Unlocking Stratagems In Helldivers 2: A Complete Guide

Alright, Helldivers 2 players, let's talk about something super important: Stratagems! These are your bread and butter, your go-to tools for raining down freedom on those pesky alien hordes. But, like any good arsenal, you gotta unlock 'em before you can use 'em. So, how do you unlock stratagems in Helldivers 2? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the strategy and the steps you need to take to expand your tactical options on the battlefield. This guide will walk you through everything, from the basics of stratagems to the nitty-gritty of unlocking new ones, ensuring you're well-equipped to spread democracy across the galaxy. Let's get started, guys!

Understanding Stratagems: Your Key to Galactic Domination

First things first, what exactly are stratagems? Think of them as your special abilities, your super moves, and your calls for support. They're activated by entering specific directional codes using your D-pad and then calling them in. These range from orbital strikes and supply drops to powerful support weapons and devastating Eagle strikes. Mastering the use of stratagems is absolutely crucial for success in Helldivers 2. Knowing when to call in an orbital laser to obliterate a horde of bugs, or when to drop a resupply to keep your squad fighting, can be the difference between a glorious victory and a bug-splattered defeat. This makes unlocking and efficiently using different stratagems a core part of the game.

Stratagems offer incredible tactical flexibility. You can use them to:

• Obliterate enemies: Orbital strikes, Eagle strikes, and other offensive stratagems are perfect for clearing out heavily defended positions or wiping out large groups of enemies. Imagine calling in an orbital railcannon to blast a charger before it even gets close. Cool, right?
• Provide Support: Call in a resupply pod to replenish your ammo and grenades, or deploy a shield generator to provide cover during intense firefights. Support stratagems are essential for keeping your team alive and fighting.
• Control the Battlefield: Smoke screens can obscure enemy vision, allowing you to reposition or escape dangerous situations. EMS mortars can slow down and stun enemies, giving you a chance to breathe. Using the right stratagem at the right moment can completely change the tide of battle.
• Call in Reinforcements: In the heat of battle, you can use stratagems to call in support weapons, like the machine gun, or call in powerful exosuits. These can provide a much-needed boost in firepower or survivability.

Each stratagem has its own cooldown timer and number of uses per mission. Learning the strengths and weaknesses of each one and how to manage their availability is key. Understanding the different types of stratagems and how they fit into your squad's overall strategy is what separates the casual divers from the true Helldivers 2 veterans. That's why unlocking stratagems is so important, it gives you a wider variety of tools to tackle the challenges that are thrown your way.

How to Unlock New Stratagems: The Acquisition Process

So, how do you actually unlock these amazing tools? It's a combination of progression, resources, and a little bit of legwork, but it's totally worth it. The process is pretty straightforward, but it requires a bit of grinding and smart decision-making. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Level Up: This is the most basic requirement. As you complete missions and earn experience, you'll level up your character. New stratagems unlock as you reach certain level milestones. So, the higher your level, the more options you'll have.
2. Acquire Requisition Slips: These are your currency for purchasing new stratagems. You earn them by completing missions, by finding them on the battlefield, and by completing certain operations. Always keep an eye out for requisition slips, as you’ll need a lot of them!
3. Visit the Ship Management Terminal: This is the hub for all your upgrades and purchases. Located on your ship, the 'Ship Management' console is where you'll spend your hard-earned requisition slips to unlock new stratagems. Navigate through the available stratagems and select the ones you want to unlock.
4. Confirm Your Purchase: Once you've selected a stratagem, the game will confirm that you want to spend the requisition slips to unlock it. Make sure you really want it! You don’t get a refund.
5. Enjoy Your New Toys: After purchasing a new stratagem, it’s immediately available for use in your loadout. You can then equip it before heading out on your next mission and start experimenting. Good luck, soldier!

This process is relatively straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to maximize your efficiency. For example, focus on completing missions with high requisition slip rewards to speed up the unlocking process. Additionally, coordinate with your squad to make sure you're unlocking a good mix of stratagems to complement your playstyles. Unlocking the right stratagems can make all the difference in whether you're able to complete those higher difficulty missions and earn even more rewards. And who doesn't like more rewards, am I right?

Stratagem Types: Choosing the Right Tools for the Job

Knowing how to unlock stratagems is only half the battle. You also need to know which ones to unlock and how to use them effectively. Helldivers 2 offers a wide variety of stratagems, each with its own unique purpose. Learning the different types of stratagems, their strengths, and weaknesses is the key to becoming a true master of the battlefield. It's not just about having a big arsenal; it's about having the right tools for the job. You'll want to focus on unlocking a diverse selection of stratagems to be prepared for any mission. Let’s break down the main categories:

• Offensive Stratagems: These are your damage dealers, designed to eliminate enemies. This category includes orbital strikes (like the Orbital Gatling Barrage and the Orbital Railcannon Strike), Eagle strikes (like the Eagle Airstrike and the Eagle Cluster Bomb), and other high-powered options. These are perfect for clearing out heavily defended areas or taking down high-value targets.
• Defensive Stratagems: These stratagems are designed to provide cover and support. This includes the shield generator, which creates a protective dome, and the supply drop, which replenishes your ammo and grenades. Using defensive stratagems can be the difference between surviving a chaotic encounter and getting swarmed and killed.
• Support Weapons: This category gives you access to powerful weapons that you can call in during missions. These can include machine guns, flamethrowers, and other specialized tools. Support weapons can provide a massive boost to your firepower, especially in the hands of a skilled player.
• Traversal and Movement: Some stratagems can enhance your movement and navigation. Think of the Jump Pack, which allows you to jump over obstacles and quickly close the distance with enemies. These are great for flanking the enemy or escaping a bad situation.
• Supply and Logistics: This includes things like resupply pods and the reinforcement stratagem, allowing you to replenish resources and call in more teammates. Proper use of these ensures that your team always has the tools and manpower to succeed.

When deciding which stratagems to unlock, think about your preferred playstyle and your squad's needs. If you like to play aggressively, focus on unlocking offensive stratagems. If you prefer a more supportive role, prioritize defensive stratagems and supply drops. A balanced loadout that caters to the requirements of the mission is what you will need. Having a variety of stratagems also allows you to adapt to unexpected situations. The more stratagems you unlock and experiment with, the more prepared you will be for any challenge the game throws your way.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Stratagem Efficiency

Alright, so you've unlocked some new stratagems, but how do you become a master? Knowing how to efficiently use your stratagems can be the difference between victory and defeat. Here are some pro tips to help you get the most out of them:

• Practice Calling in Stratagems: The most crucial tip. Memorizing the directional input codes is a must. Practice in a safe area, like your ship, before heading into battle. The last thing you want is to be fumbling with the controls when you're being swarmed by bugs.
• Know Your Codes: Each stratagem has a unique directional code. Keep a list handy or, better yet, memorize them. Speed is key, especially when you need to call in a quick orbital strike or a vital resupply.
• Read the Battlefield: Observe the enemy's movements, identify high-value targets, and anticipate their attacks. Plan your stratagem usage accordingly. Don't just blindly call in stratagems; use them strategically.
• Coordinate with Your Squad: Communication is key! Let your teammates know what stratagems you plan to use, and coordinate your actions. This is especially important for things like orbital strikes, which can easily hit friendly fire.
• Manage Your Cooldowns: Keep track of the cooldown timers for your stratagems. Don't waste your best options early on; save them for when you really need them. Also, understand how the cooldown works, which can vary depending on the stratagem, from a couple of seconds to minutes.
• Consider the Environment: The terrain and the environment can impact your stratagem usage. Orbital strikes might be blocked by cover, while Eagle strikes might be affected by weather conditions. Take all of this into account when calling in a stratagem.
• Experiment and Adapt: Don't be afraid to try different stratagems and experiment with their usage. Some strategies will work better than others in different situations. Learn from your mistakes, and adapt your tactics accordingly. Be open to using different stratagems depending on your situation, and always be flexible.

Mastering these tips takes time, but it's essential for becoming a highly effective Helldivers 2 player. The more you play and the more you practice, the better you will become at using stratagems effectively.

Conclusion: Become a Stratagem Master!

Unlocking and mastering stratagems is a core part of the Helldivers 2 experience. It’s not just about shooting; it's about strategy, teamwork, and knowing how to utilize your tools effectively. This guide has given you all the information you need to get started: understanding stratagems, how to unlock them, and how to use them effectively. By following these tips and practicing your skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true stratagem master, capable of leading your squad to victory in even the toughest battles. So get out there, Helldiver, unlock those stratagems, and spread some democracy! Good luck out there and have fun spreading freedom, one stratagem at a time! Keep diving, keep fighting, and keep those bugs and bots on the run! For Super Earth!