Helldivers 2: Beginner's Guide - Conquer The Galaxy!
Alright, Helldivers! Ready to dive headfirst into the galactic war against the bugs, bots, and everything in between? Helldivers 2 is a blast, but it can be a bit overwhelming for new recruits. Don't worry, though, because I'm here to equip you with some essential Helldivers 2 tips for beginners. So, let's get you prepared to spread democracy across the cosmos and keep you from getting blown up by your own stratagems... too often.
Getting Started: Understanding the Basics
So, before you even think about dropping onto a planet and blasting some alien scum, you've gotta understand the core mechanics. Helldivers 2 is all about coordinated teamwork, strategic deployment of powerful stratagems, and a whole lot of shooting. First off, this game is a co-op experience. While you can technically go solo, it's designed to be played with a squad of up to four Helldivers. Communication is key, so get your mics ready, guys! The game has crossplay as well, so team up with your friends and start spreading some freedom!
The Goal: Spread Democracy
The ultimate goal in Helldivers 2 is to complete missions to liberate planets from enemy control. You’ll be fighting against two main factions: the Terminids (bugs) and the Automatons (robots). Each mission has specific objectives, which usually involve destroying nests, rescuing civilians, or defending objectives. Liberating planets contributes to the overall galactic campaign, which is constantly evolving based on the community's actions. Your actions have real consequences, influencing the availability of planets and the rewards available. Completing missions earns you experience, which unlocks new stratagems, weapons, and customization options. Think of it as a constant grind towards being the ultimate freedom fighter. The more you play, the better the rewards, and the more powerful you'll become!
Controls and Movement
The controls might feel a little clunky at first, but trust me, you'll get used to them. You'll be using your primary weapon, grenades, and your stratagems to wipe out the opposition. Movement is fairly straightforward, but mastering the art of diving (dodging) is essential for survival. Learn to anticipate enemy attacks and use dives to avoid damage. Also, keep an eye on your stamina. Running, diving, and sprinting all consume stamina, so manage it wisely. Knowing when to retreat and when to push is crucial for staying alive. Remember, Helldivers 2 is as much about positioning and tactics as it is about shooting.
Understanding Stratagems
Stratagems are your bread and butter, your key to victory, and probably the reason you'll accidentally kill your teammates at some point. You activate them by inputting a series of directional commands (up, down, left, right) on your controller or keyboard, followed by pressing the stratagem activation button. Each stratagem has a cooldown, so you can't just spam them constantly. Different stratagems provide various support, like calling in powerful airstrikes, deploying defensive turrets, or providing you with a fresh weapon. Experiment with different stratagems to see what works best for your play style and the mission at hand. Knowing when and where to deploy each stratagem is a skill you'll develop over time, but start by understanding what each one does.
Mastering Gameplay: Key Strategies for Success
Now that you know the basics, let's dive into some key strategies that'll make you a more effective Helldiver. This will improve your gameplay significantly. From learning the correct methods to use weapons and stratagems to understanding how to handle different types of missions. Here is everything you need to know.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Helldivers 2 thrives on teamwork. Stick together, communicate, and support each other. Call out enemy positions, share ammo, and revive fallen teammates. Coordinate your stratagem usage – don't call in an airstrike when your buddy is right next to the target! Also, remember to cover each other. Make sure you're watching each other's backs, especially when enemies are swarming you. Good communication and teamwork can make the difference between a successful mission and a total wipe.
Prioritize Objectives
Focus on the primary objectives first and foremost. Clearing side objectives is great for extra experience and resources, but don't let them distract you from completing the main mission. Always have a plan for how to approach the objective. Sometimes it's better to bypass a horde of enemies and focus on completing your goal. This requires teamwork as well. If you have someone that can provide cover or distract the enemies, it can make it easier to complete the mission.
Manage Your Resources
Ammo and grenades are limited, so use them wisely. Try to conserve ammo by using your sidearm for weaker enemies and your primary weapon for tougher ones. Collect resources like samples, which you can use to unlock ship upgrades. These upgrades provide permanent buffs that can significantly improve your effectiveness. Be mindful of your stratagem cooldowns and use them strategically. Don't waste them on trivial encounters. Always make sure you're prepared for the upcoming encounters and adjust accordingly.
Learn Enemy Weaknesses
Different enemies have different weaknesses. For example, some enemies are vulnerable to specific weapon types or stratagems. The bugs are weak to fire and explosives, while the bots are susceptible to armor-piercing weapons. Knowing which weapons and stratagems to use against specific enemies will make your life a whole lot easier. Pay attention to the enemy types you're facing and adapt your loadout and strategy accordingly. The more you fight the enemies, the better you will understand them and their weak spots.
Choosing Your Loadout: Weapons and Stratagems
Your loadout is the key to victory, so selecting the right weapons and stratagems can make or break a mission. What suits you will depend on your style and the mission, but here are some general tips to get you started.
Primary Weapons
Your primary weapon is your go-to for most engagements. The game offers a variety of primary weapons, from assault rifles to shotguns to machine guns. Each weapon has its pros and cons, so experiment to find what suits your play style. Some of the best choices include the SG-8 Punisher (a good all-around shotgun), the AR-23 Liberator (a reliable assault rifle), and the MG-206 Machine Gun (for suppressing fire). Consider the enemies you're facing and the environment when selecting your primary weapon. For example, a shotgun might be better for close-quarters combat, while an assault rifle is more versatile.
Secondary Weapons
Your sidearm is a backup weapon, great for finishing off enemies or when your primary weapon runs out of ammo. The default sidearm is the P-2 Peacemaker, which is a reliable choice for the early game. As you progress, you can unlock more powerful sidearms. Make sure you always have your sidearm ready to go!
Grenades
Grenades are essential for clearing out enemies, destroying nests, and creating openings. Experiment with different types of grenades to see what works best for you. The G-12 High Explosive grenade is a good all-around choice. Keep in mind that you can cook your grenades by holding down the grenade button. This is useful for precise throws and eliminating multiple enemies at once. Always try to throw grenades into the center of the enemy groups. It provides maximum damage to the group!
Stratagems
As previously discussed, stratagems are crucial. Different stratagems are designed for different roles. Airstrikes are excellent for clearing out hordes of enemies. Support weapons, such as the Spear or Machine Gun, provide sustained fire. Deployable defenses, like the Guard Dog, can provide passive support. Always consider the mission objectives and the types of enemies you'll be facing when choosing your stratagems. Balancing your stratagems is essential.
Progressing and Unlocking New Content
The more you play Helldivers 2, the more stuff you'll unlock, including weapons, stratagems, ship modules, and cosmetic items. Here's a quick look at the progression system.
Leveling Up
Experience is earned by completing missions and secondary objectives. As you level up, you'll unlock access to new weapons, stratagems, and customization options. Focus on completing missions to earn experience quickly. Don't be afraid to try out different mission difficulties. Even if you fail, you'll still earn experience.
Collecting Samples
During missions, you can collect samples, which are used to upgrade your ship's modules. These upgrades provide permanent buffs, such as increased weapon damage, faster stratagem cooldowns, and more. Samples can be found in various locations, so keep an eye out. Prioritize collecting samples, as they significantly improve your effectiveness. Make sure you coordinate with your teammates to collect samples as a team.
Earning Super Credits
Super Credits are a premium currency that can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money. You can use Super Credits to purchase cosmetic items and other items. You can also acquire them by finding them during missions, so keep an eye out while playing!
Advanced Tips and Tricks for Experienced Helldivers
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to level up your game. Here are some advanced tips to help you conquer the galaxy, and become the best Helldiver out there!
Mastering Stratagem Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to stratagems. Learn to anticipate enemy movements and deploy your stratagems accordingly. Use cover to protect yourself while inputting commands. Also, learn to use your stratagems in combination with each other for maximum effect. Knowing the exact moment to call a specific stratagem can make a huge difference in the middle of a battle!
Utilizing Cover and Positioning
Don't run out into the open! Use cover to protect yourself from enemy fire and to reload your weapons. Position yourself strategically to gain a tactical advantage. For example, high ground can provide a better view of the battlefield and make it easier to take out enemies. Always make sure you're positioned well, as enemies can overwhelm you from different sides.
Understanding Enemy Patrol Patterns
Enemies patrol in predictable patterns. Learn to identify these patterns to avoid ambushes and plan your attacks more effectively. Use your map to track enemy movements and plan your routes accordingly. Also, try to use stealth to avoid unwanted encounters. This can allow you to complete the mission, even when you're overwhelmed.
Optimizing Your Loadout
Once you've unlocked more weapons and stratagems, experiment with different loadouts to find what works best for you. Consider the mission type, the environment, and the enemies you'll be facing when selecting your loadout. Don't be afraid to change your loadout frequently to adapt to changing circumstances.
Conclusion: Go Forth and Spread Democracy!
Helldivers 2 is an incredibly fun and rewarding game. Remember these tips, stick with your squad, and most importantly, have fun spreading democracy! Now go out there and show those bugs and bots what freedom is all about! Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you'll become. So, get out there and start spreading some liberty!