BL2 Headhunter Weapons: The Ultimate Guide to Borderlands 2’s Most Brutal Bounty Gear
Ever opened a loot chest in Borderlands 2 and heard that chilling laugh — only to pull out a weapon that melts enemies in seconds? You’ve just encountered the infamous Headhunter weapons — and your enemies won’t know what hit them.
When Gearbox Software unleashed the Headhunter DLC series for Borderlands 2, they didn’t just add missions — they dropped some of the most ferocious, personality-packed firearms into Pandora’s chaotic ecosystem. These aren’t your average Maliwan snipers or Torgue launchers. BL2 Headhunter weapons are boss-slaying, screen-filling, damage-dealing monstrosities — each tied to a specific enemy type and dripping with thematic flair. Whether you’re a veteran Vault Hunter or a newcomer diving into the remastered chaos, understanding these weapons can turn you from prey to predator.
What Are Headhunter Weapons, Exactly?
The Headhunter pack consists of five DLCs — Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate’s Booty, Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, and The Horrible Hunger of the Ravenous Wattle Gobbler. Each introduces unique bosses — and defeating them unlocks themed legendary weapons that drop exclusively from those enemies.
Unlike standard legendaries, BL2 Headhunter weapons are designed to reflect their source. Kill a pirate? Get a shotgun that fires cannonballs. Slay a dragon? Unleash fire-breathing fury. These aren’t random drops — they’re trophies, earned through skill and persistence.
Why You Need Them in Your Arsenal
Let’s be honest: Borderlands 2 is a game of escalating absurdity. As you climb through OP levels or tackle True Vault Hunter Mode, enemies grow tougher, smarter, and more annoying. That’s where Headhunter weapons shine. They don’t just deal damage — they specialize.
Take the Butcher, dropped by the final boss of Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage. This shotgun doesn’t just shoot pellets — it fires explosive meat cleavers that ricochet. In co-op play, it’s been known to clear entire rooms before teammates even draw their weapons. Or consider The Bee, a SMG from Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep that chains lightning between enemies — perfect for crowd control in mob-heavy areas like the Mines of Aegrus.
Case Study: A Level 72 Gunzerker using The Grog Nozzle (from Captain Scarlett’s DLC) can solo Terramorphous the Invincible — not because of raw damage, but because every shot heals the user and boosts gun damage for allies. It turns boss fights into healing fountains.
Top 5 Must-Have Headhunter Weapons
Here’s a curated list of BL2 Headhunter weapons that deserve a permanent slot in your loadout:
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The Grog Nozzle (Dahl)
Source: Captain Scarlett’s final boss, “The Leviathan”
Every bullet returns 120% of its damage as health. Pair it with the Bee shield, and you become an unstoppable healing machine. Perfect for solo runs or supporting teammates in raid bosses. -
Butcher (Torgue)
Source: Pyro Pete the Invincible
Fires bouncing explosive cleavers. Ideal for tight corridors or bouncing shots around corners. High splash damage makes it a nightmare for clustered enemies. -
Wanderlust (Hyperion)
Source: The Ancient Dragons of Destruction (Tiny Tina’s DLC)
A rocket launcher that homes in on enemies — and if it doesn’t kill them, it teleports you to their location. Great for hit-and-run tactics or escaping sticky situations. -
Shredifier (Vladof)
Source: Voracidous the Invincible (Sir Hammerlock’s DLC)
A minigun that fires in a spiraling pattern, shredding armor and flesh alike. Best used with high fire rate builds — think Commando with Phalanx Shield and skills that boost sustained fire. -
Badaboom (Torgue)
Source: King Mong (Mr. Torgue’s DLC)
A rocket launcher that fires three rockets at once. Devastating against large targets and armored enemies. One pull of the trigger equals three chances to crit.
Farming Tips: How to Get Them Consistently
Unlike world drops, Headhunter weapons have fixed sources. That’s good news — it means you can farm them reliably. Here’s how:
- Save and Quit After Each Kill: Bosses respawn when you reload the area. Kill the boss, check loot, save and quit. Reload. Repeat.
- Use the Right Character Build: Some weapons synergize better with certain classes. The Grog Nozzle? Best with Gunzerker or Siren for healing synergy. Shredifier? Commando or Gunzerker for max fire rate.
- Play Co-op for Better Odds: More players = more loot rolls. Even if the weapon doesn’t drop for you, a teammate might get it — and trading is always an option.
Pro Tip: Equip gear that boosts legendary drop rates — like the Vault Hunter’s Relic or Legendary Hunter class mods — to shave hours off your grind.
Synergies and Builds That Dominate
BL2 Headhunter weapons aren’t just powerful on their own — they’re force multipliers when paired with the right skills and gear.
- The Grog + The Bee Combo: Already legendary.