Helldivers 1 Stratagems: A Complete Guide

Hello, fellow Helldivers! Today, we're diving deep (pun intended!) into the heart of Helldivers 1: its awesome array of stratagems. If you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit ready to spread managed democracy, understanding and mastering these stratagems is absolutely crucial for success. So, grab your cup of Liber-tea, and let's get started!

What are Stratagems?

Stratagems are essentially your lifeline in Helldivers 1. They are the tools and abilities you call in from your orbiting Super Destroyer to aid you in combat. Think of them as your on-demand support system, offering everything from powerful weaponry and defensive structures to crucial resupply drops and even orbital bombardments. In essence, mastering stratagems is the key to dominating the battlefield and ensuring the success of your missions. Without a solid understanding of how they work and when to use them, you'll quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the alien hordes. They are your bread and butter, your shield and sword, and your ticket to becoming a legendary Helldiver.

The strategic depth that stratagems bring to Helldivers 1 is what truly sets it apart from other twin-stick shooters. It's not just about running and gunning; it's about planning, coordinating, and executing your strategy with precision. Each stratagem has its own unique input code, a sequence of directional inputs that you must enter correctly to call it in. This adds a layer of skill and timing to the game, as you need to be able to quickly and accurately input the code while under pressure from enemy fire. Furthermore, many stratagems have cooldown periods, meaning you can't just spam them endlessly. This forces you to think carefully about when and where to use your stratagems, making each deployment a strategic decision.

Beyond their individual strengths and weaknesses, stratagems also synergize with each other in interesting ways. For example, you might use a static field conductor to slow down enemies, making them easier targets for an orbital strike. Or, you could combine a shield generator with a defensive turret to create a nearly impenetrable fortress. Experimenting with different combinations of stratagems is part of the fun of Helldivers 1, and it's how you'll discover the most effective strategies for tackling different mission types and enemy factions. So, don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you and your team. After all, the only way to truly master stratagems is to put them to the test in the heat of battle.

Stratagem Categories

To better understand the vast arsenal at your disposal, let's break down the stratagems into categories:

• Resupply: These stratagems provide essential resources like ammo, grenades, and stims. Crucial for long missions!
• Offensive: This category includes a wide variety of weapons, from support guns and explosives to devastating orbital strikes.
• Defensive: Deploy shields, turrets, and other structures to fortify your position and hold off enemy advances.
• Support: These stratagems offer various forms of assistance, such as vehicles, distraction beacons, and even the ability to call in a mech suit.

Resupply Stratagems: Never Run Dry!

Running out of ammo in Helldivers 1 is a death sentence. That's where resupply stratagems come in. These are your lifeline when you're deep in enemy territory and need to keep your guns blazing. The most basic of these is the Resupply stratagem itself, which calls in a pod containing a fresh supply of ammo, grenades, and stims for you and your team. It's a simple but essential tool that every Helldiver should have equipped. Knowing when to call in a resupply is key. Don't wait until you're completely out of ammo; call it in when you're getting low to ensure you always have the firepower you need.

But the resupply options don't stop there. You also have access to specialized resupply stratagems like the Heavy Support Weapon Resupply, which provides ammo for your heavy weapons like the recoilless rifle and the EAT-17. This is crucial for dealing with heavily armored enemies like tanks and cyborg behemoths. Additionally, there's the Reinforce stratagem, which not only brings in a fresh Helldiver to replace a fallen comrade but also provides them with a basic loadout of gear. This is essential for maintaining your team's strength and keeping the fight going.

The strategic use of resupply stratagems can make or break a mission. A well-timed resupply can turn the tide of battle, allowing you to push forward and achieve your objectives. Conversely, neglecting your resupply can lead to disaster, leaving you vulnerable and outgunned. So, always keep an eye on your ammo count and be prepared to call in a resupply when needed. Remember, a Helldiver with ammo is a Helldiver who can spread managed democracy. A Helldiver without ammo is just bug food.

Offensive Stratagems: Unleash the Fury!

When you need to bring the pain, offensive stratagems are your go-to option. This category is packed with a variety of weapons and explosives designed to obliterate anything that stands in your way. From support weapons like the MG-42 Machine Gun and the Recoilless Rifle to powerful explosives like the Grenade Launcher and the EAT-17, there's an offensive stratagem for every situation. The key is to choose the right tool for the job.

For dealing with hordes of weaker enemies, the machine gun is an excellent choice. Its high rate of fire and large magazine capacity allow you to mow down bugs and cyborgs with ease. But when you're facing heavily armored targets, you'll need something with more punch. That's where the recoilless rifle and the EAT-17 come in. These weapons can penetrate even the thickest armor, making them ideal for taking down tanks and other heavily armored threats. And for clearing out entrenched enemies or destroying fortified positions, the grenade launcher is your best bet. Its explosive rounds can quickly decimate enemy formations and knock down walls.

But the offensive stratagems don't stop at personal weapons. You also have access to devastating orbital strikes like the Orbital Bombardment and the Laser Strike. These powerful attacks can wipe out entire areas, making them ideal for clearing out large concentrations of enemies or destroying enemy objectives. However, be careful when using orbital strikes, as they can also damage or kill your teammates if they're caught in the blast radius. Coordination and communication are key when using these powerful weapons.

Defensive Stratagems: Hold the Line!

Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense. Defensive stratagems allow you to fortify your position and hold off enemy advances, giving you a crucial advantage in battle. This category includes a variety of structures and defensive emplacements, such as the Shield Generator, the Tesla Tower, and the Anti-Personnel Barrier. Each of these stratagems offers a unique way to protect yourself and your team from enemy attacks.

The shield generator creates a protective bubble around your position, deflecting incoming projectiles and reducing the damage you take from explosions. This is especially useful when fighting against enemies with ranged weapons or when you're under heavy artillery fire. The Tesla Tower, on the other hand, unleashes a devastating electrical arc that fries any enemies that get too close. This is perfect for creating chokepoints and defending narrow corridors. And the anti-personnel barrier provides a physical barrier that blocks enemy movement, allowing you to control the flow of battle and funnel enemies into kill zones.

Defensive stratagems are not just about protecting yourself; they're also about creating opportunities for your team to launch counterattacks. By fortifying your position, you can create a safe zone from which to launch offensive operations. You can also use defensive stratagems to bait enemies into traps, making them vulnerable to your attacks. The key to using defensive stratagems effectively is to think strategically about how you can use them to your advantage. Consider the terrain, the enemy's tactics, and your team's strengths and weaknesses when deciding where to deploy your defenses.

Support Stratagems: Extra Help When You Need It!

Need a little extra oomph? Support stratagems provide a variety of helpful tools and abilities that can give you the edge in combat. This category includes everything from vehicles and distraction beacons to mech suits and even the ability to call in an airstrike. Whether you need to travel quickly across the map, draw enemy fire away from your team, or unleash devastating firepower, there's a support stratagem that can help.

The APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) is a versatile vehicle that can transport your team quickly and safely across the battlefield. It's also equipped with a machine gun, allowing you to provide suppressing fire as you move. The Distractor Beacon emits a signal that attracts enemies, drawing them away from your team and allowing you to flank them or escape from a difficult situation. And the Mech is a walking tank that is equipped with powerful weapons and heavy armor. It's the ultimate tool for dealing with heavily armored enemies and clearing out fortified positions.

Support stratagems are not just about providing firepower; they're also about providing utility and flexibility. The APC can be used to quickly reinforce a threatened position or to launch a surprise attack. The distractor beacon can be used to create diversions and confuse the enemy. And the mech can be used to break through enemy lines and spearhead an assault. The key to using support stratagems effectively is to think creatively about how you can use them to achieve your objectives. Consider the mission type, the enemy's tactics, and your team's strengths and weaknesses when deciding which support stratagems to bring with you.

Tips and Tricks for Stratagem Mastery

Alright, guys, let's talk about some pro-tips to really level up your stratagem game:

• Memorize the Codes: Muscle memory is your friend. Practice those input sequences until you can do them in your sleep!
• Team Coordination: Communicate with your squad! Knowing who's bringing what stratagem is key to avoiding overlap and maximizing effectiveness.
• Situational Awareness: Don't just blindly call in stratagems. Assess the battlefield, identify threats, and choose the right tool for the job.
• Experiment!: Don't be afraid to try new combinations and strategies. You might just discover the next meta!

Conclusion

Stratagems are the heart and soul of Helldivers 1. Mastering them is essential for becoming a true champion of Super Earth. So, dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have fun spreading managed democracy! Now go out there and make Super Earth proud, Helldivers! And remember, no one fights alone! For Super Earth!