Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Your Ultimate Guide

Dive into the world of Helldivers 2 and you'll quickly realize that success hinges on more than just a trusty rifle and a can-do attitude. It's all about the Stratagems, those powerful tools and abilities you can call down to turn the tide of battle against the Terminids and Automatons. Think of them as your lifeline, your secret weapon, and your ticket to becoming a legendary Helldiver. So, what exactly are Stratagems, and how do you use them to dominate the battlefield?

What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?

In Helldivers 2, Stratagems are essentially your special abilities and support options. They range from orbital bombardments that can obliterate entire enemy bases to resupply drops that keep you and your squad locked and loaded. You can even call in defensive structures like turrets and shields to fortify your position. Each Stratagem has a unique code that you input using your character's Stratagem Hero input device, and once activated, it's deployed to your location after a short delay. This delay is crucial, as it gives enemies a window to react, making timing and positioning key to effective Stratagem use.

Stratagems are not created equal, so you will need to know how to manage them to get an edge over your enemies. Some are offensive powerhouses, perfect for clearing out hordes of enemies or taking down heavily armored targets. Others provide crucial support, like healing, scouting, or providing cover. And some are purely defensive, allowing you to create fortified positions and weather the storm. The key is to choose Stratagems that complement your playstyle and the needs of your team. Are you the type to get up close and personal with the enemy? Then you might want to consider Stratagems that provide close-range firepower or defensive buffs. Prefer to hang back and provide support? Then focus on Stratagems that offer long-range firepower, healing, or scouting.

How to Unlock Stratagems

Unlocking Stratagems is a core part of the Helldivers 2 progression system. You earn Requisition Slips by completing missions and objectives, and these slips can then be spent at the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. There, you'll find a wide array of Stratagems available for purchase, each with its own unique cost. As you level up and complete more challenging missions, you'll unlock access to even more powerful Stratagems.

The Ship Management terminal is your gateway to unlocking new Stratagems. It's where you'll spend those hard-earned Requisition Slips to expand your arsenal and gain access to new abilities. The terminal is organized into different categories, each focusing on a specific type of Stratagem. For example, you'll find categories for offensive Stratagems, defensive Stratagems, and support Stratagems. Each category contains a variety of Stratagems, each with its own unique cost and effect. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new categories and Stratagems, giving you even more options to customize your loadout. Take time to explore the different categories and Stratagems available, and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.

Essential Stratagems for Every Helldiver

With so many Stratagems to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few essential Stratagems that every Helldiver should have in their arsenal:

• Orbital Precision Strike: This is your bread-and-butter offensive Stratagem. It calls in a precise orbital bombardment that can wipe out small to medium-sized groups of enemies or take down tough targets.
• Eagle Airstrike: Another powerful offensive option, the Eagle Airstrike unleashes a barrage of bombs on a designated area, perfect for clearing out fortified positions or dealing with large swarms of enemies.
• Supply Pod: Running low on ammo or grenades? The Supply Pod Stratagem drops in a fresh supply of goodies, ensuring you and your squad stay in the fight.
• Guard Dog Rover: This handy drone follows you around and automatically engages nearby enemies with its machine gun. It's great for providing covering fire and keeping those pesky bugs off your back.
• Shield Generator Pack: This backpack provides a personal energy shield that absorbs incoming damage. It's a lifesaver in tough situations and can give you the edge you need to survive.

These are just a few of the many powerful Stratagems available in Helldivers 2. As you experiment and find your own playstyle, you'll discover other Stratagems that suit your needs. The key is to be flexible and adapt your loadout to the mission at hand.

Mastering Stratagem Deployment

Knowing which Stratagems to use is only half the battle. You also need to master the art of Stratagem deployment. Here are a few tips to help you become a Stratagem master:

• Memorize the Codes: Each Stratagem has a unique code that you need to input using your Stratagem Hero input device. Memorizing these codes will allow you to deploy Stratagems quickly and efficiently in the heat of battle.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Head to the training grounds and practice inputting the Stratagem codes until you can do it without thinking. This will save you precious seconds when you're under pressure.
• Communicate with Your Team: Let your teammates know which Stratagems you're planning to use so they can coordinate their own abilities and avoid friendly fire.
• Watch Your Positioning: Be mindful of your surroundings when deploying Stratagems. You don't want to accidentally call in an airstrike on top of yourself or your teammates.
• Time It Right: The timing of your Stratagem deployment is crucial. Wait for the right moment to unleash your abilities and maximize their impact. For example, you might want to wait until a group of enemies is clustered together before calling in an airstrike.

Advanced Stratagem Strategies

Once you've mastered the basics of Stratagem deployment, you can start experimenting with more advanced strategies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Stratagem Combos: Combine different Stratagems to create powerful combos. For example, you could use an Orbital EMS Strike to slow down enemies and then follow it up with an Eagle Airstrike to wipe them out.
• Strategic Placement: Use Stratagems to control the battlefield and funnel enemies into kill zones. For example, you could use a Tesla Tower to create a defensive perimeter or a Gas Strike to block off a chokepoint.
• Support Roles: Coordinate with your teammates to create specialized support roles. For example, one player could focus on providing healing and resupply while another focuses on providing covering fire and scouting.

Conclusion: Become a Stratagem Master

Stratagems are the key to success in Helldivers 2. By understanding how they work, how to unlock them, and how to deploy them effectively, you can become a true Stratagem master and lead your squad to victory. So, get out there, experiment with different Stratagems, and find what works best for you. And remember, the only good bug is a dead bug! Dive in, Helldivers, and show those alien scum what you're made of!