Helldivers 1 Stratagems: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive back into the chaotic, bug-squashing, and democracy-spreading world of Helldivers 1? One of the most crucial aspects of being an effective Helldiver is mastering the use of Stratagems. These called-in reinforcements and support options can be the difference between a glorious victory and becoming alien fodder. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Stratagems in Helldivers 1, from understanding their types to mastering their deployment and how to use them effectively on the battlefield. So, buckle up, grab your controller, and let’s dive deep into the Stratagem arsenal!

Understanding Stratagems

At its core, a Stratagem in Helldivers 1 is a support ability that you can call in during missions to aid you and your squad. These range from powerful offensive tools like airstrikes and orbital bombardments to defensive measures like supply drops and shield generators. Stratagems are not just about raw power; they're about tactical flexibility and adapting to the ever-changing combat landscape. Each Stratagem has its own unique input sequence, which you need to enter correctly using the D-pad to call it in. For example, a simple supply drop might be 'Down, Down, Up, Left,' while a more devastating airstrike could be a longer, more complex sequence. Memorizing these sequences is critical for quick deployment under pressure.

Why Stratagems Matter

Stratagems are the backbone of any successful Helldivers mission for several reasons. First and foremost, they provide immense firepower and utility that far exceeds what your standard weapons can offer. Facing a horde of bugs? Call in an airstrike. Need to take out a heavily armored tank? An anti-tank Stratagem is your best bet. Running low on ammo or health? A supply drop will keep you in the fight. Secondly, Stratagems encourage teamwork and coordination. Coordinating Stratagem use with your squad can create devastating combo attacks or provide crucial defensive support at critical moments. Effective communication and planning are essential to maximize their impact. Lastly, mastering Stratagems adds depth and replayability to Helldivers 1. Experimenting with different loadouts and discovering new ways to use Stratagems keeps the game fresh and exciting, even after dozens of hours of gameplay.

Types of Stratagems

Helldivers 1 boasts a diverse roster of Stratagems, each falling into distinct categories that cater to different combat roles and scenarios. Understanding these categories is essential for building a well-rounded and effective loadout.

• Offensive Stratagems: These are your primary damage dealers, designed to eliminate enemies quickly and efficiently. Examples include airstrikes, orbital bombardments, and various types of turrets. Offensive Stratagems are perfect for clearing out large groups of enemies or taking down heavily armored targets. They often have long cooldowns and limited uses, so timing and placement are crucial.
• Defensive Stratagems: These provide protection and support, helping you and your squad survive in intense firefights. Examples include shield generators, static fields, and barbed wire. Defensive Stratagems are invaluable for holding objectives, creating chokepoints, and providing cover for your team. They can buy you valuable time to regroup, reload, or call in reinforcements.
• Support Stratagems: These offer utility and assistance, such as supply drops, vehicles, and radar beacons. Support Stratagems are essential for maintaining your resources, traversing the map quickly, and coordinating attacks. Supply drops ensure you never run out of ammo or health, while vehicles provide mobile firepower and transportation. Radar beacons help reveal enemy positions, giving you a tactical advantage.
• Special Stratagems: These are unique and powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Examples include the EXO-44 Walker Exosuit, the MC-10 Demolisher, and the NUX-223 Hellfire. Special Stratagems are often unlocked through progression or special events, and they can provide a significant boost to your combat effectiveness. However, they usually have long cooldowns and limited availability, so use them wisely.

Mastering Stratagem Deployment

Calling in a Stratagem in Helldivers 1 is not as simple as pressing a button. It requires precision, timing, and a bit of practice. Here's a step-by-step guide to mastering Stratagem deployment:

1. Memorize the Input Sequence: Each Stratagem has a unique input sequence that you need to enter correctly using the D-pad. These sequences can be found in the Stratagem menu or online. Practice these sequences until they become second nature, so you can quickly call in Stratagems under pressure.
2. Enter the Code: When you need to call in a Stratagem, press and hold the L1 button (or the equivalent on your platform) to bring up the Stratagem input interface. Then, carefully enter the input sequence using the D-pad. Make sure you enter the sequence correctly, as any mistakes will result in a failed call-in.
3. Choose Your Target: Once you've entered the correct input sequence, you'll need to choose a target location for the Stratagem. This is usually done by aiming with the right stick and pressing the R2 button to throw the Stratagem beacon. Be mindful of your surroundings and choose a target location that will maximize the Stratagem's effectiveness.
4. Avoid Stratagem Interference: Be very careful not to move while entering the Stratagem code because that will cancel the input, and you will have to start over, potentially dying in the process! You want to stay safe from enemy fire. Find cover and stay still while inputting codes.
5. Consider the Cooldown: Every Stratagem has a cooldown period, which is the amount of time you need to wait before you can call it in again. Pay attention to the cooldown timer and plan your Stratagem usage accordingly. Don't waste your most powerful Stratagems on trivial threats, and always have a backup plan in case your primary Stratagem is on cooldown.

Tips for Quick Deployment

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice entering Stratagem sequences, the faster and more accurate you'll become. Spend some time in training missions or low-level missions to hone your skills.
• Use Muscle Memory: Try to develop muscle memory for the most commonly used Stratagems. This will allow you to enter the sequences without even thinking about it, which can be a lifesaver in intense combat situations.
• Communicate with Your Team: Coordinate Stratagem use with your squad to create devastating combo attacks or provide crucial defensive support. Let your teammates know which Stratagems you're planning to use, so they can adjust their tactics accordingly.

Effective Stratagem Usage

Knowing how to deploy Stratagems is only half the battle. To truly master them, you need to understand how to use them effectively in different combat scenarios. Here are some tips for maximizing the impact of your Stratagems:

• Know Your Enemy: Different enemies require different tactics and Stratagems. Heavily armored enemies like tanks and cyborgs are vulnerable to anti-tank Stratagems, while hordes of bugs can be easily cleared out with airstrikes. Learn the weaknesses of each enemy type and choose your Stratagems accordingly.
• Consider the Environment: The environment can play a significant role in the effectiveness of your Stratagems. Airstrikes are less effective in dense forests or underground tunnels, while defensive Stratagems like shield generators are more useful in open areas. Adapt your Stratagem usage to the terrain and weather conditions.
• Time Your Attacks: Timing is crucial when using Stratagems. Don't waste your most powerful Stratagems on trivial threats, and always wait for the opportune moment to strike. Coordinate your attacks with your teammates to create devastating combo attacks.
• Be Mindful of Friendly Fire: Helldivers 1 is notorious for its friendly fire, and Stratagems are no exception. Be careful when calling in airstrikes or orbital bombardments, as they can easily wipe out your entire squad if you're not careful. Always communicate with your teammates and ensure they're clear of the target area before deploying a Stratagem.

Building the Perfect Loadout

Choosing the right Stratagems for your loadout is essential for success in Helldivers 1. A well-rounded loadout should include a mix of offensive, defensive, and support Stratagems that complement your playstyle and the mission objectives. Here are some tips for building the perfect loadout:

• Consider Your Role: Are you a frontline fighter, a support specialist, or a long-range sniper? Choose Stratagems that complement your role and enhance your strengths. Frontline fighters might prioritize offensive and defensive Stratagems, while support specialists might focus on supply drops and radar beacons.
• Adapt to the Mission: Different missions require different loadouts. A mission focused on eliminating a specific target might require more offensive Stratagems, while a mission focused on defending an objective might require more defensive Stratagems. Adapt your loadout to the mission objectives and the expected enemy types.
• Experiment and Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment with different Stratagems and loadouts until you find what works best for you. Try out new combinations and tactics, and don't be afraid to change your loadout mid-mission if necessary.

Conclusion

Mastering Stratagems is essential for becoming a true Helldiver. By understanding the different types of Stratagems, mastering their deployment, and using them effectively in combat, you can significantly increase your chances of success and spread democracy throughout the galaxy. So, grab your controller, memorize those input sequences, and get ready to dive into the chaotic and exhilarating world of Helldivers 1! Remember, teamwork, communication, and a well-chosen Stratagem can turn the tide of any battle. Good luck, Helldivers, and may your aim be true!