High on Life 2 Best Weapon Builds & DPS Rankings (2026): Top Gatlians Explained

High on Life 2 blends action, humor, and tactical shooting with its roster of sentient weapons called Gatlians — each with unique abilities, combat roles, and build synergies. Whether you’re fighting through the main campaign, challenging bosses like James Stevenson, or tackling side content, choosing and upgrading the right Gatlians can make all the difference.

This guide breaks down:

  • Every confirmed Gatlian in the 2026 update

  • DPS and utility rankings

  • Weapon ability breakdown

  • Secret weapon unlock methods

  • Best build combinations

  • High-value combat tips and FAQ

Let’s dive into Rhea Pharmaceuticals’ best (and deadliest) gadgets.


๐ŸŽฎ All Confirmed Gatlians & How to Acquire Them

The following Gatlians are verified by gameplay guides and community sources:

GatlianWeapon TypeHow to AcquireCombat/Utility Role
SheathBurst RifleReptical MissionBalanced mid-range DPS + utility
SweezyRapid-Fire PistolEarly StoryCrowd control + slowdown
GusShotgunFirst MissionClose-range burst + environmental interaction
CreatureLauncherEarly StoryPassive DPS + control
Travis & JanDual PistolsStory ProgressionHigh sustained damage
BowieBowMid-GameReveals weak points with Soul Hole
B.A.L.L. GunRicochet LauncherSecret UnlockChaotic multi-hit damage
Shoot-OUtility ToolParty City MissionPuzzle & object interaction
KnifeyMelee ToolEarly CampaignClose combat + mobility

High on Life 2 Best Weapon Builds & DPS Rankings (2026)


⚙️ Weapon Abilities & Tactical Breakdown

Below is how each confirmed Gatlian actually performs in battle:

Gatlian                Unique Ability        Tactical Role
SheathSpikeBurst damage with AoE; parkour and relay interactions
SweezyTime BubbleSlows enemies/objects; excellent crowd control
GusShotgun DiscClose-range burst; discs can create temporary platforms
CreatureHypno BabyDistracts enemies; passive damage over time
Travis & JanDual ShotsHigh sustained damage; interacts with terrain
BowieSoul HoleReveals boss sigils and weak points
B.A.L.L. GunRicochet BlastBouncing high-damage rounds
Shoot-OUtility BurstMoves objects, activates environmental mechanics
KnifeyMelee StrikeQuick close-range hits for combos

๐Ÿ† 2026 Gatlian Tier Rankings (DPS & Utility)

These tiers help you pick the best weapons depending on playstyle and combat needs:

๐Ÿ”ฅ S-Tier — Must Have for DPS & Bosses

  • Bowie: Top priority — Soul Hole is essential for revealing weak points on certain bosses and sigil barriers.

  • Sheath: Overall best balanced weapon with high DPS and utility.

  • Travis & Jan: Dual pistols with excellent sustained damage and environmental interactions.

A-Tier — Strong Utility & Damage

  • Gus: Great shotgun burst and platforming utility; excelling once a boss weak point is revealed.

  • Sweezy: Fantastic for slowing crowds and bosses for easier targeting.

  • Creature: Continuous passive damage and preoccupation for enemies.

๐Ÿ‘ B-Tier — Situational or Fun

  • B.A.L.L. Gun: Secret unlock with unpredictable ricochets; great in cramped spaces.

  • Shoot-O: Best as utility for puzzles and traversal, not primary DPS.

  • Knifey: Melee complement, excellent for close combos but not main damage dealer.


๐Ÿคฏ Ball Guy Secret Weapon Unlock Checklist

The B.A.L.L. Gun is a beloved secret weapon, and players often search for exact interactions. Here’s how to unlock it:

Ball Guy    Map Location            How to Unlock
Guy 1Pinkline HarborWin the Liquid Nights dance battle (requires Bowie)
Guy 2Circuit ArcadiaComplete all 10 Taxi Missions
Guy 3Circuit Arcadia ZooCatch the Golden Fish at the fishing spot

Once all three Ball Guys are found, return to your base to receive the B.A.L.L. Gun — one of the most exclusive weapons in the game.


๐Ÿ”ซ Best Gatlians & Builds for Top DPS

Here are tested builds that perform exceptionally well in combat — from open arenas to boss arenas:

⭐ 1. Boss Breaker Build

  • Primary: Bowie

  • Secondary: Gus

  • Strategy: Use Soul Hole to expose weak points, then unload Gus discs for maximum sigil-breaking DPS.

⚡ 2. Crowd Control + Passive DPS

  • Primary: Sweezy

  • Secondary: Creature

  • Strategy: Slow waves of enemies with Time Bubble, then let Hypno Babies chip away safely.

๐Ÿ”ฅ 3. Dual Projectile Assault

  • Primary: Travis & Jan

  • Secondary: B.A.L.L. Gun

  • Strategy: Mid-to-long range sustained shots mix with chaotic ricochets in close combat.

๐Ÿ›  4. Melee Utility Focus

  • Primary: Knifey

  • Secondary: Sheath

  • Strategy: Close fights with quick knife strikes, then switch to Sheath for disciplined burst damage.


๐Ÿง  Pro Combat Tips (2026)

Use your abilities smartly: Weapon perks are built into combat timing. Activate Time Bubble early in heavy fights.

Positioning matters: Sheath’s spike and Travis & Jan’s projectiles interact with cover and elevation — stand tall or flank to maximize hits.

Secret unlocks boost options: Prioritize the B.A.L.L. Gun only after collecting Ball Guys — it’s situational but potent.


๐ŸŽฅ Verified Footage Reference

You can use this reputable YouTube video as a visual companion for weapon actions (timestamps tied to verified weapons only):

  • 00:00 – Sweezy action

  • 00:00:44 – Gus

  • 00:01:35 – Travis & Jan

  • 00:01:54 – Sheath

  • 00:03:33 – Bowie

  • 00:05:27 – Knifey

  • 00:05:35 – Skateboard kick (visual cue, not a confirmed weapon)

   

❓ FAQ — Top Gatlians, DPS, & Weapon Mechanics

Q: What is the best weapon in High on Life 2?
A: Bowie, Sheath, and Travis & Jan top the DPS list, with Bowie often required for boss weak-point fights.

Q: How do I unlock the B.A.L.L. Gun?
A: Find all three Ball Guys through dance challenges, taxi missions, and fishing spots, then claim it at your base.

Q: Can I use the skateboard as a weapon?
A: Yes — the skateboard can be thrown like a projectile, but it temporarily replaces your sprint button.

Q: Does weapon ability matter in combat?
A: Absolutely! Abilities like Time Bubble and Soul Hole are critical for crowd control and boss encounters.


๐Ÿ Final Verdict — Which Gatlians to Choose

For overall power and flexibility:

  • Bowie and Sheath are the most universally effective.

  • Travis & Jan shine in sustained DPS builds.

  • Gus and Sweezy excel with crowd control and environmental utility.

Combining these with smart upgrades and strategic timing will keep you obliterating enemies through every mission in High on Life 2.

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