Throwable weapons are a core part of many shooter franchises. Among all the weapons in Helldivers 2, the one that stands out the most is the 
Throwing Knife. As seen in its introduction in the Viper Commandos Warbond trailer, it showed players that what makes it unique is its ordinary properties, meaning that it's essentially just an ordinary blade. While the weapon can be seen as an interesting addition, the lack of anything special makes it stand out among the other chaotic and destructive equipment in an unexpected way.
Helldivers 2 is a game known for its visually stunning and highly engaging combat. Players regularly decimate enemies with weapons that make them combust, explode, get electrocuted, and other effects that emphasize the fun and mayhem one would expect from the gameplay. But while most equipment can offer that, the K-2 Throwing Knife does not. It is a throwable with its own gimmick, being that it's an ordinary throwing knife. While it can lead to memorable moments, such as players killing some of the larger enemies with it through precise shots, its plainness often means that it's overshadowed by much better alternatives. If it isn't changed at any point, it may always be the black sheep among all the throwables in the game.
Why Helldivers 2’s K-2 Throwing Knife Is Often Ignored
When creating the best builds and loadouts against the Terminids or Automatons, players must seriously consider the most reliable equipment to use for every scenario that could be faced. The K-2 Throwing Knife is almost always ignored during the process, with the following reasons making it clear as to why:
- Among all the throwables, it is the only one that does single-target damage, making it a bad option when facing down multiple enemies.
- It takes too much precision to hit enemy weak points, which is detrimental in a game where some of the stronger foes constantly move.
- It provides no other benefit other than being an extra way to deal damage to a lone target, making it weak compared to the other throwables that stun, burn, poison, etc.
Currently, the K-2 Throwing knife cannot even be considered one of the more fun and underrated weapons of Helldivers 2, as it has too many drawbacks with only very little return. If Arrowhead Game Studios wishes for it to not fade into obscurity, then the developer may to do something to ensure it becomes a viable option during missions.
What the K-2 Throwing Knife Can Do to Become a Good Throwable
Players are likely to pick the other throwables over K-2 Throwing Knife, as they simply do more against the enemies within Helldivers 2. If the blade wants to be seen as a useful alternative, then it will need some improvements that make it more powerful and effective, such as:
- The ability to retrieve it from enemy corpses, giving players a throwable that doesn't do much damage but at least does not run out
- Allow it to home in on enemies when thrown, letting players worry less about precision and ensuring that it hits even during tight situations
- Making it a small explosive that latches on and harms a single target, making it useful for dealing even against tougher enemies
Such changes can turn the K-2 Throwing Knife from a gimmick to an actual reliable option. While it may still be considered the weaker option compared to the grenades of Helldivers 2, even when updated, it could at least be seen as something that can potentially be helpful during missions.
Should Arrowhead Game Studios decide that the K-2 Throwing Knife remains as it is even in the future, then the throwable risks continuing to be untouched and maybe even forgotten. It has the potential to be more than a weapon whose only role is to kill things in a cool way, but only if a future update in Helldivers 2 gives it the means to do so.
Helldivers 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- February 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
WHERE TO PLAY
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
URGENT BROADCAST – SUPER EARTH ARMED FORCES
Freedom. Peace. Democracy. Your Super Earth-born rights. The key pillars of our civilization. Of our very existence. But the war rages on. And everything is once again under threat.
Join the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen and make this a safe and free place to live.
BECOME A LEGEND
You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.
LOADOUTS
Rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or grit your teeth and charge head-first into the jaws of combat. How you deliver liberty is your choice; you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor and battle-changing stratagems… the jewel in every Helldiver’s arsenal.
REQUISITION
Super Earth recognises your hard work with valuable Requisition. Use it to access different rewards that benefit you, your squad, your destroyer ship and our overall war effort.
THREATS
Everything on every planet wants you dead. That’s what we’re dealing with. Each enemy has distinct and unpredictable characteristics, tactics, and behavior – but they all fight ferociously and without fear or morality.
THE GALACTIC WAR
Capturing enemy planets, defending against invasions, and completing missions will contribute to our overall effort. This war will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
We stand together, or we fall apart.
- Engine
- bitsquid
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
