Helldivers 2: Unlock And Master Every Stratagem
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive deep into the heart of Helldivers 2 and become a true master of galactic warfare? Then you've come to the right place! This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about stratagems – those game-changing tools and abilities that can turn the tide of battle against the Terminids and Automatons. We're going to break down every stratagem in the game, how to unlock them, and how to use them effectively. So, buckle up, grab your gear, and let's dive in!
What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?
In Helldivers 2, stratagems are your lifeline. They're special abilities and equipment you can call in during missions to help you and your squad overcome overwhelming odds. Think of them as your personal arsenal of destruction, support, and tactical advantages. From devastating orbital strikes to trusty backpacks and support weapons, stratagems are essential for survival and success.
Stratagems are more than just fancy gadgets; they're a core part of the Helldivers 2 experience. Understanding how they work, when to use them, and which ones complement your playstyle is crucial for becoming an effective Helldiver. Each stratagem has a unique input code that you must enter using your character's stratagem call-in device during a mission. This adds a layer of tension and strategy, as you'll need to find a safe moment to input the code while under fire. Furthermore, many stratagems have cooldown periods, so wise usage is vital. Knowing when to unleash that Eagle Airstrike or when to call in a Resupply Pod can be the difference between victory and a swift return to your Destroyer.
To truly master Helldivers 2, you need to experiment with different stratagems, find the combinations that work best for you and your team, and adapt your loadout based on the mission objectives and the enemy you're facing. Are you up against heavily armored opponents? Bring in some anti-tank weaponry. Need to clear out a horde of bugs? A well-placed airstrike might do the trick. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes the game so engaging.
How to Unlock Stratagems
So, how do you get your hands on these incredible stratagems? The process is pretty straightforward, but it requires a bit of effort and dedication. Stratagems are unlocked by spending Requisition points, which you earn by completing missions and objectives. The more challenging the mission, the more Requisition points you'll receive.
The Ship Management console on your Destroyer is your hub for all things stratagem-related. Here, you'll find a list of available stratagems, each with its own unique cost in Requisition points. To unlock a stratagem, simply navigate to it in the Ship Management menu, pay the required Requisition points, and boom – it's yours!
But here's the catch: not all stratagems are available from the start. Many require you to upgrade specific modules on your Destroyer. These upgrades cost Samples, which are rare resources found during missions. There are different types of Samples, and some upgrades require specific types. This adds another layer of progression to the game, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny of the battlefield in search of these precious resources.
Think of it as building your perfect loadout piece by piece. You might start with the basics, like the Machine Gun and the Supply Pack, but as you progress, you'll unlock more powerful options like the Railgun, the Orbital Laser, and even defensive structures like the Shield Generator Relay. Each upgrade and new stratagem adds a fresh dimension to your gameplay, keeping things exciting and rewarding.
Stratagem Categories: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the specifics of each stratagem, let's take a quick look at the main categories. This will give you a better understanding of the types of tools available to you and how they can be used.
- Patriotic Administration Center: This category focuses on defensive support, providing turrets and other automated defenses to fortify your position.
 - Orbital Cannons: These are your heavy hitters, delivering devastating barrages from orbit to clear out large groups of enemies or destroy heavily armored targets.
 - Eagle Stratagems: Eagle stratagems offer a mix of offensive and support capabilities, including airstrikes, napalm bombs, and even a powerful Gatling gun.
 - Hangar: This category focuses on providing you with powerful mechs and vehicles to wreak havoc on the battlefield.
 - Bridge: Bridge stratagems offer a mix of offensive and support capabilities, including orbital strikes, EMS strikes, and smoke screens.
 - Engineering Bay: This category focuses on providing you with support equipment such as supply packs, jump packs, and shields.
 - Robotics Workshop: These stratagems offer powerful walking exosuits and robotic support units to bolster your firepower.
 - Support Weapons: This category includes a variety of heavy weapons that can be carried by a single Helldiver, such as the Recoilless Rifle, the Anti-Material Rifle, and the Flamethrower.
 
Understanding these categories will help you narrow down your choices when selecting stratagems for a mission. Do you need heavy firepower? Head to the Orbital Cannons or Eagle Stratagems. Need some extra support for your squad? Check out the Engineering Bay or Support Weapons. Knowing your options is half the battle!
The Complete Stratagem List: Your Arsenal of Freedom
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here's a comprehensive list of all the stratagems currently available in Helldivers 2, broken down by category. We'll cover their input codes, cooldowns, and what makes them so effective. Get ready to take notes!
Patriotic Administration Center
This category is all about setting up defensive positions and holding your ground against the enemy onslaught. If you like turtling and controlling the battlefield, these are the stratagems for you.
- MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry: Input Code: Down, Left, Right, Up, Down. Cooldown: 180 seconds. This automated sentry gun provides covering fire and helps to thin out enemy hordes. It's great for setting up kill zones and defending objectives.
 - HMG Emplacement: Input Code: Down, Left, Right, Up, Left, Right. Cooldown: 300 seconds. A more powerful version of the Machine Gun Sentry, the HMG Emplacement packs a serious punch. It's perfect for taking on heavily armored enemies.
 - Gatling Sentry: Input Code: Down, Left, Up, Right, Down. Cooldown: 180 seconds. This sentry gun unleashes a hail of bullets, shredding through hordes of smaller enemies. It's ideal for crowd control.
 - Mortar Sentry: Input Code: Down, Up, Right, Left, Down. Cooldown: 180 seconds. The Mortar Sentry provides indirect fire support, raining down explosive shells on your enemies from a distance. It's great for clearing out entrenched positions.
 - Guard Dog Rover: Input Code: Up, Left, Down, Right, Up, Right. Cooldown: 240 seconds. This personal drone companion follows you around and provides covering fire, helping to keep enemies off your back.
 - Shield Generator Relay: Input Code: Down, Up, Left, Right, Down, Right. Cooldown: 300 seconds. This defensive structure creates a protective shield, providing cover for you and your squad. It's essential for holding objectives and surviving intense firefights.
 
Orbital Cannons
Need to bring the hammer down? The Orbital Cannons are your answer. These stratagems deliver devastating strikes from orbit, capable of wiping out entire enemy formations. Just be careful not to hit your teammates!
- Orbital Gatling Barrage: Input Code: Up, Right, Down, Left, Up. Cooldown: 75 seconds. A rapid-fire barrage of Gatling rounds from orbit, perfect for suppressing enemies and dealing with large groups.
 - Orbital Airburst Strike: Input Code: Right, Right, Right. Cooldown: 90 seconds. This strike unleashes a burst of explosive shells in the air, dealing massive damage to enemies below.
 - Orbital 120MM HE Barrage: Input Code: Right, Right, Up, Left, Down. Cooldown: 120 seconds. A heavy barrage of high-explosive shells, ideal for destroying structures and heavily armored targets.
 - Orbital 380MM HE Barrage: Input Code: Right, Down, Left, Up, Right. Cooldown: 240 seconds. The big daddy of orbital barrages, the 380MM HE Barrage can level entire areas. Use with caution!
 - Orbital Walking Barrage: Input Code: Right, Down, Right, Left, Right. Cooldown: 180 seconds. A walking barrage of orbital strikes that slowly advances across the battlefield, clearing out everything in its path.
 - Orbital Railcannon Strike: Input Code: Right, Up, Left, Down, Right. Cooldown: 210 seconds. This precise strike fires a single, high-velocity railcannon round, capable of penetrating even the thickest armor. It's perfect for taking out heavily armored enemies or destroying fortifications.
 
Eagle Stratagems
The Eagle is your aerial support platform, delivering a variety of strikes and payloads to the battlefield. These stratagems offer a good balance of offensive and support capabilities.
- Eagle Strafing Run: Input Code: Up, Right, Down, Right. Cooldown: 15 seconds. The Eagle strafing run is a quick and efficient way to clear out groups of enemies. It's perfect for suppressing enemy fire and creating openings for your squad to advance.
 - Eagle Airstrike: Input Code: Up, Right, Down, Left. Cooldown: 15 seconds. A more powerful version of the Strafing Run, the Airstrike delivers a concentrated blast of explosives, capable of destroying structures and heavily armored targets.
 - Eagle Cluster Bomb: Input Code: Up, Right, Down, Right, Right. Cooldown: 20 seconds. This strike drops a cluster of bombs over a wide area, devastating enemy formations. It's perfect for clearing out large groups of enemies or destroying nests and factories.
 - Eagle 500KG Bomb: Input Code: Up, Down, Right, Up, Left. Cooldown: 75 seconds. The 500KG Bomb is a massive explosive payload that can obliterate anything in its blast radius. Use it to take out heavily fortified positions or to eliminate high-priority targets.
 - Eagle Napalm Airstrike: Input Code: Up, Right, Down, Up. Cooldown: 75 seconds. This strike blankets the area in napalm, creating a wall of fire that damages and slows enemies. It's great for controlling chokepoints and denying enemy access to certain areas.
 - Eagle Smoke Strike: Input Code: Up, Right, Up, Down. Cooldown: 60 seconds. This strike deploys a smokescreen, providing cover for you and your squad. It's perfect for advancing through open areas or for escaping from a dangerous situation.
 - Eagle Gas Strike: Input Code: Up, Right, Up, Left. Cooldown: 90 seconds. This strike releases a cloud of toxic gas that damages enemies over time. It's great for clearing out enclosed spaces or for denying enemies access to certain areas.
 
Hangar
This category provides you with powerful mechs and vehicles to wreak havoc on the battlefield. If you want to bring some serious firepower to the fight, these are the stratagems for you.
- EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit: Input Code: Down, Up, Left, Down, Down, Left. Cooldown: 600 seconds. This powerful mech is equipped with a Gatling gun and a missile launcher, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. It's perfect for taking on heavily armored enemies and clearing out large groups.
 - EXO-44 Walker Exosuit: Input Code: Down, Up, Right, Down, Down, Right. Cooldown: 600 seconds. A heavily armored walking exosuit, perfect for taking on heavily armored enemies and providing fire support for your squad.
 
Bridge
Bridge stratagems offer a mix of offensive and support capabilities, allowing you to control the battlefield and support your team.
- Orbital Precision Strike: Input Code: Up, Up, Right, Down, Left. Cooldown: 120 seconds. This precise strike allows you to target a specific location with pinpoint accuracy. It's perfect for taking out high-value targets or for destroying enemy structures.
 - Orbital EMS Strike: Input Code: Up, Up, Down, Right, Down. Cooldown: 90 seconds. This strike releases an electromagnetic pulse that disrupts enemy electronics, disabling robots and slowing down other enemies. It's great for dealing with Automaton forces.
 - Smoke Strike: Input Code: Up, Down, Up, Right. Cooldown: 60 seconds. Deploys a smokescreen, providing cover for you and your squad. It's perfect for advancing through open areas or for escaping from a dangerous situation.
 - HMG Emplacement: Input Code: Down, Left, Right, Up, Left, Right. Cooldown: 300 seconds. A more powerful version of the Machine Gun Sentry, the HMG Emplacement packs a serious punch. It's perfect for taking on heavily armored enemies.
 
Engineering Bay
The Engineering Bay stratagems are all about support, providing you with the tools and equipment you need to keep your squad alive and kicking.
- Resupply: Input Code: Down, Down, Up, Right. Cooldown: 100 seconds. Calls in a resupply pod, replenishing your ammo and grenades. Essential for staying in the fight.
 - Supply Pack: Input Code: Down, Left, Up, Right, Up. Cooldown: 180 seconds. This backpack allows you to carry extra ammo and supplies, and it can also be used to resupply your teammates.
 - Jump Pack: Input Code: Down, Up, Down, Up, Up. Cooldown: 120 seconds. This backpack allows you to jump over obstacles and reach higher ground, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield.
 - Shield Generator Pack: Input Code: Up, Left, Down, Right, Up. Cooldown: 300 seconds. This backpack generates a personal energy shield, protecting you from enemy fire.
 - Anti-Personnel Minefield: Input Code: Down, Left, Down, Up, Right. Cooldown: 180 seconds. Deploys a field of anti-personnel mines, damaging or killing any enemies that step on them. It's great for defending objectives or for creating chokepoints.
 - Incendiary Mines: Input Code: Down, Left, Down, Up, Down. Cooldown: 180 seconds. Deploys a field of incendiary mines, setting enemies on fire and damaging them over time. It's great for area denial and for dealing with hordes of enemies.
 
Robotics Workshop
These stratagems offer powerful walking exosuits and robotic support units to bolster your firepower.
- EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit: Input Code: Down, Up, Left, Down, Down, Left. Cooldown: 600 seconds. This powerful mech is equipped with a Gatling gun and a missile launcher, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. It's perfect for taking on heavily armored enemies and clearing out large groups.
 - Ballistic Shield Backpack: Input Code: Up, Left, Down, Left, Up, Right. Cooldown: 240 seconds. Equips a ballistic shield that can be deployed to provide cover for you and your teammates.
 
Support Weapons
This category includes a variety of heavy weapons that can be carried by a single Helldiver, providing extra firepower and versatility.
- MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun: Input Code: Down, Left, Right, Up, Left. Cooldown: 180 seconds. A powerful machine gun that can chew through enemies with ease.
 - GR-8 Recoilless Rifle: Input Code: Down, Right, Down, Left, Up. Cooldown: 180 seconds. This shoulder-mounted rocket launcher is perfect for taking out heavily armored targets.
 - EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank: Input Code: Down, Right, Up, Left. Cooldown: 10 seconds. A disposable anti-tank rocket that can be used to quickly eliminate armored threats.
 - FLAM-40 Flamethrower: Input Code: Down, Left, Up, Down, Up. Cooldown: 180 seconds. This weapon unleashes a stream of fire, incinerating enemies and setting the battlefield ablaze. It's great for dealing with hordes of enemies or for clearing out enclosed spaces.
 - ARC-3 Arc Thrower: Input Code: Down, Right, Left, Up, Down. Cooldown: 240 seconds. This weapon fires a bolt of electricity that arcs between enemies, damaging multiple targets at once. It's perfect for crowd control and for dealing with shielded enemies.
 - Railgun: Input Code: Down, Right, Left, Up, Right. Cooldown: 240 seconds. A powerful railgun that can penetrate even the thickest armor. It's perfect for taking out heavily armored enemies or for destroying fortifications.
 - LAS-98 Laser Cannon: Input Code: Down, Right, Left, Down, Left. Cooldown: 240 seconds. This weapon fires a concentrated beam of laser energy, dealing sustained damage to enemies. It's great for taking out high-priority targets or for melting through armor.
 - Anti-Material Rifle: Input Code: Down, Up, Left, Down, Right. Cooldown: 180 seconds. A high-powered sniper rifle that can penetrate cover and damage enemies behind it. It's perfect for taking out snipers or for dealing with enemies in fortified positions.
 
Mastering Stratagem Combinations and Strategies
Now that you know all about the individual stratagems, it's time to talk about strategy. In Helldivers 2, teamwork is key, and that means coordinating your stratagems with your squadmates to create powerful combinations.
For example, you could use the Eagle Smoke Strike to create cover while your teammate calls in an Orbital Precision Strike on a high-value target. Or, you could use the Incendiary Mines to create a chokepoint, forcing enemies into a kill zone where you can unleash the Gatling Sentry and the MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun.
The possibilities are endless, and it's up to you and your squad to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your playstyle. Don't be afraid to try new things and to adapt your strategy based on the mission objectives and the enemy you're facing.
Tips for Effective Stratagem Use
- Communicate with your team: Let your squadmates know which stratagems you're bringing and how you plan to use them. Coordination is key!
 - Be mindful of cooldowns: Don't waste your stratagems, and be aware of their cooldown times. You don't want to be caught in a tough situation without any backup.
 - Consider the terrain: The environment can play a big role in how effective a stratagem is. For example, the Mortar Sentry is great for clearing out entrenched positions, but it's less effective in open areas.
 - Adapt to the enemy: The types of enemies you're facing will influence which stratagems are most effective. Bring anti-tank weaponry for heavily armored opponents, and crowd control stratagems for hordes of smaller enemies.
 - Don't be afraid to experiment: Try out different stratagems and combinations to find what works best for you and your team.
 
Final Thoughts: Become a Stratagem Master
So there you have it, Helldivers! A complete guide to every stratagem in Helldivers 2. With this knowledge, you're well on your way to becoming a true master of galactic warfare. Remember, stratagems are your most powerful tools in the fight for Super Earth, so use them wisely, coordinate with your team, and never stop experimenting.
Now get out there and spread some managed democracy! The fate of the galaxy rests in your hands. For Super Earth!