Helldivers 2: Stratagems List, Guide & Wiki

Dive deep into the heart of Helldivers 2 with this comprehensive guide to Stratagems! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, understanding Stratagems is crucial for surviving and thriving in the game's chaotic battlefields. This wiki-style guide will cover everything you need to know, from unlocking and equipping Stratagems to mastering their use in combat. So, buckle up, Helldivers, and let's dive in!

What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?

In Helldivers 2, Stratagems are your lifeline, the tools that turn the tide of battle against overwhelming alien forces. Think of them as your off-map support, called in using specific code sequences during missions. These aren't your standard grenades or rifles; Stratagems range from powerful orbital bombardments to resupply drops, defensive turrets, and even mech suits! They're essential for completing objectives, managing hordes of enemies, and generally staying alive in the face of intergalactic threats.

The strategic depth that Stratagems add to Helldivers 2 is immense. They allow players to customize their loadouts to suit different mission types and playstyles. Need to clear out a heavily fortified enemy base? Call in an orbital strike. Running low on ammo and health? Request a resupply pod. Facing a swarm of bugs? Deploy a Gatling Sentry to mow them down. The possibilities are endless, and mastering the use of Stratagems is key to becoming an effective Helldiver.

Furthermore, Stratagems promote teamwork and coordination. Players can combine different Stratagems to create devastating effects. For example, one player might call in an EMS Mortar to slow down enemies, while another follows up with a precision airstrike. This level of synergy encourages players to communicate and strategize together, making Helldivers 2 a truly cooperative experience. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each Stratagem, and how they complement each other, is vital for success.

How to Unlock Stratagems

Unlocking new Stratagems in Helldivers 2 is a rewarding process that ties directly into your progression. To acquire these powerful tools, you'll need to earn Requisition Slips during missions. These slips are essentially your in-game currency for unlocking new Stratagems. You can find them scattered throughout the mission area, often in containers or as rewards for completing side objectives.

Once you've gathered enough Requisition Slips, head to the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. This is where you'll find a list of available Stratagems, each with its own unique cost. Browse the options and choose the ones that best fit your playstyle and the types of missions you typically undertake. Keep in mind that some Stratagems are locked behind level requirements, so you'll need to rank up your Helldiver to unlock the more advanced options.

The Ship Management terminal also allows you to upgrade existing Stratagems. Upgrades can enhance the effectiveness of your Stratagems in various ways, such as increasing the damage of an airstrike, reducing the cooldown time of a resupply pod, or adding extra ammunition to a support weapon. Investing in upgrades is a great way to maximize the potential of your favorite Stratagems and stay ahead of the curve as you tackle tougher challenges.

How to Equip Stratagems

Before heading into a mission, you'll need to equip your chosen Stratagems. This is done during the loadout selection phase on your Super Destroyer. You'll have a limited number of Stratagem slots, so choose wisely. Consider the mission objectives, the enemy types you're likely to encounter, and your team's overall strategy when making your selections.

To equip a Stratagem, simply select it from the list of available options and assign it to an empty slot. You can rearrange your Stratagems at any time before launching the mission, so feel free to experiment and find the configuration that works best for you. Remember that some Stratagems are more effective in certain situations than others, so it's important to adapt your loadout to the specific challenges of each mission.

Communication with your teammates is crucial during the loadout selection phase. Discuss your intended roles and coordinate your Stratagem choices to create a well-rounded team composition. For example, one player might focus on crowd control with turrets and airstrikes, while another provides heavy fire support with a mech suit or a railgun. By working together and complementing each other's strengths, you'll greatly increase your chances of success.

How to Use Stratagems in Combat

Using Stratagems effectively in combat requires practice, precision, and a good understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses. To call in a Stratagem, you'll need to input a specific code sequence using the directional pad on your controller or the corresponding keys on your keyboard. The code sequence for each Stratagem is displayed on the Stratagem selection screen and in the in-game Stratagem menu.

Once you've entered the code sequence, you'll need to throw the Stratagem beacon to designate the target area. Be careful where you throw the beacon, as some Stratagems can have devastating effects on friendlies as well as enemies. It's also important to consider the timing of your Stratagem calls. Some Stratagems have a short cooldown time, while others require a longer wait before they can be used again. Managing your Stratagem cooldowns effectively is essential for maintaining a steady stream of support during intense firefights.

Mastering the art of Stratagem usage also involves learning how to combine different Stratagems to create synergistic effects. For example, you can use an EMS Mortar to slow down enemies, making them easier targets for an airstrike or a barrage of Gatling Sentry fire. You can also use a smoke screen to provide cover for your team while they advance on an objective or retreat from a dangerous situation. By experimenting with different combinations and learning how to coordinate your Stratagem calls with your teammates, you'll become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Helldivers 2 Stratagems List

Here's a comprehensive list of Stratagems in Helldivers 2, categorized for easy reference:

Orbital Stratagems

These Stratagems call in powerful orbital bombardments from your Super Destroyer. They're ideal for clearing out large groups of enemies or destroying heavily fortified structures. They typically have a longer cooldown time than other Stratagems, but their destructive power makes them well worth the wait.

• Orbital Gatling Barrage: Unleashes a rapid-fire barrage of Gatling rounds from orbit.
• Orbital Airburst Strike: Delivers a devastating airburst explosion over a wide area.
• Orbital 120MM HE Barrage: Calls in a barrage of high-explosive 120mm shells.
• Orbital 380MM HE Barrage: Unleashes an even more powerful barrage of 380mm high-explosive shells.
• Orbital Walking Barrage: A barrage that walks across the battlefield, devastating everything in its path.
• Orbital Railcannon Strike: Fires a single, high-velocity railcannon round with pinpoint accuracy.
• Orbital Laser: Deploys a powerful orbital laser that can melt through armor and incinerate enemies.

Eagle Stratagems

Eagle Stratagems provide close air support from an Eagle fighter jet. They're versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, from bombing runs to strafing runs. They typically have a shorter cooldown time than Orbital Stratagems, but their firepower is more limited.

• Eagle Airstrike: Calls in an Eagle fighter jet to deliver a precision airstrike.
• Eagle Cluster Bomb: Deploys a cluster bomb that scatters explosive bomblets over a wide area.
• Eagle Napalm Airstrike: Unleashes a wave of napalm from an Eagle fighter jet, setting enemies ablaze.
• Eagle Smoke Strike: Deploys a smoke screen to provide cover for your team.
• Eagle Strafing Run: Calls in an Eagle fighter jet to strafe enemies with machine gun fire.
• Eagle 500KG Bomb: Drops a massive 500kg bomb for devastating area damage.

Support Stratagems

Support Stratagems provide a variety of utility effects, such as resupply drops, defensive turrets, and medical support. They're essential for maintaining your team's sustainability and providing tactical advantages in combat.

• Resupply: Calls in a resupply pod containing ammunition, grenades, and stims.
• Reinforce: Reinforces your team with a new Helldiver after one has fallen.
• MG-43 Machine Gun: Deploys a heavy machine gun for sustained fire support.
• Spear: Fires homing missiles at large targets.
• Recoilless Rifle: Fires armor-piercing rockets at heavily armored enemies.
• EAT-17: Fires a single-use anti-tank weapon, effective against heavily armored targets.
• Orbital EMS Mortar Sentry: Deploys a mortar turret that fires EMS rounds, slowing down enemies.
• Gatling Sentry: Deploys a Gatling Sentry that automatically targets and eliminates enemies.
• Mortar Sentry: Deploys a mortar turret that fires explosive rounds at a longer range.
• Shield Generator Pack: Provides a personal shield that absorbs incoming damage.
• Jump Pack: Jump Pack that allows the helldiver to jump in battle.

Backpack Stratagems

Backpack Stratagems are the ones in which the player wears the stratagem. They're a great way to implement and use the support stratagems more efficiently.

• Guard Dog Rover: Employs a guard dog to cover the user.
• Supply Pack: Provides extra supplies to the user.

Mech Stratagems

Mech Stratagems deploy powerful mech suits that provide heavy firepower and armor protection. They're ideal for taking on heavily armored enemies and clearing out fortified positions. However, they're also vulnerable to anti-armor weaponry and can be destroyed if not used carefully.

• EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit: Deploys a versatile mech suit equipped with machine guns and ракеты.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Stratagems

• Memorize the code sequences: The faster you can input the codes, the quicker you can call in your Stratagems.
• Practice throwing the Stratagem beacon: Accurate beacon placement is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your Stratagems.
• Communicate with your teammates: Coordinate your Stratagem calls to create synergistic effects and avoid friendly fire.
• Experiment with different Stratagem combinations: Discover new and effective ways to use Stratagems together.
• Upgrade your Stratagems: Invest in upgrades to enhance the effectiveness of your favorite Stratagems.
• Adapt your loadout to the mission: Choose Stratagems that are well-suited to the specific challenges of each mission.
• Be aware of cooldown times: Manage your Stratagem cooldowns effectively to maintain a steady stream of support.
• Don't be afraid to use Stratagems defensively: Stratagems can be just as effective for protecting yourself and your teammates as they are for attacking enemies.

Conclusion

Stratagems are the backbone of Helldivers 2's gameplay, offering a diverse range of tactical options for players to master. By understanding how to unlock, equip, and use Stratagems effectively, you'll be well-equipped to take on any challenge that the game throws your way. So, dive in, experiment, and discover the power of Stratagems! And remember, spreading democracy is always the primary objective! Good luck, Helldivers!