Helldivers 2 Best Stratagems Guide – Helldivers 2 brings a fresh take on the cooperative tactical shooter genre, offering players an intense experience in a dystopian, war-torn universe. A key aspect of gameplay revolves around stratagems, which are deployable tools and abilities that players can call in to gain a tactical edge in combat. Whether you’re facing off against alien swarms or completing objectives, mastering stratagems is essential to succeeding as a Helldiver.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best stratagems in Helldivers 2, explain how to use them effectively, and provide strategies to ensure you and your team dominate the battlefield. From offensive tools to lifesaving utilities, let’s dive into everything you need to know.
What Are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?
Stratagems are deployable items or abilities that players can call down to support their missions. Each stratagem is summoned by entering a sequence of directional inputs, adding a layer of challenge to their deployment. They come in various types, including:
- Offensive Stratagems: Focused on dealing damage to enemies.
- Defensive Stratagems: Provide protection or fortifications.
- Support Stratagems: Heal or supply your team with resources.
- Utility Stratagems: Offer unique tactical benefits, like deploying vehicles or distracting enemies.
Stratagems must be chosen wisely before each mission based on the objectives, enemies, and terrain. Having the right loadout can mean the difference between victory and failure.
Top Offensive Stratagems
Offensive stratagems are your go-to tools for taking out large groups of enemies or dealing massive damage to bosses. Here are some of the best offensive stratagems in Helldivers 2:
1. Strafing Run
- Description: Calls in an airstrike that strafes across a designated area, dealing heavy damage to everything in its path.
- Best Use Case: Perfect for clearing waves of enemies or creating a safe zone during an overwhelming assault.
- Pro Tip: Use this stratagem when enemies are grouped together for maximum effectiveness. Communicate with your team to avoid friendly fire.
2. Hellpod Barrage
- Description: Summons a barrage of pods that crash into the battlefield, causing explosive damage.
- Best Use Case: Effective against stationary or slow-moving enemies, particularly bosses or defensive positions.
- Pro Tip: Time the Hellpod Barrage to coincide with enemy spawn waves for devastating results.
3. Anti-Tank Minefield
- Description: Deploys a field of anti-tank mines that detonate on contact, dealing massive damage to vehicles and larger enemies.
- Best Use Case: Ideal for missions with heavy enemy vehicles or bosses with high mobility.
- Pro Tip: Place mines in choke points or along paths where enemies are likely to travel.
Top Defensive Stratagems
Defensive stratagems help you survive overwhelming odds by creating barriers or providing cover. Here are the best defensive options:
1. Shield Generator
- Description: Creates a protective barrier that absorbs damage for a limited time.
- Best Use Case: Use when holding objectives or during extraction sequences.
- Pro Tip: Coordinate with your team to position the shield generator strategically. Combine with offensive stratagems for a balanced approach.
2. Automated Turrets
- Description: Deploys stationary turrets that automatically fire at enemies within range.
- Best Use Case: Useful for defending objectives or covering your back while focusing on an offensive push.
- Pro Tip: Place turrets in elevated positions or choke points to maximize their firing arcs and effectiveness.
3. Barricade Deployment
- Description: Creates temporary fortifications that block enemy movement and projectiles.
- Best Use Case: Great for creating safe zones or delaying enemy advances during intense battles.
- Pro Tip: Use barricades to funnel enemies into kill zones, making it easier to take them out with offensive stratagems.
Top Support Stratagems
Support stratagems keep your team in the fight by providing healing, ammo, or other resources. Here are the best options for keeping your squad alive:
1. Medical Drone
- Description: Deploys a drone that heals nearby allies over time.
- Best Use Case: Essential for missions with prolonged combat or limited healing resources.
- Pro Tip: Place the drone in a central location where all teammates can benefit. Protect it from enemy fire, as it can be destroyed.
2. Resupply Beacon
- Description: Drops a pod with ammunition and equipment for the team.
- Best Use Case: Vital for long missions where resources are scarce.
- Pro Tip: Use the Resupply Beacon during lulls in combat to avoid exposing your team while restocking.
3. Revival Capsule
- Description: Instantly revives downed teammates in a designated area.
- Best Use Case: A lifesaver during high-stakes missions where multiple teammates may fall.
- Pro Tip: Keep at least one Revival Capsule in your loadout for emergencies, and deploy it as soon as the situation allows.
Top Utility Stratagems
Utility stratagems provide unique benefits that can change the course of a mission. Here are the best utility options in Helldivers 2:
1. Mech Deployment
- Description: Summons a heavily armed mech for a player to pilot.
- Best Use Case: Ideal for missions with high enemy density or when facing powerful foes.
- Pro Tip: Use the mech’s firepower to focus on larger threats while teammates handle smaller enemies.
2. Distractor Beacon
- Description: Deploys a device that lures enemies away from your team.
- Best Use Case: Great for redirecting enemy attention during objectives or while retreating.
- Pro Tip: Combine with offensive stratagems like airstrikes to punish enemies clustered around the beacon.
3. Tactical UAV
- Description: Provides a live feed of the battlefield, revealing enemy positions and objectives.
- Best Use Case: Perfect for planning your team’s movements and avoiding ambushes.
- Pro Tip: Coordinate with your team to use the UAV’s intel effectively, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.
How to Choose the Right Stratagems
Choosing the best stratagems for your mission depends on several factors, including enemy types, mission objectives, and team composition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building an effective loadout:
1. Analyze the Mission Briefing
Before deploying, review the mission briefing to understand the objectives and enemy threats. Adjust your stratagems accordingly:
- Facing armored enemies? Bring anti-tank mines or heavy weapons.
- Defending an objective? Pack turrets and barricades.
2. Communicate with Your Team
Stratagems work best when used in coordination with your team. Discuss your loadouts to ensure a balanced setup:
- Assign roles (e.g., one player focuses on support, another on offense).
- Avoid redundant stratagems unless absolutely necessary.
3. Test and Adapt
Experiment with different combinations of stratagems to find what works best for your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to switch things up if a particular loadout isn’t effective.
Tips for Using Stratagems Effectively
Deploying stratagems at the right time and place can make or break your mission. Follow these tips to maximize their effectiveness:
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate when and where you’ll need stratagems based on the mission flow.
- Use Cover: Deploy stratagems behind cover to protect yourself while inputting the sequence.
- Watch the Cooldown: Be mindful of cooldown times and plan your deployments to avoid gaps in support.
- Avoid Friendly Fire: Many stratagems can damage teammates. Communicate and position carefully to minimize risks.
Final Thoughts
Stratagems are the backbone of Helldivers 2’s tactical gameplay, offering players a wide range of tools to tackle any challenge. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each stratagem and coordinating with your team, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the battlefield.
Whether you’re clearing waves of alien enemies, defending key objectives, or surviving extraction sequences, the right stratagems can turn the tide in your favor. Experiment, strategize, and adapt to become the ultimate Helldiver. Good luck, and may the power of Super Earth guide you!