Top Stratagems For Helldivers: Dominate The Battlefield

Hey Helldivers! Ready to dive into the action and spread some managed democracy? To make sure you’re not just cannon fodder for the bugs and bots, you'll need to arm yourself with the best stratagems in Helldivers 2. This guide will walk you through the top stratagems that will turn you into a true force for Super Earth. We're talking loadouts that can handle any situation, from clearing out nests to taking down colossal automatons. So, grab your cape, and let's dive in!

Understanding Stratagems

Before we jump into the specifics, let's cover the basics. Stratagems are essentially your lifeline in Helldivers 2. These are the tools, weapons, and support options you can call in during a mission to turn the tide of battle. Think of them as your superpowers, but with a cooldown timer. You input a specific sequence of directional commands, and boom – your requested stratagem is deployed.

Choosing the right stratagems is crucial because every mission throws different challenges your way. You might need heavy firepower to deal with armored enemies, or perhaps you need a quick escape route when things get too hot. Knowing your stratagems inside and out is the key to survival.

There's a huge range of stratagems available, from backpack support items like the Shield Generator Pack to devastating orbital strikes. Some are unlocked early on, while others require you to level up and spend requisition slips, the in-game currency you earn by completing missions and objectives. Experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun, so don't be afraid to try new things and find what works best for your play style.

Must-Have Stratagems for Every Helldiver

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! These stratagems are essential for any Helldiver looking to make a serious impact on the battlefield. They offer a great balance of offense, defense, and utility, ensuring you're ready for anything.

1. Eagle Airstrike

The Eagle Airstrike is your bread and butter for clearing out enemy nests and groups of weaker foes. This stratagem deploys a series of bombs that cover a wide area, making it perfect for dealing with hordes of bugs or lightly armored automatons. The Eagle Airstrike has a relatively short cooldown, meaning you can use it frequently throughout a mission. This makes it incredibly versatile and a must-have for any Helldiver.

What makes the Eagle Airstrike so effective is its ease of use and widespread damage. Just toss the stratagem beacon, input the code, and watch the fireworks. It's especially useful for taking out those pesky bug holes or automaton fabricators before they can spawn more enemies. Remember to aim carefully, though, as friendly fire is definitely a thing in Helldivers 2!

To maximize its effectiveness, coordinate with your team to use the Eagle Airstrike in conjunction with other stratagems. For example, you could use a stun grenade to group enemies together before dropping the airstrike, ensuring maximum carnage. Or, you could use it to clear a path for your team to advance, making it safer to move through heavily contested areas.

2. Orbital Railcannon Strike

When you're facing heavily armored enemies like Chargers or Tanks, the Orbital Railcannon Strike is your best friend. This stratagem calls in a powerful railcannon shot from orbit, delivering a devastating blow to a single target. It's perfect for taking down those tough enemies that would otherwise chew through your team's defenses.

The Orbital Railcannon Strike is a precision weapon, so you'll want to make sure you're aiming at the right target. It's best used against enemies with weak points, such as the Charger's exposed abdomen or the Tank's vents. A well-placed railcannon shot can instantly eliminate these threats, saving your team a lot of trouble.

While the Orbital Railcannon Strike is incredibly powerful, it does have a longer cooldown than some other stratagems. This means you'll need to use it strategically, saving it for the moments when you really need that extra firepower. Coordinate with your team to identify the biggest threats, and make sure you're ready to unleash the railcannon when they appear.

3. Supply Pack

Staying stocked up on ammo and grenades is crucial for survival in Helldivers 2, and the Supply Pack is the perfect way to do it. This backpack stratagem allows you to resupply yourself and your teammates with essential resources, ensuring you never run dry in the heat of battle. It’s a must-have for long missions or when you're facing a lot of enemies.

The Supply Pack is more than just a convenient way to carry extra ammo. It's a tactical asset that can keep your team in the fight for longer. By providing a reliable source of resupply, you can maintain constant pressure on the enemy and avoid getting caught in a vulnerable position. Sharing is caring when it comes to the Supply Pack, so make sure to spread the love among your teammates.

The Supply Pack also frees up other stratagem slots, as you won't need to bring as many resupply-focused options. This allows you to diversify your loadout and bring other powerful tools to the table. Consider pairing the Supply Pack with offensive stratagems like the Eagle Airstrike or Orbital Railcannon Strike for a well-rounded loadout.

4. Shield Generator Pack

In the chaotic battles of Helldivers 2, staying alive can be tough. That's where the Shield Generator Pack comes in. This backpack stratagem provides a personal energy shield that can absorb a significant amount of damage, making you much more resilient to enemy fire. It's a game-changer for survivability, especially in higher difficulty missions.

The Shield Generator Pack not only protects you from direct hits, but it also helps to mitigate the effects of explosions and other area-of-effect attacks. This can be a lifesaver when you're dealing with enemies that use grenades or other explosive weapons. The shield recharges quickly, so you'll have a reliable defense in almost any situation.

The Shield Generator Pack is particularly useful when you're playing a more aggressive role, pushing into enemy territory or flanking around the enemy. It allows you to soak up damage while your teammates provide cover fire, making it easier to close the distance and eliminate threats. Consider it as your personal force field, giving you the edge you need to survive.

5. Gatling Sentry

For area denial and crowd control, the Gatling Sentry is an excellent choice. This stratagem deploys an automated turret that fires a hail of bullets at any enemies that get too close. It's perfect for defending objectives or creating a defensive perimeter around your team.

The Gatling Sentry is incredibly effective at mowing down hordes of weaker enemies, such as the smaller bugs or the lighter automaton units. It can also provide valuable suppressing fire, keeping enemies pinned down while your team focuses on larger threats. Placing the Gatling Sentry in a strategic location can turn a chokepoint into a death trap for the enemy.

While the Gatling Sentry is powerful, it's not invincible. It can be destroyed by heavy fire or explosives, so you'll want to protect it as much as possible. Positioning it behind cover or near other defensive structures can help to extend its lifespan. You can also use it as bait to draw enemies into a kill zone, where your team can finish them off.

Advanced Stratagem Combinations

Now that we've covered the must-have stratagems, let's talk about some advanced combinations that can take your game to the next level. These combos require a bit more coordination and timing, but they can deliver devastating results when executed properly.

1. Orbital Laser + Eagle 500kg Bomb

This combo is all about maximum destruction. First, call in the Orbital Laser to target a large area and start incinerating enemies. Then, follow it up with the Eagle 500kg Bomb to deliver a massive explosion that will wipe out anything that's left standing. This combo is perfect for clearing out heavily fortified positions or dealing with large groups of enemies.

2. EMS Mortar Sentry + Gatling Sentry

For ultimate area denial, combine the EMS Mortar Sentry with the Gatling Sentry. The EMS Mortar Sentry fires projectiles that slow and stun enemies, making them easy targets for the Gatling Sentry. This combo creates a deadly kill zone that enemies will struggle to penetrate.

3. Shield Generator Pack + Railgun

If you like to get up close and personal with the enemy, the Shield Generator Pack and Railgun combo is for you. The Shield Generator Pack will keep you alive while you charge up the Railgun, allowing you to deliver devastating shots to heavily armored enemies. This combo turns you into an unstoppable force, capable of taking down even the toughest foes.

Tips for Effective Stratagem Use

Before we wrap things up, here are a few tips to keep in mind when using stratagems in Helldivers 2:

• Learn the input codes: Memorizing the directional sequences for your favorite stratagems will allow you to call them in quickly and efficiently.
• Communicate with your team: Let your teammates know which stratagems you're bringing and how you plan to use them. Coordination is key to success.
• Be mindful of friendly fire: Stratagems can be just as deadly to your teammates as they are to the enemy. Aim carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
• Consider the mission objectives: Choose stratagems that are well-suited to the mission you're undertaking. Some missions may require more offensive firepower, while others may prioritize defense or support.

Final Thoughts

Mastering stratagems is essential for becoming a top-tier Helldiver in Helldivers 2. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each stratagem, and by coordinating with your team, you'll be able to tackle even the toughest challenges that Super Earth throws your way. So, get out there, experiment with different loadouts, and spread some managed democracy!

Now go forth, Helldivers, and show those bugs and bots what you're made of! For Super Earth!