Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Unlock The Best Gear!
So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But let's be real, success in this game isn't just about having a quick trigger finger. It's about mastering your Stratagems. Think of them as your lifeline, your orbital support, your… well, everything that separates you from being bug food. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Helldivers 2 Stratagems, from unlocking them to using them effectively.
What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?
Stratagems are essentially your off-map abilities that you can call in during missions. They range from powerful orbital bombardments that can clear out entire nests of Terminids to resupply pods that keep you stocked with ammo and grenades. You can even call in walking mechs! These aren't just simple power-ups, though. They require specific input codes, a sequence of directional inputs that you need to enter correctly to activate the Stratagem. Knowing these codes and being able to input them quickly under pressure is crucial for survival.
Imagine you're surrounded by a horde of Chargers, those heavily armored, rhino-like creatures that can flatten you in seconds. Fumbling around trying to remember the code for your Anti-Tank Rocket Sentry isn't going to cut it. You need to be able to quickly and accurately input the code, call down the sentry, and let it do its work while you and your team focus on staying alive. That's the power of mastering Stratagems.
Moreover, Stratagems add a layer of strategic depth to Helldivers 2. Before each mission, you get to choose which Stratagems you want to bring with you. This allows you to tailor your loadout to the specific challenges you expect to face. Going up against a heavily armored Automaton force? You'll want to bring Stratagems that can penetrate their armor, like the Railgun or the Orbital Laser. Facing a swarm of Terminids? Something like the Flamethrower or the Gatling Sentry might be more effective. The right combination of Stratagems can make all the difference between a successful mission and a humiliating defeat.
Beyond their combat applications, Stratagems also play a vital role in completing objectives. Many missions require you to call in specific Stratagems to achieve your goals, such as deploying a Hellbomb to destroy a bug nest or calling in a radar scan to locate enemy positions. Knowing which Stratagems are required for each mission and how to use them effectively is essential for progressing through the game.
Unlocking New Stratagems
Okay, so how do you get your hands on these awesome Stratagems? It's all about Requisition Slips. You earn Requisition Slips by completing missions, and you can then spend them at the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. Each Stratagem has a specific Requisition Slip cost, and some may also have level requirements. As you level up, more Stratagems become available for purchase.
The Ship Management terminal is your hub for all things Stratagem-related. Here, you can browse the available Stratagems, see their costs and requirements, and purchase them using your hard-earned Requisition Slips. The terminal also provides detailed information about each Stratagem, including its input code, cooldown time, and effects. Take the time to read through this information carefully so you understand how each Stratagem works before you bring it into a mission.
Pro Tip: Don't just blindly buy every Stratagem you can afford. Think about your play style and the types of missions you enjoy doing. Are you a lone wolf who likes to sneak around and take out enemies from afar? Or are you a team player who prefers to support your squad with defensive Stratagems? Choose Stratagems that complement your play style and that will be useful in a variety of situations. It's also a good idea to coordinate with your teammates to ensure that you have a balanced loadout that covers all the bases.
Upgrading Your Ship Modules is Key: Don't forget about Ship Modules! These upgrades, purchased with Samples found during missions, drastically improve your Stratagems. Reduced cooldown times, increased ammo capacity, and extra uses can turn a good Stratagem into a game-changer. Prioritize upgrades that benefit your most frequently used Stratagems to maximize their effectiveness. For instance, if you rely heavily on the Eagle Airstrike, upgrading the corresponding Ship Module will allow you to call in more airstrikes per mission, giving you a significant advantage in combat. Remember, a well-upgraded Stratagem is worth its weight in Super Credits.
Essential Helldivers 2 Stratagems and Their Codes
Alright, let's get to the good stuff – the Stratagems themselves and their codes! Here are some essential Stratagems that you should aim to unlock early on:
- Reinforce: (⬆️⬇️➡️⬅️⬆️) - This is your bread and butter. It calls in a reinforcement pod to bring back a fallen teammate. Memorize this code! You'll be using it A LOT.
 - Resupply: (⬇️⬇️⬆️➡️) - Essential for keeping your team stocked with ammo, grenades, and stims. Never leave home without it.
 - Eagle Airstrike: (⬆️➡️⬇️➡️⬆️) - A versatile Stratagem that can be used to clear out enemy nests or take down heavily armored targets. A solid all-around choice.
 - Orbital Gatling Barrage: (➡️⬇️⬅️⬆️➡️) - Overwhelmed by hordes? This Stratagem unleashes a hail of bullets from orbit, shredding through crowds of enemies. Great for crowd control.
 - Mortar Sentry: (⬇️⬆️➡️➡️⬇️) - A defensive powerhouse. Place this sentry near your objective and watch it rain down explosive shells on any approaching enemies. Just be careful not to get caught in the blast radius!
 
These are just a few of the many Stratagems available in Helldivers 2, but they're a great starting point for building your arsenal. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock more powerful and specialized Stratagems that can handle even the most challenging situations.
Tips and Tricks for Using Stratagems Effectively
Now that you know what Stratagems are and how to unlock them, let's talk about how to use them effectively. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Memorize the Codes: This is the most important tip of all. The faster you can input the codes, the faster you can call in the Stratagem. Practice the codes until they become second nature. Use flashcards, write them down on a sticky note, or just repeat them to yourself over and over again. Whatever works for you, just make sure you know those codes!
 - Practice Makes Perfect: Head to a low-difficulty mission and just practice calling in your Stratagems. Get used to the timing, the animation, and the area of effect. This will help you become more confident and efficient in using them during high-pressure situations.
 - Communicate with Your Team: Let your teammates know what Stratagems you're bringing and how you plan to use them. This will help you coordinate your attacks and avoid accidentally overlapping Stratagems. For example, if you're planning to call in an Orbital Laser, let your teammates know so they can clear the area and avoid getting caught in the blast.
 - Watch Your Cooldowns: Each Stratagem has a cooldown period after it's used. Pay attention to these cooldowns and don't waste your Stratagems unnecessarily. If you know you're about to enter a tough fight, save your most powerful Stratagems for when you really need them.
 - Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Before calling in a Stratagem, take a moment to assess your surroundings. Make sure you're not too close to your teammates, and be aware of any obstacles that might interfere with the Stratagem's effectiveness. For example, if you're calling in an airstrike, make sure you're not standing under any trees or buildings that could block the bombs.
 - Use Stratagems Defensively: Stratagems aren't just for offense. They can also be used to defend yourself and your teammates. For example, you can use a Smoke Grenade to create a temporary screen of smoke that will obscure your position from enemies. Or you can use a Shield Generator Pack to provide yourself with a personal energy shield that will absorb incoming fire.
 - Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Helldivers 2 is all about experimentation. Don't be afraid to try out different Stratagem combinations and see what works best for you. You might be surprised at what you discover!
 
Mastering Stratagem Combos for Maximum Impact
Alright, Helldivers, let's take your Stratagem game to the next level. It's not just about knowing the codes; it's about combining Stratagems for maximum effect. Here's how to become a true Stratagem maestro:
- The Crowd Control Combo: Facing a massive swarm of Terminids? Try combining the Orbital Gatling Barrage (➡️⬇️⬅️⬆️➡️) with the Incendiary Mines (⬇️➡️⬆️⬅️). The Gatling Barrage will thin out the horde, while the Incendiary Mines will create a fiery barrier, burning any stragglers that try to get through. This combo is perfect for holding down a defensive position or creating a safe path through a bug-infested area.
 - The Anti-Armor Assault: Need to take down a heavily armored Automaton Tank? Coordinate with your team to use the Railgun (⬇️➡️⬆️⬅️➡️) to strip away its armor, followed by an Eagle 500kg Bomb (⬆️➡️⬇️⬆️⬅️). The Railgun will expose the tank's weak points, while the 500kg Bomb will deliver a devastating blow that can obliterate it in a single shot. Communication is key for this combo, as you'll need to time your attacks perfectly to maximize their effectiveness.
 - The Defensive Wall: Protecting a vital objective? Deploy a Mortar Sentry (⬇️⬆️➡️➡️⬇️) to provide long-range fire support, and then reinforce your position with a Shield Generator Pack (➡️⬇️⬆️⬅️). The Mortar Sentry will rain down explosive shells on any approaching enemies, while the Shield Generator Pack will provide you and your teammates with a personal energy shield that can absorb incoming fire. This combo will create a formidable defensive wall that will be difficult for enemies to penetrate.
 
These are just a few examples of the many Stratagem combos that you can use in Helldivers 2. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
Final Thoughts: Become a Stratagem Master
Mastering Stratagems is crucial for success in Helldivers 2. It's the difference between being a liability to your team and being a force to be reckoned with. Take the time to learn the codes, practice your input skills, and experiment with different combinations. Coordinate with your teammates, communicate effectively, and don't be afraid to try new things. With enough practice and dedication, you'll become a Stratagem master and lead your team to victory against the enemies of Super Earth!
Now get out there, Helldiver, and show those bugs and bots what you're made of! For Super Earth!