Helldivers 2: Unlock The Best Stratagems Guide
So, you're a fresh Helldiver, ready to spread Managed Democracy across the galaxy? Awesome! But let's be real, those bugs and bots aren't going to vaporize themselves. You need Stratagems – the game-changing abilities you call down from orbit to turn the tide of battle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Helldivers 2 Stratagems, from unlocking them to mastering their use. Let's dive in, shall we?
Understanding Stratagems
Okay, squad, let's break down what Stratagems actually are. Think of them as your off-planet support system. Need an orbital bombardment to clear out a bug nest? Stratagem. Want a supply drop to replenish your ammo? Stratagem. Fancy a personal shield to tank some hits? You guessed it – Stratagem! These abilities are absolutely crucial for surviving, especially on higher difficulties. You'll quickly find that a well-coordinated team using the right Stratagems can overcome seemingly impossible odds. But here's the catch: you don't start with everything unlocked. You'll need to earn them.
Think of Stratagems as your lifeline in the heat of battle. They are not just mere abilities; they are strategic assets that can dramatically shift the balance of power in your favor. Whether you're facing hordes of Terminids or heavily armored Automatons, having the right Stratagem at your disposal can be the difference between victory and a swift return to your Super Destroyer. To truly master Helldivers 2, understanding and effectively utilizing Stratagems is paramount. Each Stratagem has its own unique input sequence, cooldown time, and strategic use, making them versatile tools in your arsenal. From deploying sentry turrets to calling in devastating airstrikes, the possibilities are endless. Remember, however, that Stratagems are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different missions and enemy types will require different loadouts, so experimentation and adaptation are key. Coordinating with your team to maximize the effectiveness of your combined Stratagems can lead to some truly epic moments on the battlefield.
How to Unlock Stratagems
Unlocking Stratagems is pretty straightforward, guys. You'll be spending Requisition Points at the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. You earn Requisition Points by completing missions and finding them scattered around the map during gameplay. So, the more you play, the more you unlock! The Ship Management screen is where the magic happens. Here, you'll see different categories of Stratagems, each with its own set of unlockable goodies. Weapons, Backpacks, Orbital Strikes, and more await your hard-earned points. Don't just spend them all willy-nilly, though! Think about your playstyle and what your team needs. A balanced loadout is always a good idea.
To unlock Stratagems effectively, prioritize those that complement your preferred playstyle and your team's needs. For example, if you enjoy playing a support role, focus on unlocking Stratagems like the Supply Pack or the Shield Generator Pack, which can provide valuable support to your teammates. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, consider unlocking offensive Stratagems like the Eagle Airstrike or the Orbital Laser, which can deal massive damage to enemy forces. Keep in mind that some Stratagems may be more effective against certain enemy types than others, so it's important to diversify your loadout to be prepared for any situation. Additionally, pay attention to the cooldown times of your Stratagems. Some Stratagems have relatively short cooldowns, allowing you to use them frequently, while others have longer cooldowns, requiring you to use them more strategically. Experiment with different combinations of Stratagems to find what works best for you and your team. Communication is key when coordinating Stratagem usage with your teammates. Let them know what Stratagems you have available and how you plan to use them so that you can maximize their effectiveness and avoid overlapping or conflicting deployments. By unlocking and mastering a variety of Stratagems, you'll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging missions in Helldivers 2.
Essential Early-Game Stratagems
Alright, rookie, let's talk about some Stratagems that will seriously boost your effectiveness early on. These are the ones you should beeline for when you start racking up those Requisition Points:
- Machine Gun Sentry: This little beauty provides automatic fire support, mowing down bugs and bots alike. It's great for holding objectives or creating a defensive perimeter.
 - Supply Pack: Never run out of ammo again! This backpack lets you resupply yourself and your teammates, keeping everyone in the fight longer.
 - Eagle Airstrike: A classic for a reason. Call in a devastating airstrike to clear out large groups of enemies or take down heavily armored targets.
 - Orbital Gatling Barrage: Need to suppress a large area? This Stratagem unleashes a hail of bullets from orbit, keeping the enemy pinned down.
 
These Stratagems offer a good balance of offensive and defensive capabilities, making them ideal for tackling a wide range of missions. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock even more powerful Stratagems, but these early-game options will provide a solid foundation for your Helldiving career.
During the early stages of Helldivers 2, selecting the right Stratagems can significantly impact your ability to overcome challenges and contribute to your team's success. The Machine Gun Sentry is a fantastic choice for providing sustained fire support, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the sentry automatically engages nearby enemies. Its ability to target and eliminate threats makes it invaluable for holding objectives and creating defensive positions. The Supply Pack is another essential Stratagem, ensuring that you and your teammates never run out of ammunition during intense firefights. By replenishing ammo and grenades, the Supply Pack keeps everyone in the fight longer, increasing your team's overall effectiveness. The Eagle Airstrike is a versatile offensive Stratagem that can quickly eliminate large groups of enemies or destroy heavily armored targets. Its wide area of effect and high damage output make it a go-to option for clearing out bug nests or taking down Automaton tanks. Finally, the Orbital Gatling Barrage is a powerful suppression tool that can keep enemies pinned down and prevent them from advancing. By unleashing a relentless hail of bullets from orbit, this Stratagem creates a zone of danger that enemies are reluctant to enter, giving you and your team valuable breathing room. Together, these early-game Stratagems provide a well-rounded loadout that can handle a variety of situations, making them essential for any aspiring Helldiver.
Advanced Stratagems to Aim For
Once you've got a handle on the basics, it's time to start thinking about some more advanced Stratagems. These are the big guns that can really change the game. Just be warned, they're usually more expensive and have longer cooldowns, so use them wisely!
- Railgun: This bad boy is a must-have for taking down heavily armored enemies like Chargers and Bile Titans. It can pierce through armor with ease, making short work of even the toughest foes.
 - Shield Generator Pack: Provides a personal energy shield that absorbs incoming damage. It's perfect for protecting yourself while pushing forward or reviving teammates.
 - Orbital Railcannon Strike: A single, devastating shot from orbit that can obliterate even the largest enemies. Use it on Bile Titans or other high-priority targets.
 - Eagle 500kg Bomb: Need to level an entire area? This Stratagem drops a massive bomb that can wipe out everything in a large radius. Just be careful not to get caught in the blast!
 
These advanced Stratagems require careful planning and coordination to use effectively. The Railgun, for example, is most effective when used in conjunction with other anti-armor weapons, allowing you to quickly eliminate heavily armored threats. The Shield Generator Pack can provide valuable protection for your team, allowing you to push forward and secure objectives without taking excessive damage. The Orbital Railcannon Strike is a powerful tool for eliminating high-priority targets, but its long cooldown means that you'll need to use it strategically. Finally, the Eagle 500kg Bomb is a devastating area-of-effect weapon that can wipe out entire enemy formations, but its large blast radius means that you'll need to use it with caution to avoid friendly fire. By mastering these advanced Stratagems, you'll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging missions in Helldivers 2.
As you progress further into Helldivers 2, mastering advanced Stratagems becomes crucial for tackling the game's toughest challenges. The Railgun stands out as an indispensable tool for dealing with heavily armored enemies, capable of piercing through even the thickest hides with ease. Its precision and high damage output make it a go-to choice for taking down Chargers, Bile Titans, and other formidable foes. The Shield Generator Pack offers a significant boost to survivability, providing a personal energy shield that absorbs incoming damage. This allows you to push forward with confidence, knowing that you can withstand a barrage of enemy fire while securing objectives or reviving teammates. The Orbital Railcannon Strike delivers a single, devastating shot from orbit, capable of obliterating even the largest enemies in a single blast. Its immense power makes it perfect for eliminating high-priority targets like Bile Titans or Automaton Tanks, but its long cooldown requires careful planning and execution. The Eagle 500kg Bomb offers unparalleled destructive potential, capable of leveling entire areas with a single explosion. Its massive blast radius can wipe out hordes of enemies, making it ideal for clearing out bug nests or destroying heavily fortified positions. However, its indiscriminate nature demands caution to avoid friendly fire incidents. By mastering these advanced Stratagems, you'll unlock new levels of strategic depth and tactical flexibility, enabling you to overcome even the most daunting challenges that Helldivers 2 has to offer.
Mastering Stratagem Use: Tips and Tricks
Okay, you've got your Stratagems unlocked. Now, let's talk about how to use them effectively. It's not just about calling them in; it's about timing, placement, and teamwork. Here are some pro tips:
- Learn the Input Codes: Each Stratagem has a unique sequence of directional inputs (Up, Down, Left, Right). Memorize these! Fumbling with the code in the middle of a firefight is a surefire way to get yourself killed.
 - Communicate with Your Team: Let your teammates know what Stratagems you're planning to use. This avoids overlapping or, even worse, accidentally bombing your friends.
 - Consider the Environment: Is it raining? Some Stratagems, like the Tesla Tower, are less effective in wet conditions. Are you indoors? Orbital strikes are a no-go.
 - Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use your Stratagems, the better you'll get at aiming and timing them. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things!
 
Effectively using Stratagems requires not only a deep understanding of their individual capabilities but also a keen awareness of the battlefield dynamics and team composition. Mastering the input codes for each Stratagem is paramount, as it allows you to quickly and accurately call in reinforcements or unleash devastating attacks in the heat of battle. Memorizing these sequences will save you precious seconds and prevent costly mistakes. Communication with your team is equally crucial. By coordinating Stratagem usage with your teammates, you can avoid redundancy, maximize efficiency, and prevent friendly fire incidents. Let your teammates know which Stratagems you plan to deploy and when, so they can adjust their strategies accordingly. Pay close attention to the environmental conditions when selecting and deploying Stratagems. Rain, snow, or fog can significantly impact the effectiveness of certain Stratagems, such as those that rely on electrical conductivity or visual targeting. Similarly, indoor environments may restrict the use of orbital strikes or other large-scale attacks. Practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering Stratagem usage. Experiment with different combinations of Stratagems, learn their nuances, and develop your own strategies for maximizing their effectiveness. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, as this is the best way to discover hidden synergies and unlock your full potential as a Helldiver.
Effective Stratagem use goes beyond simply knowing the input codes and calling them in at random. It requires a deep understanding of each Stratagem's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ability to anticipate enemy movements and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. Mastering the input codes for each Stratagem is essential, allowing you to quickly and accurately deploy them in the heat of battle. Practice memorizing these sequences until they become second nature, so you can focus on other critical tasks. Communication with your team is paramount for effective Stratagem coordination. Before each mission, discuss your team's loadout and develop a cohesive strategy for deploying Stratagems. Coordinate your attacks to maximize their impact and avoid wasting resources. Pay attention to the environmental conditions and how they may affect the performance of your Stratagems. Rain, snow, or fog can reduce the accuracy and effectiveness of certain Stratagems, so adjust your tactics accordingly. Practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering Stratagem usage. Experiment with different combinations of Stratagems to discover their synergies and develop your own unique playstyle. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, as this is the best way to learn and improve your skills as a Helldiver. By mastering these techniques, you'll be well-equipped to lead your team to victory against even the most formidable foes.
Final Thoughts
Stratagems are the heart and soul of Helldivers 2. Mastering them is the key to survival and, more importantly, to spreading Managed Democracy throughout the galaxy! So, get out there, experiment, and find the Stratagems that work best for you. And remember, teamwork makes the dream work! Now go liberate some planets, Helldiver!