Welcome fellow Helldiver. As a new recruit, you’re about to face a baptism by fire! Here are our top 10 essential tips to help you survive and spread “managed democracy” across the galaxy:
1. Friendly Fire is Always On!
This is the most crucial rule. Every weapon, Stratagem, and explosion can kill your teammates. Be extremely mindful of your angles, where your squad mates are, and where you’re throwing Stratagem beacons. If you’re using an explosive or area-of-effect weapon, shout a warning or ping incoming danger.
2. Master the Dive
Diving (or going prone) is a versatile mechanic. Use it to:
- Dodge large enemy attacks (like a Charger’s rush or a Hulk’s fire).
- Reduce incoming damage from nearby explosions.
- Get a more stable shooting position (especially with heavy weapons).
- Quickly get behind cover.
3. Prioritise the Objective, Not the Kill Count
Enemies will spawn endlessly as long as you engage patrols and linger. Your main goal is to complete the mission objectives and extract with your collected Samples. Avoid unnecessary fights and, if possible, sneak past patrols to save ammo and reinforcements.
4. Use Your Stratagems Often (They’re Unlimited!)
Unlike your ammo, most Stratagems (Orbital Strikes, Eagles, Support Weapons, and Reinforcements) have unlimited uses, only restricted by a cooldown. Use them liberally to clear crowds, destroy enemy structures, or call in much-needed heavy weapons. Don’t be shy about throwing that beacon!
It also helps to learn your favourites in terms of the D-pad press, so that you can call them in quickly and effortlessly, especially if you’re being chased by a horde of bugs behind you.
5. Look for Samples and Currencies
Samples (small coloured canisters) are vital for permanent Ship Upgrades. Requisition Slips buy Stratagems, and Medals unlock gear in unlocked Warbonds. You find all of these by exploring the map and checking Points of Interest (POIs), which are usually marked by flashing lights or small gem symbols on your compass/map.
6. Stick With Your Squad
Helldivers 2 is a team game. Staying together provides cross-fire support, helps with managing large groups of enemies, and ensures there’s always someone to pick up dropped Samples or instantly call a Reinforcement. Don’t wander off alone, especially on higher difficulties.
7. Conserve Ammo (Don’t Reload Prematurely)
Reloading discards any remaining rounds in the current magazine. While running and reloading is a great time-saver, always try to empty your clip before reloading in a safe moment. If you run low, drop a Supply Stratagem. You can even look at using some the laser weaponry to conserve ammo too.
8. Learn the Different Enemy Factions
The Terminids (Bugs) are a horde of melee fighters. Your best bet is to constantly be running, using area-of-effect weapons, and aiming for weak spots like their heads or exposed bellies. The Automatons (Bots) are ranged-focused; you need to use cover, prioritise their heavy armour and weak spots (often glowing vents), and take out units that call for dropships.
“The final extraction is the most dangerous part of the mission”
9. Communicate and Mark
Use the quick-ping system to call out enemies, Points of Interest, or crucial items. A simple ping alerts your team to dangers or resources they might otherwise miss. If you have a mic, quick communication about enemy types, your movements, or Stratagem placements is even better.
10. Extract With Your Samples
All Samples collected are shared among the team, but they are only secured if the carrier extracts with them. If you die, another squad mate should pick up your dropped Samples. The final extraction is the most dangerous part of the mission, so work together to clear the landing zone and defend it until the Pelican-1 dropship arrives!
So there you have it, some simple tips to get you surviving your journey into becoming the ultimate Helldiver. For democracy!