| “ | A laser rifle firing a continuous beam. Does not need reloading, but if it overheats a new heat sink must be fitted. | „ |
| ~ Armory Description |
The LAS-5 Scythe is an energy weapon in Helldivers 2, firing a continuous, concentrated laser beam that deals damage over time. Like all laser weapons, the Scythe builds up heat rather than consuming ammunition, though maxing out the heat capacity will require the user to exchange the weapon's heat sink. It can be unlocked via page 5 of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbond.
Role
The Scythe is useful at dealing with light and medium-sized threats, like Devastator, Hunters, and Brood Commanders. It has practically no recoil and decent damage , making it easy to stay on target and deal damage to them consistently, along with having great sustain due to it being a beam weapon. It is particularly effective against Automaton Devastators, as a concentrated beam to their heads will kill them in a few seconds, and it having maximum stability makes training the laser onto their heads an easy affair.
It is however, less effective on planets with Intense Heat traits, as this causes the weapon to build up heat much faster than usual.
Attachments
Note: Base stats are taken from the weapon with its default sight and magazine attachment equipped, along with no muzzle or underbarrel attachment equipped.
| Name | Unlock Level | Stat Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 2x Tube Red Dot | Default | N/A |
| 1.5x Tube Red Dot | Level 3 | +3 Ergonomics |
| Reflex Sight | Level 8 | +3 Ergonomics |
| Reflex Sight Mk2 | Level 11 | +3 Ergonomics |
| Holographic Sight | Level 18 | +3 Ergonomics |
| No Underbarrel | Default | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Sight w/ Flashlight | Default | -5 Ergonomics |
| Angled Foregrip | Level 12 | +5 Ergonomics |
| Standard Heatsink | Default | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Capacity Heatsink - Allows Scythe to be fired longer | Level 13 | Longer beam duration. Longer cooldown. | -10 Ergonomics -1 Spare Magazines - 4 > 3 |
| High Dissipation Heatsink - Smaller Heatsink w/ Faster Cooldown | Level 22 | Shorter beam duration. Faster cooldown |
Notes
- As of patch 01.001.100, the Scythe was notably buffed with its cooldowns being faster, increased enemy ignition speeds, and the complete elimination of its recoil. The original sight on the Scythe has also been replaced with a new low-powered scope.
- The LAS-5 can shoot for 8 seconds straight before overheating. Cooldown time is around 8 seconds from almost-maximum heat buildup.
- With the High Capacity Heatsink installed, it can now shoot for 14 seconds straight, but now takes longer to cooldown at around 16 seconds from maximum heat buildup.
- The High Dissipation Heatsink lowers the total beam uptime down to 5 seconds. However, the cooldown is lowered down to 4 seconds from maximum heat buildup.
- In regards to heatsink upgrades, the Hi-Cap sink is better for players who prefer to laser-down hordes and priority targets with the LAS-5 before switching to a different weapon to allow the gun to cool down. While the Hi-Diss sink is better for players who prefer to use it as a specialist headshot weapon against the likes of Devstators, where the gun will only be used in short bursts and so must cooldown rapidly.
- The LAS-5 is best used when enemies are between 100-200m away, as the beam needs to make contact for a full second to do damage. This means that it does not function well in close range. Alternatively, be in a position where enemies cannot engage you in close combat easily.
- As it is a beam weapon, it cannot stagger enemies. This is especially problematic against Hunters as they will not be knocked out of their pounce mid-jump, unless they are killed.