If there’s one thing Helldivers 2 does incredibly well—aside from over-the-top alien carnage and chaotic co-op fun—it’s packing a surprising amount of humor and cultural references into its gear. From nods to action movies to subtle jabs at military jargon, many Helldivers 2 items carry names that are more than they seem at first glance. Whether you’re grinding hard to unlock gear or just browsing the armory out of curiosity, here are six item names with surprisingly deep (and often hilarious) meanings behind them.

1. Punisher Plasma Cannon

It’s hard not to smile when you equip this one. The name “Punisher” obviously conjures up imagery from the comic book anti-hero, but in this case, the cannon lives up to its name in sheer destructive potential. Some players suspect the name also references Doom’s BFG, considering its devastating area damage. It’s a fan favorite for clearing out bug nests and automaton waves in seconds.

2. Democracy Deliverer

This one’s so on the nose it’s practically satire. The “Democracy Deliverer” is more than just a cheeky name—it’s a pointed nod to the game’s central joke: spreading “Managed Democracy” through absurd levels of firepower. The item reflects the game’s satirical take on over-militarization and propaganda, all while being one of the most satisfying tools of destruction in your arsenal.

3. Cape of Eternal Glory

A name like this might sound like it belongs in a fantasy RPG, but here it’s used for one of the more stylish vanity items in Helldivers 2. The joke, of course, is in the irony—there’s nothing eternal about the average Helldiver lifespan. You’ll probably die wearing it within minutes, especially if you’re farming solo. But hey, at least you’ll look good doing it. If you’re aiming to collect it, you’ll likely need to buy Helldivers 2 medals or grind out high-tier missions.

4. Jump Pack – Hero’s Burden

Not every joke needs to be loud to hit hard. The “Hero’s Burden” might sound noble, but if you’ve used it mid-mission, you know it’s more of a “regret booster.” Timed wrong, and you’ll launch into enemy fire or plummet off a cliff. It’s like the developers knew players would get overconfident and added the perfect name to troll them gently. The dark humor is unmistakable—and pure Helldivers energy.

5. Trench Slayer Armor

Clearly a wink to fans of classic war shooters and gritty sci-fi. “Trench Slayer” sounds like something straight out of Warhammer 40K, but it also channels a bit of Starship Troopers energy, especially with its over-the-top name. In reality, it’s a pretty balanced armor set, but the name alone makes it feel like you’re stepping into a war documentary every time you deploy.

6. Strategic Resupply Drone

This might seem like a standard utility item at first, but the humor kicks in when you realize just how “strategic” these drones tend to be. They’ll often drop your gear miles from the action, into enemy swarms, or directly onto your teammates. It’s another example of Helldivers 2 mocking its own systems with dry wit—and why so many players share memes about it. Some even joke that it was secretly designed by U4GM engineers.

The developers behind Helldivers 2 clearly had fun naming and designing these items, and it shows. For those grinding through operations and hunting medals, discovering these subtle references is part of the charm. Whether you’re upgrading your loadout or looking to buy Helldivers 2 medals to fast-track a gear set, don’t forget to take a second and appreciate the humor embedded in the game’s world. It’s what makes the chaos feel just a bit more personal—and a whole lot more fun.

Looking to track down more clever Helldivers 2 items or find the perfect loadout? Communities like U4GM and dedicated player hubs often break down not just stats, but the stories behind your gear. Sometimes, the best upgrades come with a side of laughs.