Helldivers 2: How To Unlock All Stratagem Perks

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive deeper into the chaotic, bug-squashing, and robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2? One of the keys to becoming a truly effective force for Super Earth is understanding and unlocking Stratagem Perks. These aren't just minor tweaks; they can significantly alter how you play and dramatically improve your chances of survival against the Terminid and Automaton threats. So, let's break down everything you need to know to unlock and utilize these game-changing perks.

Understanding Stratagem Perks in Helldivers 2

Stratagem Perks in Helldivers 2 are special modifications that enhance your Stratagems. Think of them as powerful upgrades that can reduce cooldown times, increase the number of uses, or even alter the behavior of your favorite orbital strikes and support weapons. These perks are tied directly to your ship modules, and unlocking them requires a resource called Samples. You'll find Samples scattered across the various planets you'll be liberating, usually in well-guarded locations or as rewards for completing side objectives. To truly optimize your Helldiver, it’s essential to grasp how these perks function and how to acquire them efficiently.

First off, what exactly are Stratagems? Stratagems are basically your lifeline in Helldivers 2. They are the tools and abilities you call down from your ship to aid you in combat. This includes everything from orbital bombardments and supply drops to defensive turrets and powerful support weapons. Stratagem Perks enhance these tools, making them even more effective. This might mean reducing the cooldown on your Eagle Airstrike, allowing you to call it in more frequently, or increasing the duration of your defensive Emplacement, giving you more sustained firepower.

Think of it like this: without Stratagem Perks, you’re a Helldiver with standard-issue gear. You can still get the job done, but you’ll be working harder. With Stratagem Perks, you’re a Helldiver with customized, optimized equipment, ready to take on even the toughest challenges that Super Earth throws your way. This can be the difference between a successful mission and a complete wipe. Moreover, understanding how these perks synergize with different playstyles and team compositions can significantly improve your squad's overall effectiveness. Are you the type to dive headfirst into the fray? Perks that reduce reinforcement times might be your best friend. Prefer to hang back and provide fire support? Perks that enhance orbital strikes will be invaluable. Knowing how to tailor your perks to your preferred style of play is key to dominating the battlefield.

Gathering Samples: Your Key to Unlocking Perks

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how do you actually unlock these sweet Stratagem Perks? The answer is Samples. Samples are a resource found on mission planets that you collect and bring back to your ship. These aren't just lying around in plain sight; you'll need to explore and often complete optional objectives to find them. The more difficult the mission, the more Samples you'll typically find, and the rarer those Samples will be! To acquire these precious resources, you need to explore, fight, and strategize. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work. A coordinated team can cover more ground and protect each other while searching for Samples, significantly increasing your chances of success.

There are three main types of Samples in Helldivers 2:

• Common Samples: These are the most frequently found Samples and are typically used for early-game upgrades. Keep an eye out for them near points of interest and around the main objectives.
• Rare Samples: These are a bit harder to find and are often located in more heavily guarded areas. They are essential for unlocking mid-tier Stratagem Perks.
• Super Samples: The rarest of the rare! Super Samples are crucial for unlocking the most powerful Stratagem Perks. These are usually found in high-difficulty missions and require a coordinated effort to acquire. You'll recognize them by their distinctive appearance and the fact that they're usually surrounded by tough enemies.

To maximize your Sample collection, make sure to thoroughly explore each map. Don't just rush from objective to objective; take the time to investigate side areas and points of interest. Communicate with your team to divide and conquer, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. And be prepared to fight! Samples are often guarded by hordes of Terminids or Automaton patrols. Clear the area before attempting to collect the Samples to avoid getting overwhelmed. Remember, Samples only count if you successfully extract from the mission. So, make sure to prioritize survival and extraction after you've gathered your haul.

Navigating Your Ship Modules for Upgrades

Once you've got a good stash of Samples, head to the Ship Management console on your Destroyer. This is where the magic happens! Here, you'll find a series of modules that correspond to different Stratagems and ship functions. Each module can be upgraded using Samples, unlocking various Stratagem Perks.

Navigating the Ship Management console can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand the layout. The console is divided into different sections, each representing a different aspect of your ship's capabilities. These sections include:

• Orbital Cannons: This section allows you to upgrade your ship's orbital bombardment capabilities, such as the Orbital Gatling Barrage and the Orbital Laser.
• Hangar: Here, you can upgrade your Eagle Stratagems, like the Eagle Airstrike and the Eagle 500kg Bomb.
• Bridge: This section focuses on ship-wide upgrades, such as reducing Stratagem cooldown times and increasing the number of uses.
• Engineering Bay: This is where you'll find upgrades for your support Stratagems, like the Supply Pack and the Guard Dog Rover.

Within each section, you'll find a series of nodes that represent individual Stratagem Perks. Each node requires a specific number of Samples to unlock, and some nodes may have prerequisites, meaning you'll need to unlock other nodes first before you can access them. Carefully review each node's description to understand the benefits it provides and how it will affect your Stratagems. Prioritize the perks that align with your playstyle and team composition. For example, if you frequently use orbital strikes, focus on upgrading the Orbital Cannons section. If you prefer to provide support to your team, invest in the Engineering Bay.

Top Stratagem Perks to Prioritize

With so many Stratagem Perks to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few top-tier perks that can significantly boost your effectiveness on the battlefield:

• Downrange Calibration (Orbital Cannons): Decreases the scatter of orbital strikes, making them more accurate and deadly. This is a must-have for anyone who relies on orbital bombardments to clear out enemy nests.
• Extended Barrage (Hangar): Increases the duration of Eagle Airstrikes, allowing you to carpet-bomb a larger area. This is particularly useful for dealing with heavily armored targets and large groups of enemies.
• Dynamic Tracking (Engineering Bay): Improves the targeting capabilities of support Stratagems, such as the Guard Dog Rover, making them more effective at engaging enemies. This is perfect for solo players or those who prefer to have a reliable companion by their side.
• Zero-G Breech Loading (Hangar): Reduces the reload time of the Autocannon Sentry, allowing it to fire more frequently. This makes it an absolute beast against both Terminids and Automatons.
• More Parties (Bridge): Decreases the reinforcement time, getting your squad back into the fight faster after a wipe. This is a game-changer for high-difficulty missions where death is inevitable.

These are just a few examples, and the best Stratagem Perks for you will depend on your individual playstyle and team composition. Experiment with different perks to find the ones that work best for you. Don't be afraid to respec your ship modules if you find that a particular perk isn't working out. The key is to continuously optimize your loadout to maximize your effectiveness on the battlefield.

Optimizing Your Loadout with Stratagem Perks

Okay, so you've unlocked some Stratagem Perks – great! But simply unlocking them isn't enough. You need to think about how these perks synergize with your overall loadout and playstyle. A well-optimized loadout can make you a force to be reckoned with, while a poorly optimized one can leave you struggling to survive.

Consider your primary role in the squad. Are you the designated heavy weapons specialist? Then focus on perks that enhance your offensive capabilities, such as those that improve the accuracy and damage of your orbital strikes. Are you the team's medic and support specialist? Then prioritize perks that reduce cooldown times on support Stratagems and increase the number of uses. Communicate with your team to coordinate your loadouts and ensure that you have a balanced squad composition. A team with a mix of offensive, defensive, and support capabilities is much more likely to succeed than a team that is all-in on one particular style.

Pay attention to the mission objectives. Are you defending a position against waves of enemies? Then focus on perks that enhance your defensive capabilities, such as those that improve the effectiveness of your turrets and emplacements. Are you infiltrating an enemy base to sabotage their operations? Then prioritize perks that enhance your stealth and mobility, such as those that reduce detection range and increase movement speed. Adapt your loadout to the specific challenges of each mission to maximize your chances of success.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

• Farm lower-difficulty missions: If you're just starting out, focus on farming Common and Rare Samples on lower-difficulty missions. This will allow you to quickly unlock some essential Stratagem Perks and get a feel for how they work. As you become more experienced, you can move on to higher-difficulty missions to farm Super Samples.
• Use the buddy system: Always stick with a teammate when exploring for Samples. This will increase your chances of survival and make it easier to defend against enemy ambushes.
• Communicate with your team: Let your teammates know when you find a Sample and coordinate your efforts to collect it safely. Use voice chat or text chat to communicate effectively and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: Try out different Stratagem Perks and loadout combinations to find what works best for you. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so don't be afraid to get creative and find your own unique style.
• Watch for special events: Keep an eye out for special events that offer bonus Samples or other rewards. These events can be a great way to quickly unlock new Stratagem Perks and upgrade your ship.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Stratagem Perk master in Helldivers 2. So, gear up, dive in, and show those Terminids and Automatons what Super Earth is made of!

Final Thoughts

Unlocking and utilizing Stratagem Perks is a crucial aspect of mastering Helldivers 2. By understanding how these perks work, gathering Samples efficiently, and optimizing your loadout, you'll significantly improve your chances of survival and success on the battlefield. So, get out there, explore, and experiment with different perks to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. And remember, teamwork makes the dream work! Coordinate with your teammates to create a well-balanced squad and conquer even the most challenging missions. Now go liberate some planets, Helldiver! Super Earth is counting on you!