, being a live service game, the point of it is clear because the devs have to sell something, to monetize the game. We just wish there was a better balance.
On Reddit, several players suggested that the One-Two would have been better as a true underbarrel unlock. It would have given more meaning to weaker ARs and added more options, and built variety without forcing new weapon models. The community wants a customization system that changes how weapons function, not just how they feel.
And so, the One-Two ends up as an example of a missed opportunity. By making this grenade launcher an exclusive feature rather than a universal attachment, Arrowhead seems to want a future where customization remains deliberately limited. We’re going to keep getting weapon variants in the Warbonds to come. But true modularity will be a dream.
What are your thoughts on the AR/GL-21 One-Two? Will you be trying it out? Let us know in the comments!
