Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Your Ultimate Guide

Dive into the world of Helldivers 2 with a comprehensive guide to stratagems, the key to overcoming the game's toughest challenges. This guide will cover everything you need to know about these essential tools, from unlocking them to using them effectively on the battlefield. So, buckle up, Helldivers, and let's get started!

What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?

In Helldivers 2, stratagems are powerful tools and abilities you can call in during missions to support yourself and your team. Think of them as your lifeline when things get hairy, offering everything from devastating orbital strikes to crucial supply drops and defensive emplacements. Understanding and utilizing stratagems effectively is vital for success against the Terminids and Automatons. These aren't just simple power-ups; they require strategic thinking and coordination to use effectively.

Stratagems come in various forms, each catering to different combat situations and playstyles. Some provide offensive firepower, like the Eagle Airstrike or Orbital Laser, allowing you to clear out enemy hordes or take down heavily armored targets. Others focus on support, such as the Supply Pack or Shield Generator Pack, ensuring you and your squad have the resources and protection needed to stay in the fight. Then there are defensive stratagems like the Anti-Personnel Minefield or the Tesla Tower, which can fortify your position and control the flow of enemies. Mastering the use of these diverse stratagems is what separates a rookie Helldiver from a seasoned veteran.

To use a stratagem, you need to input a specific sequence of directional commands using your character's backpack. These commands are like cheat codes, and each stratagem has its unique combination. Once you've entered the sequence correctly, you throw down a beacon, and after a short delay, the stratagem is deployed. This input mechanic adds a layer of skill and tension to combat, as you need to quickly and accurately enter the code while under pressure from enemy fire. It also encourages teamwork, as squadmates can call out the codes for each other, ensuring everyone is on the same page during chaotic battles. Choosing the right stratagems for your loadout and knowing when and how to deploy them is crucial for survival and mission success in Helldivers 2.

How to Unlock Stratagems

Unlocking new stratagems is a key part of your progression in Helldivers 2. You don't start with everything at your disposal; instead, you gradually expand your arsenal by earning Requisition Points and spending them on the Ship Management terminal. This system encourages you to keep playing, completing missions, and contributing to the war effort to gain access to more powerful and versatile tools.

Requisition Points are the primary currency for unlocking stratagems. You earn them by completing missions and successfully extracting. The amount of Requisition Points you receive depends on the difficulty of the mission and the number of objectives you complete. So, the more challenging the mission and the more you contribute to its success, the more Requisition Points you'll earn. This system rewards skilled players and encourages teamwork, as completing objectives efficiently often requires coordination and communication.

The Ship Management terminal is where you spend your hard-earned Requisition Points to unlock new stratagems. This terminal is located on your ship and allows you to browse the available stratagems and purchase the ones you want. The stratagems are organized into different categories, such as offensive, defensive, and support, making it easier to find what you're looking for. Each stratagem has a specific Requisition Point cost, so you'll need to save up to unlock the more powerful ones. As you level up, more stratagems will become available for purchase, giving you a constant stream of new options to explore.

Essential Stratagems for Every Helldiver

Certain stratagems stand out as must-haves for any Helldiver, regardless of their preferred playstyle. These essential tools provide a significant advantage on the battlefield and can be the difference between success and failure. Let's take a look at some of the most crucial stratagems you should prioritize unlocking and mastering.

• Supply Pack: This stratagem is a lifesaver, literally. It allows you to resupply yourself and your teammates with ammunition, grenades, and stims. Running out of ammo in the middle of a firefight is a death sentence, and the Supply Pack ensures you always have the resources you need to keep fighting. It's especially valuable for support roles who focus on keeping their team alive and well-equipped. The Supply Pack promotes teamwork and resource management, encouraging players to share resources and support each other.
• Eagle Airstrike: When you need to clear out a large group of enemies quickly, the Eagle Airstrike is your go-to stratagem. This powerful airstrike can wipe out hordes of Terminids or destroy Automaton outposts with ease. It's perfect for dealing with overwhelming enemy numbers or clearing a path for your team to advance. The Eagle Airstrike is a versatile offensive tool that can be used in a variety of situations, making it a valuable addition to any Helldiver's arsenal.
• Orbital Laser: For dealing with heavily armored targets or fortified positions, the Orbital Laser is unmatched. This devastating beam of energy can melt through even the toughest armor, making it ideal for taking down tanks, chargers, or Bile Titans. The Orbital Laser has a long cooldown, so you need to use it wisely, but when used effectively, it can turn the tide of battle in your favor. It's a high-risk, high-reward stratagem that requires careful planning and execution.
• Shield Generator Pack: Staying alive is crucial in Helldivers 2, and the Shield Generator Pack provides an extra layer of protection that can save your life. This stratagem projects a personal energy shield that absorbs incoming damage, allowing you to withstand enemy fire and push forward. It's especially useful for players who like to be on the front lines, leading the charge and taking the fight to the enemy. The Shield Generator Pack provides a significant advantage in close-quarters combat, allowing you to survive engagements that would otherwise be fatal.

Advanced Stratagem Strategies

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to delve into advanced stratagem strategies to truly maximize your effectiveness on the battlefield. This involves understanding how different stratagems synergize with each other, how to use them in specific situations, and how to coordinate with your team to create devastating combinations. Let's explore some advanced tactics that can elevate your Helldivers 2 gameplay.

• Stratagem Combinations: Certain stratagems work exceptionally well together, creating powerful synergies that can devastate the enemy. For example, combining the Eagle Smoke Strike with the Eagle Airstrike can create a deadly combo. The Smoke Strike obscures the enemy's vision, making them vulnerable to the Airstrike. Another effective combination is the Anti-Personnel Minefield followed by the Eagle Cluster Bomb. The Minefield slows down and damages the enemy, while the Cluster Bomb finishes them off. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to surprising and effective results.
• Situational Awareness: Knowing when and where to use each stratagem is crucial. The right stratagem used at the wrong time can be a waste of resources, while the right stratagem used at the right time can turn the tide of battle. For example, using the Orbital Gatling Barrage to clear out a small group of enemies is overkill, while using it to defend a fortified position against a large horde can be incredibly effective. Similarly, using the Supply Pack when your team is already fully stocked is a waste, while using it when everyone is running low on ammo can be a lifesaver. Pay attention to the battlefield and adapt your stratagem usage to the situation.
• Team Coordination: Helldivers 2 is a team-based game, and coordinating your stratagem usage with your teammates is essential for success. Communicate with your team about which stratagems you're bringing and how you plan to use them. For example, if you're planning to use the Orbital Laser on a heavily armored target, let your team know so they can focus their fire on other enemies. Similarly, if you're planning to use the Supply Pack, let your team know so they can come to you for resupply. Effective communication and coordination can turn a group of individual Helldivers into a well-oiled fighting machine.

Tips and Tricks for Stratagem Mastery

To become a true stratagem master in Helldivers 2, consider these tips and tricks. These will give you an edge in combat and make you a valuable asset to any squad. Practice, experiment, and adapt your strategies to become the ultimate Helldiver.

• Practice the Input Codes: Memorizing the input codes for your favorite stratagems is essential. The faster you can input the codes, the faster you can deploy the stratagem. Practice the codes in a safe environment, such as on your ship, until they become second nature. This will allow you to quickly call in stratagems under pressure, without having to fumble with the controls.
• Experiment with Different Loadouts: Don't be afraid to experiment with different stratagem loadouts. Try out different combinations and see what works best for you and your playstyle. Some stratagems may be more effective in certain situations than others, so it's important to have a variety of options available. You might be surprised at what you discover.
• Pay Attention to Cooldowns: Each stratagem has a cooldown period after it's used. Pay attention to these cooldowns and plan your stratagem usage accordingly. Don't waste a stratagem if you know you won't be able to use it again for a while. Instead, save it for when you really need it. Managing your cooldowns effectively can make a big difference in the heat of battle.
• Use Stratagems Defensively: Stratagems aren't just for offense. They can also be used defensively to protect yourself and your team. For example, the Smoke Strike can be used to create a temporary screen of smoke, allowing you to escape from a dangerous situation or revive a downed teammate. The Anti-Personnel Minefield can be used to create a defensive perimeter, slowing down and damaging approaching enemies. Thinking creatively about how to use stratagems defensively can help you survive even the most challenging encounters.

Conclusion

Stratagems are an integral part of the Helldivers 2 experience, offering a wide range of tactical options for dealing with the game's challenging enemies and environments. By understanding how to unlock, use, and master stratagems, you can significantly improve your chances of success and become a valuable asset to your team. So, dive in, experiment, and discover the power of stratagems in Helldivers 2. Remember, the fate of Super Earth rests in your hands! Good luck, Helldivers!