Helldivers 2 Beginner's Guide: Tips & Tricks For New Players
So, you're ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But before you start spreading managed democracy across the galaxy, you might want to arm yourself with some knowledge. This Helldivers 2 beginner's guide is packed with essential tips and tricks to help you survive (and maybe even thrive) in this intense co-op shooter. Forget those early game struggles; we're here to turn you into a seasoned Helldiver in no time.
Understanding the Basics
Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's cover the fundamental aspects of being a Helldiver. Your primary mission is to liberate planets from the clutches of alien threats – the Terminids (bugs) and the Automatons (robots). You'll be dropped onto procedurally generated maps with specific objectives to complete, ranging from eliminating enemy outposts to retrieving valuable data. Teamwork is absolutely key, as you'll need to coordinate with your squadmates to overcome the overwhelming odds. Remember, friendly fire is very much a thing in Helldivers 2, so watch where you're shooting!
The gameplay loop revolves around completing missions, earning experience and resources, and then using those resources to upgrade your ship and unlock new stratagems. Stratagems are basically your special abilities – think airstrikes, orbital bombardments, supply drops, and powerful support weapons. Choosing the right stratagems for the mission at hand is crucial for success. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your playstyle.
Movement and Awareness: Mastering movement is vital for survival. Learn to sprint, dive, and utilize cover effectively. Pay close attention to your surroundings, as enemies can come from anywhere. The mini-map is your friend – use it to track enemy movements, locate objectives, and avoid getting ambushed. Also, be mindful of the terrain. Some areas are easier to navigate than others, and you can use the environment to your advantage.
Communication is Key: Seriously, talk to your teammates! Coordinate your attacks, call out enemy positions, and let each other know when you're in trouble. The built-in voice chat is essential for effective teamwork. If you're playing with random players, don't be afraid to speak up and offer suggestions. A well-coordinated team is far more likely to succeed than a group of lone wolves.
Essential Tips for New Helldivers
Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into some essential Helldivers 2 tips that will significantly improve your chances of survival. These are the things I wish I knew when I first started playing.
1. Master the Art of Stratagems
Stratagems are your bread and butter in Helldivers 2. They're the tools you'll use to turn the tide of battle. But simply unlocking them isn't enough – you need to understand how to use them effectively. Each stratagem has a specific input code that you need to enter correctly to call it in. Practice these codes until they become second nature. Trust me, you don't want to be fumbling with the code when you're surrounded by bugs.
Furthermore, consider your stratagem choices carefully before each mission. What kind of enemies are you expecting to face? What type of terrain will you be fighting on? Some stratagems are more effective against certain enemies or in specific environments. For example, an airstrike might be great for clearing out a group of bugs, but it's less effective against heavily armored robots. The Eagle Airstrike and Orbital Gatling Barrage are your best friends early on.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different stratagems to find what works best for you. Try combining different stratagems to create powerful synergies. For example, you could use a smoke grenade to obscure enemy vision and then call in an airstrike to wipe them out. Also, remember that stratagems have cooldowns, so use them wisely.
2. Friendly Fire is a Reality (and a Comedy Source)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: friendly fire. Yes, you can and will accidentally shoot your teammates. It's almost a rite of passage in Helldivers 2. The key is to be aware of your surroundings and communicate with your teammates. Before you start blasting away, make sure you're not going to hit anyone. And if you do accidentally friendly fire, apologize and move on. It happens to the best of us.
However, friendly fire can also be used strategically. For example, you can use it to clear out a group of enemies that are too close to your teammates. Just be careful not to kill your teammates in the process! The key is communication. Let your teammates know what you're planning to do so they can get out of the way. Sometimes, the best (and funniest) moments in Helldivers 2 come from accidental friendly fire incidents.
3. Scavenge Everything You Can
The maps in Helldivers 2 are littered with resources that can help you survive. These resources include ammo, health packs, grenades, and samples. Samples are particularly important, as they're used to upgrade your ship and unlock new stratagems. Make sure you explore the map thoroughly and scavenge everything you can find. Look for containers, crates, and other objects that might contain resources. Also, be on the lookout for hidden areas that might contain rare resources.
Remember to share resources with your teammates. If you have a full inventory, let your teammates know so they can pick up anything you're leaving behind. Teamwork is essential for survival, and that includes sharing resources.
4. Upgrade Your Ship Modules Strategically
As you progress in Helldivers 2, you'll earn requisition slips that you can use to upgrade your ship modules. These upgrades can significantly improve your combat effectiveness, so it's important to choose them wisely. Focus on upgrading modules that will benefit your playstyle and the types of missions you're undertaking. For example, if you like using stratagems, you might want to upgrade modules that reduce stratagem cooldowns or increase their effectiveness. Some early game module upgrades to consider are the Orbital Precision and Expanded Weapons Bay.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different upgrades to find what works best for you. You can always respec your ship modules later on if you're not happy with your choices. Keep in mind that some upgrades are more useful than others, so do your research before you start spending your requisition slips.
5. Adapt to Different Enemy Types
Helldivers 2 features a variety of enemy types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Learning how to identify and counter these enemies is crucial for survival. For example, the Terminids are weak to fire, while the Automatons are resistant to it. Some enemies are heavily armored, while others are fast and agile. Pay attention to the enemy's appearance and behavior to determine its weaknesses.
Use the right weapons and stratagems for the job. A shotgun might be great for clearing out a group of small enemies, but it's less effective against a heavily armored enemy. Similarly, an airstrike might be great for destroying a robot factory, but it's less effective against a single, fast-moving enemy. Adapt your tactics to the enemy you're facing.
6. Embrace the Chaos
Helldivers 2 is a chaotic game, and that's part of its charm. Things will go wrong, you will die, and you will probably accidentally friendly fire your teammates. But that's okay! Embrace the chaos and have fun. Don't take yourself too seriously, and don't be afraid to laugh at your mistakes. The most important thing is to work together with your teammates and spread managed democracy across the galaxy.
Remember that every mission is a learning experience. Even if you fail, you'll learn something new that will help you in the future. So, don't get discouraged if you have a bad run. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again. With practice and perseverance, you'll become a seasoned Helldiver in no time.
Advanced Tactics for Experienced Helldivers
Once you've mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced tactics. These tactics require a high level of coordination and communication, but they can be incredibly effective in the right hands.
1. The Art of the Diversion
Sometimes, the best way to deal with a large group of enemies is to distract them. One player can act as a decoy, drawing the enemy's attention while the other players complete the objective. This tactic requires excellent communication and coordination, as the decoy player needs to be able to survive long enough for the other players to complete the objective.
The decoy player can use smoke grenades, decoys, or even just their own body to attract the enemy's attention. The key is to be unpredictable and keep moving. Don't stay in one place for too long, or the enemy will catch up to you.
2. Crossfire Coordination
Setting up a crossfire is a great way to deal with large groups of enemies. Two players position themselves on opposite sides of the enemy, creating a deadly crossfire. This tactic requires excellent communication and coordination, as the players need to be able to time their attacks perfectly.
The key is to focus your fire on the same target. Don't try to take on too many enemies at once. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous enemies first, such as the heavily armored ones or the ones that are closest to your teammates.
3. Strategic Stratagem Placement
Using stratagems strategically can make a huge difference in the outcome of a mission. Don't just throw them out randomly. Think about where the enemy is going to be and place your stratagems accordingly. For example, you can use an airstrike to clear out a choke point or an orbital bombardment to destroy a robot factory.
The key is to anticipate the enemy's movements. Try to predict where they're going to be and place your stratagems in those areas. Also, be mindful of the cooldowns on your stratagems. Don't waste them on small groups of enemies. Save them for the big ones.
Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Fight for Freedom!
Helldivers 2 is a challenging but rewarding game. It requires teamwork, communication, and a willingness to embrace the chaos. But if you're willing to put in the effort, you'll find yourself having a blast spreading managed democracy across the galaxy. So, gear up, Helldiver, and get ready to fight for freedom! The galaxy needs you!
Remember to always be learning and experimenting. The meta of Helldivers 2 is constantly evolving, so stay up-to-date on the latest strategies and tactics. And most importantly, have fun! That's what Helldivers 2 is all about.