Top Stratagems For Helldivers 2: Dominate The Battlefield

Hey Helldivers! Ready to liberate some planets and spread managed democracy? To do that effectively, you'll need to know the best stratagems to bring into battle. Think of stratagems as your special abilities and support tools – they can range from powerful airstrikes to handy supply drops and even heavily armored mechs. Choosing the right stratagems can make the difference between a glorious victory and a swift return trip to your Super Destroyer. So, let's dive into the top stratagems that will help you dominate the battlefield in Helldivers 2.

Understanding Stratagems in Helldivers 2

Before we jump into the specific stratagems, let’s quickly cover what they are and how they work in Helldivers 2. Stratagems are essentially your in-game abilities and support options. They range from offensive capabilities like orbital strikes and sentry turrets to defensive tools like supply drops and shields. You deploy them during missions by inputting specific button combinations, which you'll need to memorize (or keep a handy cheat sheet nearby!). Each stratagem has a cooldown period, so you can't spam them endlessly – strategic use is key. The right combination of stratagems can turn the tide of battle, allowing you to deal with hordes of enemies, take down heavily armored targets, or provide crucial support to your team.

Choosing the right stratagems for your playstyle and the mission at hand is crucial. Are you facing a swarm of Terminids? Maybe you'll want something that can clear out crowds. Up against heavily armored Automatons? Bring along some anti-tank weaponry. Coordinating stratagem choices with your team is also vital. A balanced team with a mix of offensive, defensive, and support stratagems is far more effective than four Helldivers all running the same loadout. Also, remember that you unlock new stratagems as you progress through the game and level up. So, keep playing, keep earning those Requisition Slips, and keep expanding your arsenal. Experiment with different combinations, find what works best for you, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a Helldivers legend!

The Must-Have Stratagems

Okay, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Which stratagems are absolute must-haves for your Helldivers 2 missions? These are the game-changers, the ones that will consistently deliver results and help you secure those victories. We'll break it down by category to give you a well-rounded understanding of what to bring to the fight.

1. Eagle Airstrikes

First up, we have the Eagle Airstrikes. These are your bread and butter for dealing damage, plain and simple. The Eagle Airstrike stratagems are incredibly versatile and effective for a variety of situations. They offer a good balance of damage, area-of-effect, and cooldown, making them a staple for many Helldivers loadouts. Among the Eagle Airstrikes, the 500KG Bomb is a fan favorite for its devastating power. This thing can wipe out entire nests of enemies or heavily armored targets with a single, well-placed blast. It has a large blast radius and deals massive damage, making it perfect for clearing out tough objectives or dealing with Bile Titans and Chargers. However, the 500KG Bomb has a longer cooldown than other airstrikes, so you'll need to use it wisely. Then there's the Eagle Cluster Bomb, this is another excellent choice for dealing with groups of enemies. It drops a series of smaller bombs over a larger area, making it ideal for clearing out hordes of Terminids or destroying multiple objectives at once. The Cluster Bomb has a shorter cooldown than the 500KG Bomb, allowing you to use it more frequently. Lastly, consider the Eagle Strafing Run, it's great for dealing with lines of enemies or clearing out smaller targets. It has a very short cooldown, making it perfect for sustained damage output. A well-timed Strafing Run can quickly eliminate a wave of Hunters or clear out a path for your team.

2. Orbital Strikes

Next, we have Orbital Strikes. These are the big guns, offering incredible firepower with a global range. They are essential for dealing with heavily armored targets and fortifications. When it comes to Orbital Strikes, the Orbital Railcannon Strike is a top-tier choice for taking down heavily armored enemies like Bile Titans and Chargers. This stratagem fires a single, powerful railcannon shot that can penetrate even the thickest armor. It's perfect for eliminating high-priority targets quickly and efficiently. The Railcannon Strike has a long cooldown, but its devastating power makes it worth the wait. Following the Railcannon, the Orbital Laser is another excellent option for sustained damage output. It fires a continuous laser beam that can melt through hordes of enemies or slowly whittle down the health of a heavily armored target. The Orbital Laser is particularly effective against stationary targets or enemies that are clustered together. Remember to aim the laser carefully and keep it focused on your target for maximum damage. Finally, don't overlook the Orbital Gatling Barrage. This stratagem fires a barrage of gatling gun rounds over a wide area, making it ideal for clearing out groups of enemies or suppressing enemy fire. It's especially useful for dealing with smaller, faster enemies like Hunters or Scavengers. The Gatling Barrage has a relatively short cooldown, allowing you to use it frequently to control the battlefield.

3. Backpacks and Support Weapons

Moving on, let's talk about Backpacks and Support Weapons. These stratagems provide crucial support and utility to your team. They can enhance your survivability, increase your damage output, or provide essential supplies. The Shield Generator Pack is a game-changer for survivability. This backpack provides a personal energy shield that can absorb a significant amount of damage, protecting you from enemy fire and explosions. It's particularly useful for front-line fighters who need to get up close and personal with the enemy. The Shield Generator Pack allows you to take more risks and stay in the fight longer. Then there's the Supply Pack, this is essential for keeping your team stocked up on ammo and grenades. It allows you to carry extra supplies and resupply your teammates during missions. The Supply Pack is particularly useful for longer missions or when your team is facing heavy resistance. Make sure someone on your team is always carrying a Supply Pack to keep everyone fighting fit. For dealing damage, the Recoilless Rifle is a powerful anti-tank weapon that can take down heavily armored targets with ease. It requires two Helldivers to operate effectively – one to carry the rifle and one to load it. The Recoilless Rifle is perfect for eliminating Bile Titans, Chargers, and other armored threats. Coordinate with your team to use it effectively and watch those big baddies go down.

4. Sentry Turrets

Last but not least, we have Sentry Turrets. These automated defenses can provide covering fire, control chokepoints, and help you hold objectives. Sentries are invaluable for defensive strategies and can significantly increase your team's firepower. The Gatling Sentry is a great all-around choice for dealing with groups of enemies. It fires a stream of bullets that can quickly mow down hordes of Terminids or Automatons. The Gatling Sentry is particularly effective against smaller, faster enemies. Place it strategically to cover chokepoints or defend objectives. The Mortar Sentry is perfect for providing long-range fire support. It lobs explosive rounds over a wide area, making it ideal for clearing out nests or suppressing enemy positions. The Mortar Sentry is best used in a defensive position, where it can bombard enemies from a safe distance. Lastly, the Rocket Sentry is a powerful anti-armor option that can take down heavily armored targets. It fires rockets that deal massive damage to vehicles and armored enemies. The Rocket Sentry is particularly effective against Bile Titans and Chargers. Position it carefully to maximize its effectiveness against armored threats.

Building Your Perfect Loadout

Now that we've covered some of the best stratagems, let's talk about building your perfect loadout. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here, as the ideal loadout will depend on your playstyle, the mission objectives, and the enemy you're facing. However, there are some general principles you can follow to create a well-rounded and effective loadout.

Team Composition

First and foremost, consider your team composition. Coordinate with your teammates to ensure that you have a good balance of offensive, defensive, and support stratagems. Avoid having multiple Helldivers running the exact same loadout, as this can lead to redundancy and leave you vulnerable in certain situations. Aim for a mix of airstrikes, orbital strikes, support weapons, and sentry turrets to cover all your bases. For example, one Helldiver might focus on anti-armor weaponry like the Recoilless Rifle and Orbital Railcannon Strike, while another might specialize in crowd control with the Eagle Cluster Bomb and Gatling Sentry. A third Helldiver could provide support with the Supply Pack and Shield Generator Pack, while a fourth brings in a Mortar Sentry for long-range fire support.

Mission Objectives

Next, think about the mission objectives. Are you defending a position, attacking a base, or escorting a VIP? The objectives will dictate the types of stratagems that are most useful. For defensive missions, sentry turrets and defensive stratagems like the Shield Generator Pack are essential. For offensive missions, you'll want to prioritize airstrikes and orbital strikes to clear out enemy fortifications. If you're escorting a VIP, mobility and crowd control stratagems are key to keeping your charge safe. Also, consider the terrain and environment. Are you fighting in a densely forested area? Airstrikes might be less effective. Are you in an open area with long sightlines? Orbital strikes and long-range sentries will shine. Adapt your loadout to the environment to maximize your effectiveness.

Enemy Type

Finally, consider the enemy you're facing. Terminids and Automatons require different approaches. Terminids are numerous and come in waves, so you'll want stratagems that can deal with crowds, like the Eagle Cluster Bomb and Gatling Sentry. Automatons are heavily armored, so anti-armor weaponry like the Recoilless Rifle and Orbital Railcannon Strike are crucial. If you know you'll be facing a lot of Bile Titans or Chargers, make sure you have multiple ways to deal with them. Coordinate with your team to bring a mix of anti-armor stratagems to ensure you can take down these tough enemies quickly. Also, remember that some enemies are more vulnerable to certain types of damage. Explosive damage is great against groups of enemies, while armor-piercing damage is essential for dealing with heavily armored targets. Choose your stratagems accordingly to exploit enemy weaknesses.

Dominate the Battlefield

Alright, Helldivers, you're now armed with the knowledge of the best stratagems in Helldivers 2. Experiment with different loadouts, coordinate with your team, and adapt to the mission at hand. By mastering these powerful tools, you'll be well on your way to spreading managed democracy across the galaxy and dominating the battlefield. Remember, the key to success in Helldivers 2 is teamwork, strategy, and a healthy dose of explosive firepower. Now get out there and show those enemies what you're made of! For Super Earth!