Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Your Ultimate Guide To Victory

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 56 views

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-infested, and robot-riddled world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But before you start spreading managed democracy, you'll need to understand the heart and soul of your combat effectiveness: Stratagems. These aren't just fancy gadgets; they're your lifeline, your heavy hitters, and your ticket to turning the tide against overwhelming odds. This guide will break down everything you need to know about Helldivers 2 stratagems, from unlocking them to mastering their use on the battlefield. Let's get started, Helldiver!

What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?

Okay, let's break it down for all you fresh recruits. Stratagems in Helldivers 2 are basically your call-in reinforcements and special abilities. Think of them as your off-map support, your personal arsenal of devastating weaponry, and the tools you need to overcome seemingly impossible situations. Need an extra ammo supply? Call in a Supply Pod. Getting swarmed by bugs? Unleash an Orbital Laser. Facing a heavily armored automaton? Bring in a Recoilless Rifle or an Orbital Railcannon Strike. Stratagems are the key to adapting to any challenge the game throws at you.

Unlike your standard weapons, Stratagems aren't just picked up off the ground. You need to earn and equip them before each mission. You unlock them by spending Requisition points earned through completing missions. Before deploying, you select a limited number of Stratagems to bring with you, so choosing wisely is absolutely crucial. The right combination of Stratagems can make the difference between a glorious victory and a swift, embarrassing defeat (and trust me, no one wants to end up as bug chow).

The beauty of Stratagems lies in their versatility. They can be used offensively to clear out hordes of enemies or take down tough targets. Defensively, they can provide cover, create diversions, or even call in reinforcements. And strategically, they can be used to control the battlefield, cut off enemy reinforcements, or exploit weaknesses in enemy defenses. Mastering Stratagems is all about understanding their strengths and weaknesses, knowing when to use them, and coordinating with your team to maximize their effectiveness.

Unlocking and Equipping Stratagems

Alright, now that you know what Stratagems are, let's talk about how to get your hands on them. To unlock Stratagems, you'll need Requisition points. These are earned by completing missions and finding them scattered throughout the maps during your operations. The harder the mission, the more Requisition points you'll earn, so stepping up the difficulty is a great way to bolster your strategic options quickly. Once you've got a decent stockpile, head to the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. Here, you'll find a list of all available Stratagems, each with its own unique cost.

Browse the list carefully and consider your play style and the types of missions you'll be undertaking. Some Stratagems are great for dealing with hordes of enemies, while others are better suited for taking down heavily armored targets. Some provide support and utility, while others are all about raw firepower. Once you've decided which Stratagems you want, simply purchase them using your Requisition points. Once unlocked, Stratagems are permanently available to you, ready to be equipped before each mission.

Before deploying on a mission, you'll need to select your Stratagems at the Stratagem selection screen. You have a limited number of slots, so choose wisely! Consider the mission objectives, the enemy types you're likely to encounter, and your team's composition. A balanced loadout is usually the best approach, but sometimes specializing in a particular role can be beneficial. For example, if you know you'll be facing a lot of heavily armored enemies, you might want to bring extra anti-armor Stratagems. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you and your team. Don't be afraid to try new things and adapt your loadout to the situation at hand. Remember, the key to success in Helldivers 2 is flexibility and adaptability.

Essential Stratagems for Every Helldiver

Okay, Helldivers, let's talk about some must-have Stratagems that should be in every freedom fighter's arsenal. These are the bread and butter, the game-changers, the Stratagems that can turn a desperate situation into a glorious victory. Trust me; you'll want to unlock these ASAP.

Supply Pack: This is an absolute essential, especially on longer missions or higher difficulties. The Supply Pack allows you to resupply yourself and your teammates with ammo, grenades, and stims. Running out of ammo in the middle of a firefight is a surefire way to end up as bug food, so don't leave home without it!
Orbital Precision Strike: A versatile and reliable offensive Stratagem. The Orbital Precision Strike allows you to call in a targeted artillery strike on a specific location. It's great for clearing out enemy nests, taking down isolated targets, or softening up enemy defenses before an assault. Its relatively short cooldown makes it a valuable asset in any situation.
Eagle Airstrike: Need to clear out a large area quickly? The Eagle Airstrike is your answer. This Stratagem calls in a devastating airstrike that blankets a wide area with explosions. It's perfect for dealing with hordes of enemies, destroying enemy structures, or creating a diversion. Just be careful not to get caught in the blast radius!
Gatling Sentry: This automated turret provides invaluable fire support, mowing down enemies with a hail of bullets. It's great for defending objectives, covering flanks, or providing a distraction while you and your team reposition. Just be sure to place it in a strategic location with a good line of sight.
Shield Generator Pack: Provides a personal energy shield that can absorb a significant amount of damage. It's great for survivability, allowing you to soak up enemy fire while you advance on objectives or revive fallen teammates. It can also protect you from explosive damage, making it a valuable asset in chaotic firefights.

These are just a few of the many powerful Stratagems available in Helldivers 2, but they're a great starting point for any aspiring Helldiver. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for your play style and your team. Remember, the key to success is adaptability and teamwork!

Mastering Stratagem Deployment

Alright, soldiers, knowing which Stratagems to bring is only half the battle. You also need to know how to deploy them effectively on the battlefield. Proper deployment can be the difference between a successful strike and a complete waste of resources. So, listen up, and let's go over some key tips for mastering Stratagem deployment.

Learn the Input Codes: Each Stratagem has a unique input code that you need to enter to call it in. These codes are displayed on the Stratagem selection screen and in the in-game Stratagem menu. Memorizing these codes will significantly speed up your deployment time, allowing you to react quickly to changing situations. Practice makes perfect, so take the time to learn the codes for your favorite Stratagems.
Find a Safe Spot: Deploying a Stratagem leaves you vulnerable, as you're standing still while entering the input code. Always try to find a safe spot to deploy your Stratagems, preferably behind cover or away from enemy fire. If you're in a tight spot, consider having a teammate cover you while you deploy.
Communicate with Your Team: Coordination is key in Helldivers 2, and that includes Stratagem deployment. Let your teammates know which Stratagems you're planning to use and where you're going to deploy them. This will help prevent friendly fire incidents and ensure that your Stratagems are used effectively. Use the in-game voice chat or text chat to communicate with your team.
Consider the Cooldowns: Each Stratagem has a cooldown period after it's used. Pay attention to these cooldowns and plan your deployments accordingly. Don't waste all your powerful Stratagems at once, or you'll be left vulnerable when you need them most. Pace yourself and use your Stratagems strategically.
Watch Out for Interference: Certain environmental factors or enemy abilities can interfere with Stratagem deployment. Electrical storms, for example, can scramble your signals and delay or even prevent Stratagem deployment. Be aware of these factors and adjust your tactics accordingly. If you're experiencing interference, try moving to a different location or waiting for the interference to subside.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering Stratagem deployment and becoming a valuable asset to your team. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and refining your techniques.

Advanced Stratagem Tactics

Alright, cadets, ready to take your Stratagem game to the next level? Here, we'll dive into some advanced tactics that will separate you from the greenhorns and turn you into a true Stratagem master. These techniques require coordination, timing, and a deep understanding of the game mechanics, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Stacking Stratagems: Coordinate with your team to stack multiple Stratagems on the same target for maximum effect. For example, you could combine an Orbital Railcannon Strike with an Eagle Airstrike to completely obliterate a heavily armored enemy or a fortified position. Stacking Stratagems requires precise timing and communication, but it can be incredibly effective.
Using Stratagems for Crowd Control: Certain Stratagems are excellent for controlling large groups of enemies. The Gas Strike, for example, can create a cloud of poisonous gas that slows down and damages enemies, while the EMS Mortar Sentry can stun enemies with electrical pulses. Use these Stratagems to create chokepoints, slow down enemy advances, or buy your team time to reposition.
Strategic Stratagem Placement: Think carefully about where you place your Stratagems. A well-placed Gatling Sentry can cover a critical chokepoint, while a strategically deployed Smoke Grenade can provide cover for your team to advance. Use the terrain to your advantage and consider the enemy's likely paths of attack when placing your Stratagems.
Bait and Switch: Use weaker Stratagems to bait enemies into a trap, then follow up with a more powerful Stratagem to finish them off. For example, you could use a decoy grenade to lure enemies into a narrow corridor, then unleash an Eagle Airstrike to wipe them out. This tactic requires careful timing and coordination, but it can be incredibly effective against unsuspecting enemies.
Using Stratagems to Revive Teammates: Certain Stratagems can be used to create a safe zone for reviving fallen teammates. The Smoke Grenade, for example, can provide cover from enemy fire, while the Shield Generator Pack can protect you and your teammate while you perform the revive. Use these Stratagems to ensure that you can safely revive your teammates, even in the heat of battle.

Conclusion: Become a Stratagem Master

Helldivers, mastering Stratagems is essential to becoming a force to be reckoned with in Helldivers 2. By understanding what Stratagems are, how to unlock and equip them, and how to deploy them effectively, you'll be well on your way to spreading managed democracy across the galaxy. Remember to experiment with different combinations, coordinate with your team, and adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. Now get out there, Helldiver, and show those bugs and bots what you're made of!

Now get out there, experiment, and become the ultimate Stratagem master! The fate of Super Earth depends on it!