Helldivers 2: All Stratagems Guide
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the glorious fight for Super Earth? Well, strap in, because we're about to blast off with a comprehensive guide to Helldivers 2 stratagems! Understanding and mastering these powerful tools is absolutely key to your survival and, more importantly, the liberation of planets from the clutches of alien hordes. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from calling in your first Eagle strafe to raining down orbital strikes, ensuring you're well-equipped to spread democracy across the galaxy. Get ready to learn about the various types of stratagems, their uses, and how to effectively utilize them in the heat of battle. Let's get started, shall we?
What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?
So, what exactly are Helldivers 2 stratagems? Think of them as your special delivery system of freedom. They're powerful support abilities that you can call in during missions to turn the tide of battle. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill grenades; they're your primary means of dealing with the game's toughest challenges, ranging from swarms of bugs to heavily armored automatons. Each stratagem requires a specific input – a series of directional button presses on your controller or keyboard – to activate. Once you've entered the code, you'll toss a beacon, and boom – your requested assistance arrives from Super Earth. Whether you're calling in a devastating orbital strike, a supply of essential support weapons, or a defensive shield, knowing the right stratagems and when to use them is crucial for success. Mastering these tools is what separates the rookies from the veteran Helldivers who can lead the charge and make a real difference on the battlefield. The variety of stratagems in Helldivers 2 allows for incredible tactical flexibility, letting you adapt your approach to the specific challenges of each mission and the composition of your team. This strategic depth is what makes the game so engaging and allows for endless replayability as you experiment with different loadouts and strategies.
Types of Stratagems
There are several categories of stratagems, each serving a unique purpose. Understanding these categories is essential for building a well-rounded loadout and adapting to the different threats you'll face. The main categories include:
- Offensive: These are your damage dealers. Think of orbital strikes, eagle strikes, and other tools designed to obliterate enemies. Great for clearing out nests, dealing with hordes, or taking down heavily armored targets. These are your heavy hitters, your go-to options when you need to make something disappear… quickly.
 - Support: These stratagems focus on assisting your team, such as supply drops, sentry guns, and defensive shields. They provide vital support, allowing you to hold your ground, resupply ammo, and cover your allies. These are essential for any team that wants to stay alive and keep fighting the good fight.
 - Defensive: This category includes tools designed to protect you and your squad. These include things like the Guard Dog, the Shield Generator Pack, and other protective measures that can make the difference between victory and a quick trip back to the ship.
 - Traversal: Some stratagems help you move around the battlefield, such as the Jump Pack. They can be crucial for getting to objectives faster, escaping dangerous situations, or gaining a tactical advantage.
 
Stratagem Input and Usage
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of using Helldivers 2 stratagems. As mentioned earlier, each stratagem requires a specific input to activate. You'll need to memorize these button combinations, which are displayed on the stratagem's description in your loadout screen. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to test them out in the tutorial or during less intense parts of a mission. The input is usually a sequence of directional inputs on your controller's D-pad or the corresponding keys on your keyboard. Once you've entered the code, you'll throw the stratagem beacon. Be mindful of where you're throwing it, as you don't want to accidentally call an orbital strike on yourself or your teammates! The beacon's placement determines where the stratagem will land, so aim carefully. Also, keep in mind that stratagems have a cooldown period after each use. This means you can't just spam them. You'll need to manage your resources and choose when to deploy them strategically. Furthermore, some stratagems require you to resupply before they can be used again, such as the Resupply Pod, which replenishes ammunition, grenades, and stims for you and your squad. Understanding these aspects of stratagem usage is crucial for becoming an effective Helldiver.
Strategic Deployment
Deploying your Helldivers 2 stratagems strategically is just as important as knowing how to use them. Consider the following:
- Enemy Types: Different stratagems are more effective against certain enemies. Orbital strikes are great against hordes, while anti-tank weapons are essential for heavily armored units.
 - Objective: Are you defending a position, attacking a nest, or rescuing civilians? Choose stratagems that best suit the objective.
 - Team Composition: Coordinate with your team. If someone is bringing a lot of anti-personnel support, you might want to bring something to deal with armored threats. Effective teamwork involves complementary stratagems.
 - Environment: Consider the terrain and available cover. You don't want to call in an orbital strike that will destroy the objective, or a close-range support weapon when enemies are at a distance. Careful consideration of these factors will dramatically increase your effectiveness on the battlefield. Coordinating these factors with your squad can lead to glorious victories and the spread of democracy.
 
Popular Stratagems and Their Uses
Let's take a look at some of the most popular and effective Helldivers 2 stratagems and what they're best used for. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it covers some of the must-haves for any aspiring Helldiver:
Offensive Stratagems
- Orbital Precision Strike: A pinpoint strike that's perfect for taking out heavily armored targets or destroying enemy nests. Its precision makes it great for surgical strikes.
 - Eagle Strafing Run: An air strike that can clear out hordes of enemies quickly. This is your go-to for swarms of bugs or automatons.
 - 500KG Bomb: A massive bomb that obliterates everything in a wide area. Use it to clear out the biggest threats or wipe out entire bases. This is your