Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Stratagem Guide & Wiki
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the glorious fight for Super Earth? If you're anything like me, you're probably itching to drop those freedom-fueled Stratagems on the enemies of democracy. Well, you've come to the right place! This Helldivers 2 Stratagems guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about calling down those game-changing weapons and support abilities. We'll cover it all, from the basics of Stratagems to advanced strategies, tips, and tricks to help you dominate the battlefield. Get ready to spread some managed democracy, because we're about to unleash hell (or at least, a highly coordinated barrage of orbital strikes and sentry guns!)!
Understanding Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Your Arsenal of Democracy
So, what exactly are Stratagems in Helldivers 2, you ask? Think of them as your personal arsenal of awesome, a collection of powerful tools and abilities you can call down to obliterate bugs, robots, and anything else that stands between you and freedom. These aren't your run-of-the-mill weapons; Stratagems are the big guns, the support that turns the tide of battle. They're what separate a good Helldiver from a legendary one. To use a Stratagem, you'll need to input a specific sequence of directional inputs on your controller or keyboard – the famous "Stratagem Codes." Think of it like a secret handshake between you and Super Earth's finest technology. Once you've entered the code correctly, and assuming the cooldown isn't active, you'll be able to call in anything from a precision orbital strike to a hulking machine gun sentry. Mastering Helldivers 2 Stratagems is absolutely key if you want to be a successful Helldiver.
The Stratagem Codes: Your Gateway to Destruction
The heart of every Stratagem is its unique input code. Each code is a combination of directional inputs: Up, Down, Left, and Right. These codes are not just random; they are how you "dial in" the specific Stratagem you want to use. You'll find these codes listed in your ship's armory and on the Stratagem selection screen during missions. Learning the codes for your favorite Stratagems is critical. You don't want to be fumbling around when a Bile Titan is bearing down on you! Practice them in between missions, and before you know it, you'll be calling down orbital strikes with the speed and precision of a seasoned veteran. Remembering the codes under pressure is half the battle; the other half is knowing when to use each Stratagem to its maximum effect. More on that later!
Types of Stratagems: A Diverse Toolkit for Freedom
Helldivers 2 offers a fantastic variety of Stratagems, each designed for a specific purpose. Knowing the strengths of each Stratagem is the difference between surviving a mission and becoming bug food. Here's a general breakdown of the types you can expect to find:
- Offensive Stratagems: These are your bread and butter, the tools you use to deal direct damage to the enemy. Think orbital strikes, eagle strikes (called in by your ship, the Eagle), and the iconic (and very satisfying) 500KG Bomb. They are perfect for clearing out nests, taking down heavily armored targets, or simply turning a swarm of enemies into red mist.
- Defensive Stratagems: Need to hold a position or create some breathing room? Defensive Stratagems are your go-to. These include sentry guns (machine gun, autocannon, mortar), which provide automated fire support, and the Gatling Sentry, which is perfect for crowd control. They are also useful for creating choke points and protecting objectives. Deploy them wisely, and they can make the difference between a heroic victory and a last stand.
- Support Stratagems: Sometimes, you need a little help. Support Stratagems offer a variety of utility options, such as the Resupply (to get more ammo and grenades), the Guard Dog (a backpack that automatically fires at nearby enemies), and the Orbital Smoke Strike (to obscure enemy vision or cover your retreat). They often require strategic placement and timing.
- Eradication Stratagems: If you really need to eliminate something, these are the choice. Such as the Eagle 110mm Rocket Pods. The are perfect for dealing damage and clearing out nests and outposts.
Stratagem Call-in: Deployment and Cooldowns
Calling in a Stratagem is more than just entering the code. After the code is entered, you'll need to throw down your stratagem beacon. This little device signals your support ship, and they will then rain down destruction upon your enemies. There is a short delay after calling in a Stratagem as your support ship gets into position. This is a critical consideration during combat. Knowing how long a Stratagem takes to deploy, and where it will land, can save your life. Once a Stratagem has been used, it goes into a cooldown phase. This means you can't just spam Stratagems non-stop; you'll have to choose your targets carefully and plan your attacks. Each Stratagem has its own unique cooldown timer, so managing these cooldowns is essential for efficient combat.
Advanced Strategies and Tips for Unleashing Stratagems
Now that you understand the basics of Helldivers 2 Stratagems, let's dive into some advanced strategies and tips to help you master the art of deploying democracy. These strategies will take your Helldiving skills to the next level, ensuring that you’re not just surviving, but thriving on the battlefield.
Stratagem Synergies: Combining Forces for Maximum Impact
One of the most effective strategies is combining different Stratagems to create devastating synergies. For example, you could use an Orbital Gas Strike to flush enemies out of cover, followed by an Eagle Cluster Bomb to obliterate them. Or, you could use a Gatling Sentry to hold a position while you use an Orbital Railgun Strike to take down a heavy armored target. Experiment with different combinations to discover what works best for your play style and the current mission objectives. Coordinate with your squad to make your attacks even more effective. Communication is key, Helldivers!
Positioning and Awareness: The Art of Strategic Deployment
Where you call in your Stratagems is just as important as which Stratagems you choose. Always consider the terrain, the enemy's location, and your own position. Don't call in an orbital strike right on top of yourself! Always be aware of the environment and what might impact your Stratagems. Be mindful of cover; try to use it to your advantage to stay alive while the Stratagem is deploying. Also, be careful of friendly fire. It's easy to accidentally kill your teammates with a poorly placed Stratagem. Learn the effective radius of each Stratagem and try to avoid hitting friendlies.
Efficient Stratagem Management: Maximizing Your Firepower
Efficient Stratagem management is all about making the most of your available resources. This involves balancing your choices. Try to choose Stratagems that can handle multiple threats. This can include taking out armored targets, clearing hordes, and providing area denial. Plan ahead and anticipate enemy attacks. Reserve your most powerful Stratagems for high-priority targets. Learn the cooldown timers for each Stratagem and plan your attacks accordingly. Efficient management also means knowing when to retreat. Sometimes, the best strategy is to back off and regroup instead of trying to fight an unwinnable battle. Resupply frequently when you can. And always remember: a good Helldiver never runs out of ammo (or democracy!).
Countering Enemy Types: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
Different enemy types require different tactics and Stratagems. Knowing which Stratagem to use against which enemy is essential for survival. For example: Use orbital strikes or the 500KG Bomb against heavy armored enemies like Bile Titans. Use sentry guns to deal with swarms of smaller enemies. Use the Autocannon or the Railgun to take out enemy bases and towers. When facing a large group of enemies, use area-of-effect Stratagems like the Eagle Cluster Bomb. If you are facing a group of enemies in cover, use the Orbital Gas Strike to flush them out. Adapt your strategies based on the enemy types you are facing and always be ready to change your tactics if needed.
Mastering the Stratagem Codes: Practice Makes Perfect
Memorizing Stratagem codes is essential for success. The more familiar you are with the codes, the faster you can call in Stratagems and react to the changing battlefield. Practice calling in Stratagems in between missions. This will help you build muscle memory and improve your reaction time. Try practicing under pressure in a safe environment. This will help you stay calm and focused during intense combat situations. Also, experiment with different controllers and keyboard layouts to find the one that feels most comfortable for you. The more you practice, the easier it will become to input the codes quickly and accurately.
Conclusion: Become a Stratagem Master
By now, you should have a solid understanding of Helldivers 2 Stratagems. Remember that constant learning is key. Always be ready to adapt to new challenges and improve your tactics. With enough practice and the right strategies, you'll be able to master the art of Stratagem deployment and become a true champion of democracy. So, get out there, Helldiver, and show those bugs and robots what freedom really means! For Super Earth!
FAQs
Q: How do I unlock more Stratagems?
A: You unlock new Stratagems by spending Requisition Slips, which you earn by completing missions and finding them in the field. Visit your ship's armory to purchase new Stratagems.
Q: What is the best Stratagem?
A: There's no single "best" Stratagem. It depends on the mission, the enemy types, and your play style. Experiment with different Stratagems and find the ones you enjoy using the most.
Q: How do I deal with heavy armored enemies?
A: Use Stratagems that deal high damage, such as orbital strikes, the 500KG Bomb, or the Railgun. Also, aim for weak points on the enemy's armor.
Q: How do I avoid friendly fire?
A: Be mindful of your teammates' location when calling in Stratagems. Use the "ping" system to alert your teammates of your intentions. Always try to communicate with your team, so they are aware of any potential dangers.
Q: What is the difference between Eagle and Orbital Stratagems?
A: Eagle Stratagems are called in from your ship, the Eagle, and have limited uses per mission. They offer fast deployment times. Orbital Stratagems are called in from the orbital support and have a longer cooldown time but usually have more uses per mission.