Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Unlock The Best Gear & Codes
Dive into the world of Helldivers 2 and you'll quickly realize that survival hinges on more than just your trusty rifle. It's all about mastering the Stratagems – those game-changing abilities and support options you call in during the heat of battle. Think of them as your lifeline, your secret weapon, and sometimes, your only way out of a sticky situation. But with a wide array of Stratagems available, knowing which ones to unlock and how to use them effectively can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow Helldivers! This guide is your comprehensive resource to understanding, unlocking, and dominating with Stratagems in Helldivers 2.
Understanding Stratagems in Helldivers 2
Stratagems are essentially your off-map support. They range from powerful orbital strikes that can clear out hordes of enemies to supply drops that replenish your ammo and health. Some even allow you to call in devastating mechs or deploy defensive turrets. These aren't just simple power-ups; they are strategic assets that can dramatically shift the balance of power on the battlefield. To use a Stratagem, you need to input a specific sequence of directional commands using your keypad (or controller). These codes are like secret passwords that tell your ship what kind of support you need. Input the code correctly, throw the Stratagem beacon, and watch as reinforcements arrive from the heavens.
Strategems are not created equal, and understanding their nuances is paramount to success in Helldivers 2. Some Strategems excel at dealing with heavily armored targets, while others are better suited for crowd control. Some provide defensive capabilities, while others are purely offensive. Furthermore, certain Stratagems have longer cooldowns than others, meaning you'll need to use them judiciously. Learning the strengths and weaknesses of each Stratagem, and how they synergize with your team's loadout, is a key aspect of mastering Helldivers 2. This involves experimentation, communication, and a willingness to adapt your strategy based on the mission objectives and the enemy you're facing. In essence, Strategems add a layer of tactical depth to Helldivers 2 that goes beyond simple run-and-gun gameplay. They require players to think strategically, plan their loadouts carefully, and coordinate their actions with their teammates to maximize their effectiveness. By mastering the art of Strategem deployment, you can turn the tide of battle and ensure victory for Super Earth.
How to Unlock Stratagems
Unlocking new Stratagems is a core part of your progression in Helldivers 2. You earn Requisition Slips by completing missions and objectives. These slips are essentially your in-game currency for unlocking new gear and Stratagems. Head to the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer, and you'll find a list of available Stratagems to unlock. Each Stratagem has a Requisition Slip cost, and some may also have level requirements. So, keep completing those missions, level up your Helldiver, and steadily expand your arsenal of Stratagems.
The process of unlocking Strategems is designed to reward players for their dedication and effort. As you progress through the game, you'll naturally accumulate Requisition Slips, which you can then use to purchase the Stratagems that best suit your playstyle and strategic preferences. The Ship Management terminal provides a clear overview of all available Strategems, along with their descriptions, unlock requirements, and Requisition Slip costs. This allows you to carefully plan your purchases and prioritize the Strategems that will have the greatest impact on your combat effectiveness. Furthermore, the level requirements for certain Strategems ensure that you're not overwhelmed with options early on. This gradual unlocking system allows you to learn the basics of Strategem deployment before moving on to more advanced and powerful abilities. In addition to Requisition Slips, some Strategems may also require you to complete specific missions or challenges to unlock them. This adds an extra layer of depth to the progression system and encourages you to explore all aspects of the game. Ultimately, the unlocking of Strategems is a continuous process that evolves as you progress through Helldivers 2. By consistently completing missions, earning Requisition Slips, and meeting the necessary requirements, you'll gradually unlock a vast array of powerful abilities that will help you overcome any challenge.
Essential Stratagems to Prioritize
Okay, so with a whole bunch of Stratagems vying for your attention, which ones should you grab first? Here are a few essential Stratagems that will give you the most bang for your buck early on:
- Orbital Precision Strike: A reliable and versatile orbital strike that can be used to take out high-value targets or clear out groups of enemies.
 - Eagle Airstrike: A quick and devastating airstrike that's perfect for dealing with swarms of enemies or softening up heavily fortified positions.
 - Supply Drop: Never underestimate the importance of extra ammo and health. The Supply Drop Stratagem is a lifesaver, especially on longer missions.
 - MG-43 Machine Gun: Sometimes, you just need to lay down a hail of bullets. The MG-43 Machine Gun Stratagem provides you with a powerful support weapon to mow down enemies.
 - Guard Dog Rover: This little robotic buddy follows you around and provides covering fire, making it an invaluable asset for solo players or those who like to push forward.
 
These are just a few suggestions, of course. The best Stratagems for you will depend on your playstyle and the needs of your team. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you!
Selecting the right Strategems can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness and increase your chances of success in Helldivers 2. The Orbital Precision Strike is a versatile option that allows you to target specific enemies or areas with pinpoint accuracy. This is particularly useful for taking out heavily armored targets, such as tanks or robots, or for clearing out nests of enemies that are entrenched in a particular location. The Eagle Airstrike is another powerful offensive Stratagem that can quickly eliminate large groups of enemies. This is especially effective against swarms of bugs or when you need to clear a path through a heavily defended area. The Supply Drop is a crucial Stratagem for maintaining your resources and ensuring that you and your teammates have enough ammo and health to survive challenging encounters. Running out of ammo in the middle of a firefight can be a death sentence, so it's always a good idea to have a Supply Drop available as a backup. The MG-43 Machine Gun is a heavy weapon that provides sustained firepower and can be used to suppress enemy advances or mow down large groups of enemies. This is a particularly useful Stratagem for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle and want to be able to deal a lot of damage quickly. The Guard Dog Rover is a unique Stratagem that provides you with a personal robotic companion that will follow you around and provide covering fire. This is a great option for solo players or for those who want extra support when exploring dangerous areas. Ultimately, the best Strategems for you will depend on your playstyle, your team composition, and the specific challenges you are facing. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you.
Mastering Stratagem Input Codes
Alright, let's talk about those codes. Inputting Stratagem codes can be tricky, especially when you're under pressure. One wrong input, and you're calling in the wrong support (or nothing at all!). Here are some tips to help you master those codes:
- Practice, practice, practice: Head to the training area on your ship and practice inputting the codes for your favorite Stratagems. Muscle memory is your friend.
 - Use the Stratagem Hero: This helpful training tool on your ship will help you learn and memorize the codes for all the Stratagems. It's like a Stratagem-themed rhythm game!
 - Communicate with your team: Let your teammates know which Stratagems you're planning to use so they can coordinate their own support accordingly.
 - Stay calm: Easier said than done, but panicking will only lead to mistakes. Take a deep breath, focus on the code, and input it methodically.
 
Mastering Strategem input codes is a critical skill for any Helldiver who wants to be effective on the battlefield. The ability to quickly and accurately input the codes for your desired Strategems can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Practicing the codes in a safe environment, such as the training area on your ship, is a great way to develop muscle memory and improve your reaction time. The Stratagem Hero training tool is another valuable resource that can help you learn and memorize the codes for all the Strategems. This interactive tool provides a fun and engaging way to practice your code input skills and track your progress. Communication with your team is also essential for effective Strategem deployment. Let your teammates know which Strategems you are planning to use so they can coordinate their own support accordingly. This will help to avoid overlapping Strategems or wasting valuable resources. Staying calm under pressure is also crucial for accurate code input. It's easy to panic when you're surrounded by enemies and taking fire, but panicking will only lead to mistakes. Take a deep breath, focus on the code, and input it methodically. Remember, even a slight mistake in the code can result in you calling in the wrong support or nothing at all. By following these tips, you can master Strategem input codes and become a more effective and reliable Helldiver.
Tips and Tricks for Effective Stratagem Use
Beyond just knowing the codes, here are some advanced tips and tricks to maximize your Stratagem effectiveness:
- Consider the environment: Is it a wide-open field or a tight, confined space? Choose Stratagems that are appropriate for the environment.
 - Anticipate enemy movements: Don't just react to threats; predict where enemies will be and use Stratagems to intercept them.
 - Use Stratagems in combination: Combine different Stratagems for devastating effects. For example, use an Orbital Precision Strike to weaken a group of enemies, followed by an Eagle Airstrike to finish them off.
 - Be mindful of friendly fire: Stratagems can be powerful, but they can also be dangerous to your teammates. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using Stratagems in close proximity to friendly forces.
 - Don't be afraid to experiment: Try out different Stratagems and combinations to find what works best for you and your team. The possibilities are endless!
 
Effective use of Strategems can significantly enhance your combat capabilities and increase your chances of survival in Helldivers 2. When selecting Strategems, it's important to consider the environment in which you'll be fighting. Wide-open fields may be suitable for long-range orbital strikes, while tight, confined spaces may be better suited for close-range airstrikes or support weapons. Anticipating enemy movements is also crucial for effective Strategem deployment. Instead of simply reacting to threats, try to predict where enemies will be and use Strategems to intercept them. This can help you to control the flow of battle and prevent enemies from gaining the upper hand. Combining different Strategems can also create devastating effects. For example, you could use an Orbital Precision Strike to weaken a group of enemies, followed by an Eagle Airstrike to finish them off. Or you could use a Smoke Grenade to obscure enemy vision, followed by a Napalm Strike to incinerate them. However, it's important to be mindful of friendly fire when using Strategems. Strategems can be powerful, but they can also be dangerous to your teammates. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using Strategems in close proximity to friendly forces. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different Stratagems and combinations to find what works best for you and your team. The possibilities are endless, and the more you experiment, the more effective you'll become at using Strategems.
Conclusion: Become a Stratagem Master
Mastering Stratagems is essential to becoming a true force to be reckoned with in Helldivers 2. It's about more than just knowing the codes; it's about understanding their strengths and weaknesses, learning how to use them effectively, and coordinating with your team. So, get out there, experiment, and become a Stratagem master! Super Earth is counting on you!
By investing time and effort into mastering Strategems, you'll unlock a whole new level of tactical depth and strategic possibilities in Helldivers 2. You'll be able to adapt to any situation, overcome any challenge, and lead your team to victory against the enemies of Super Earth. So, embrace the power of Strategems and become the ultimate Helldiver!