Helldivers 2: Unlock Stratagems Guide

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Helldivers 2: Unlock Stratagems Guide

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, and robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But let's be real, you're not going to get very far with just your starting equipment. Stratagems are the key to turning the tide of battle, calling in everything from orbital bombardments to supply drops and powerful exosuits. But how do you actually unlock more of these game-changing abilities? Don't worry, fellow Helldiver, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to expand your arsenal and become a true force for Super Earth!

Understanding Stratagems and How to Get Them

Okay, let's break down what Stratagems actually are and why you absolutely need them. Stratagems are essentially your special abilities in Helldivers 2. They range from offensive firepower like airstrikes and sentry turrets to defensive tools like shields and supply pods. You activate them during missions by inputting specific button combinations (don't worry, you'll get the hang of it!). The more Stratagems you have at your disposal, the more adaptable you'll be to different combat situations and enemy types. Think of it this way: a Helldiver with limited Stratagems is like a soldier with only a pistol – they can do some damage, but they're going to struggle against a heavily armored tank. A Helldiver with a diverse range of Stratagems, on the other hand, is a walking, talking, democracy-spreading Swiss Army knife! They're ready for anything!

So, how do you get your hands on these glorious tools of destruction? The primary way to unlock Stratagems is by spending Requisition Slips. These slips are earned by completing missions, finding them scattered around the map during operations, and successfully liberating planets. The harder the mission and the more objectives you complete, the more Requisition Slips you'll earn. Once you've got a nice pile of them, head over to the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. This is where the magic happens.

Navigating the Ship Management Terminal

The Ship Management terminal is your one-stop shop for upgrading your ship and unlocking new Stratagems. When you interact with the terminal, you'll see several categories, each representing a different section of your ship: Bridge, Hangar, Engineering Bay, and Armory. Each section focuses on a specific type of Stratagem. The Bridge, for example, deals with orbital strikes and support Stratagems, while the Engineering Bay focuses on defensive structures and automated weaponry. To unlock a Stratagem, you'll need to spend Requisition Slips and meet any level requirements. This means you'll need to play the game, complete missions, and level up your Helldiver profile to access the more powerful Stratagems. Don't expect to be calling in nukes on your first day!

Take some time to explore each section of the Ship Management terminal and read the descriptions of each Stratagem. Consider your playstyle and the types of missions you enjoy. Do you prefer to play a support role, keeping your teammates supplied and protected? Then focus on unlocking supply drop and shield generator Stratagems. Do you like to be on the front lines, dishing out massive damage? Then prioritize offensive Stratagems like the Orbital Laser or the Railcannon Strike. The best approach is to unlock a variety of Stratagems to cover all your bases.

Earning Requisition Slips Efficiently

Alright, so Stratagems cost Requisition Slips, and you need a lot of them to unlock everything. How do you maximize your earning potential? Here's the lowdown:

  • Complete Operations: Operations are a series of interconnected missions that tell a small story. Completing all the missions within an Operation grants a significant Requisition Slip bonus. Focus on finishing Operations whenever possible.
  • Difficulty Matters: Higher difficulty missions award more Requisition Slips. However, don't bite off more than you can chew! It's better to complete a medium-difficulty mission successfully than to fail a hard-difficulty mission repeatedly. Find a difficulty level that challenges you without being overwhelming.
  • Explore the Map: During missions, take some time to explore the surrounding area. You'll often find containers and points of interest that contain Requisition Slips. These hidden caches can significantly boost your earnings.
  • Complete Secondary Objectives: Many missions have optional secondary objectives, such as destroying enemy outposts or rescuing civilians. Completing these objectives awards bonus Requisition Slips and contributes to the overall success of the Operation.
  • Liberate Planets: Contributing to the liberation of planets also rewards you with Requisition Slips. Keep an eye on the galactic war map and focus your efforts on planets that are close to being liberated.

Leveling Up and Unlocking New Tiers

As you play Helldivers 2, you'll earn experience points (XP) and level up your Helldiver profile. Leveling up unlocks new tiers of Stratagems in the Ship Management terminal. This means that even if you have enough Requisition Slips, you might not be able to unlock a particular Stratagem until you reach a certain level. Keep grinding those missions and completing objectives to level up quickly and gain access to the most powerful Stratagems in the game. Leveling up is a crucial part of the progression system, so don't neglect it! The higher your level, the more options you'll have at your disposal.

Essential Stratagems to Unlock Early

Okay, so you know how to unlock Stratagems, but which ones should you prioritize? Here are a few essential Stratagems that are incredibly useful in a variety of situations and will give you a significant edge in combat:

  • Orbital Precision Strike: A basic but incredibly versatile Stratagem that allows you to call in a precise orbital bombardment on a targeted area. It's great for taking out heavily armored enemies or clearing out groups of weaker foes. This is a great starting point for learning how to use orbital Stratagems effectively. Plus, it looks awesome!
  • Supply Pack: This Stratagem allows you to call in a backpack that provides you and your teammates with extra ammunition, grenades, and stims. It's essential for longer missions where resources are scarce. Having a dedicated support player equipped with a Supply Pack can make a huge difference in your team's survivability.
  • Eagle Airstrike: Another fantastic offensive Stratagem that calls in a strafing run from an Eagle fighter jet. It's great for clearing out large areas of enemies or dealing damage to heavily fortified positions. The Eagle Airstrike has a short cooldown, making it a reliable source of damage throughout the mission.
  • Machine Gun Sentry: A deployable sentry turret that automatically targets and eliminates nearby enemies. It's great for providing covering fire, defending objectives, or creating chokepoints. The Machine Gun Sentry is particularly effective against swarms of weaker enemies.
  • Shield Generator Pack: Provides a personal energy shield that absorbs incoming damage. It's invaluable for surviving intense firefights and protecting yourself from explosive attacks. The Shield Generator Pack is particularly useful for players who like to be on the front lines.

Adapting Your Stratagem Loadout to the Mission

One of the most important aspects of being a successful Helldiver is adapting your Stratagem loadout to the specific mission you're undertaking. Before each mission, take a look at the mission briefing and consider the following factors:

  • Enemy Type: Are you fighting Terminids (bugs) or Automatons (robots)? Terminids are vulnerable to fire damage, while Automatons are more resistant to explosives. Choose Stratagems that are effective against the enemy type you'll be facing.
  • Mission Objectives: Are you defending a position, escorting a convoy, or destroying a target? Choose Stratagems that are suited to the mission objectives. For example, if you're defending a position, you'll want to bring defensive Stratagems like sentry turrets and shield generators.
  • Terrain: Is the terrain open and exposed, or is it dense and covered? Open terrain favors long-range Stratagems like orbital strikes, while dense terrain favors close-range Stratagems like grenades and shotguns.
  • Team Composition: Coordinate with your teammates to create a balanced Stratagem loadout. Make sure you have a mix of offensive, defensive, and support Stratagems. Avoid redundancy and ensure that everyone is bringing something different to the table.

Mastering Stratagem Deployment

Okay, you've unlocked a bunch of Stratagems and you're ready to use them. But simply having them isn't enough. You need to learn how to deploy them effectively. Here are a few tips for mastering Stratagem deployment:

  • Memorize the Codes: Each Stratagem has a unique activation code, which is a sequence of button presses. Memorize the codes for your favorite Stratagems so you can deploy them quickly and efficiently in the heat of battle. Practice makes perfect!
  • Use Quick Input: Helldivers 2 features a quick input system that allows you to input Stratagem codes rapidly. Mastering this system will significantly improve your deployment speed.
  • Consider the Cooldown: Each Stratagem has a cooldown period after it's used. Pay attention to the cooldown timers and don't waste your Stratagems unnecessarily. Use them strategically and conserve them for when you really need them.
  • Communicate with Your Team: Let your teammates know which Stratagems you're about to deploy so they can coordinate their actions accordingly. This is particularly important for orbital strikes, which can potentially damage or kill friendly units.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to master Stratagem deployment is to practice. Experiment with different Stratagems, learn their strengths and weaknesses, and find out which ones work best for your playstyle. The more you play, the better you'll become at using Stratagems effectively.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to unlocking all the Stratagems in Helldivers 2 and becoming a true master of the battlefield. Now go out there, spread some managed democracy, and show those bugs and bots what you're made of! For Super Earth!