Helldivers 2: New Stratagems Guide & Gameplay Tips!
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive headfirst into the glorious fight for Super Earth? If you're anything like me, you're always itching for an edge in the chaos that is Helldivers 2. And what's better than a shiny new stratagem to rain freedom upon those pesky alien hordes? In this guide, we're going to break down some of the newest and most exciting stratagems available, give you some tips on how to use them effectively, and generally get you geared up to spread democracy with extreme prejudice. So grab your weapons, and let's get started!
Understanding Stratagems: Your Key to Victory
Before we jump into the new Helldivers stratagems, let's do a quick refresher on what stratagems are and why they're so darn important. Think of stratagems as your special abilities, your ace in the hole, the tools that let you turn the tide of battle when things get hairy. They range from devastating orbital strikes and eagle air support to defensive fortifications and support weapons that can change the battlefield. Each stratagem is activated by inputting a unique code using your directional keys, and then, boom! Freedom delivered right to the enemy's doorstep.
Now, the strategic element here is crucial. You can't just spam stratagems willy-nilly (though, let's be honest, sometimes it's fun to do just that!). You need to consider the situation, the enemy types you're facing, and the cooldown timers before calling in the big guns. Different missions and loadouts will suit the use of different stratagems. The key to being an effective Helldiver is knowing your options, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and using them at the right moment. The game does a great job of throwing everything at you, and using your available tools wisely will give you the best chance of survival. With the variety of stratagems available, players will need to make difficult choices, and consider what to bring with them before dropping into the mission. It may be tempting to bring your favorite loadout into every mission, but knowing what you'll be up against, will determine how well you'll perform, and how many times you will be able to extract.
The Importance of Variety in your Stratagem Loadout
Don't be the Helldiver who only brings the same orbital strike every single time. It's tempting, I know, because blowing stuff up is awesome. However, a diverse loadout makes you a much more adaptable and effective player. Some missions are better suited for area denial, others for taking down heavy targets, and some require a mix of both. This is where those new Helldivers stratagems really shine. They provide you with more options, more flexibility, and more ways to deal with whatever the alien menace throws at you. Plus, you never know when a specific stratagem might become your new favorite. Experimentation is key, and it's how you'll discover the most effective way to spread managed democracy on the battlefield.
Consider the types of enemies you will be facing. Are you going to be fighting hordes of smaller enemies or large heavily armored targets? Some of the stratagems are designed to deal with one or the other. You may need to change your loadout to best suit the current mission. Players can always change their loadout on the ship, so don't be afraid to try different combinations to fit the mission. Even veteran players may need to adapt their loadouts depending on the mission and the enemies they will be facing. It is always wise to keep the team updated on what they have selected, so that you can create a team composition that is effective in any situation.
New Stratagems to Unleash Freedom With
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the new Helldivers stratagems that have been added to the game, ready to be deployed to deal with the bugs and bots that threaten Super Earth. These aren't all the stratagems available, but they are a great place to start! Keep in mind that the meta is always changing, so what is considered good today, may not be as effective tomorrow. The developers are always working on improvements to the game, and balancing the stratagems so that they are more in line with what they were intended for.
1. The HMG Emplacement
First up, we have the HMG Emplacement. This is a stationary heavy machine gun that you can call down for some serious firepower. Place it strategically to cover key areas and mow down enemies as they approach. The HMG is great for holding positions, covering objectives, and generally making your enemies' lives a living hell. It can take some time to set up, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Position it in an area where it can cover the most ground, and where it has a clear line of sight to deal with the enemy. Be aware of its limited field of view, and the time it takes to set up. If you are not careful, enemies can flank and overrun your position, leaving you to fight for your life. Remember to keep it stocked with ammo, and keep the battlefield clear so that it can be effective.
2. The Autocannon Sentry
Next, we have the Autocannon Sentry. This is a deployable turret that automatically fires at enemies, providing some serious area denial. It's perfect for covering your flanks, protecting objectives, or just generally distracting the enemy while you focus on other things. The Autocannon Sentry is a fantastic choice for any mission where you need a bit of extra firepower and a good distraction. The sentry will automatically engage any enemies that come into its line of sight. It is important to know the limitations of the sentry, as it can be easily overwhelmed by a large number of enemies. Consider placing it in an area where it can't be easily flanked, or where it can't be easily destroyed.
3. The Gatling Sentry
If you want pure, unadulterated dakka, then the Gatling Sentry is your friend. This rapid-firing turret shreds enemies in seconds, making it ideal for clearing out hordes or taking down heavily armored targets. It can be a bit ammo-hungry, so make sure to keep it supplied. Also, be aware of its limited range, as it won't be as effective at long distances. Place it in a choke point or a narrow passage to maximize its effectiveness. When facing waves of enemies, the Gatling Sentry will make short work of them. Remember to resupply it frequently, so that it can continue to rain down freedom.
4. The Orbital Laser
For those who love to watch things go boom, the Orbital Laser is a game-changer. This stratagem calls down a massive laser beam from orbit, capable of vaporizing anything in its path. It has a long cooldown, but the devastation it can cause is well worth the wait. It is extremely effective against large groups of enemies, or against heavily armored targets. Be warned, though: the Orbital Laser can also hit friendlies if they are in its path, so use it with caution. Make sure your team knows the area is going to be targeted, so they can clear the area.
5. The Eagle Cluster Bomb
This stratagem is all about area denial. The Eagle Cluster Bomb drops a series of smaller bombs over a wide area, making it perfect for clearing out nests, destroying objectives, or just generally making life difficult for the enemy. The explosions can be unpredictable, so make sure you are not in the blast radius. Use it wisely, and you'll be able to control the battlefield. This is a very versatile stratagem, that can be used to deal with a variety of situations. It can be used to clear out nests, or to destroy objectives. It can also be used to create a safe zone for your team, by clearing out enemies in a certain area.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Stratagem Effectiveness
So, you've got your new stratagems, but how do you use them effectively? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your freedom-delivering arsenal:
1. Know Your Enemy
This might seem obvious, but understanding the enemy types you're facing is crucial. Different stratagems are better suited for different situations. Are you fighting a horde of small bugs, or are you up against heavily armored tanks? Adjust your loadout and your strategy accordingly.
2. Practice Your Input Codes
Time is of the essence in Helldivers 2. Practice your stratagem input codes until they're second nature. The faster you can call down a stratagem, the better your chances of survival. Get used to the order of the inputs, and the speed at which you must enter them. You can practice them in the ship, so that you are ready when the time comes to deploy them on the battlefield.
3. Coordinate with Your Team
Helldivers 2 is a team game. Communicate with your squad about what stratagems you're bringing and what your strategy is. Coordinate your attacks to maximize their effectiveness. A well-coordinated team is a deadly team. Make sure to share the cooldown times of the stratagems, so that you can plan your attacks more effectively. This will increase the overall effectiveness of your team, and will lead to more successful missions.
4. Utilize Cover and Positioning
Don't just stand out in the open and call in a stratagem. Use cover to protect yourself while you input the code, and position yourself strategically to maximize the effectiveness of your stratagem. This can mean the difference between life and death. Being aware of your surroundings, can also help you determine the best place to call in a stratagem. Calling in an orbital strike in an open field, is a sure way to find yourself on the receiving end. Take a moment, and assess the situation before you call in a stratagem. This can help you survive a firefight, and come out on top.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
The meta of Helldivers 2 is constantly evolving. Don't be afraid to try new stratagems and experiment with different loadouts. You might just discover your new favorite way to spread democracy. The more you experiment, the more you will understand the strengths and weaknesses of each stratagem, and you can build a loadout that best suits you. It will take time to get to know all of the available stratagems, and experimenting will help you get to know them faster. Don't be afraid to use new and unique combinations, as it could surprise you and your teammates.
Conclusion: Spread Freedom with the New Stratagems
There you have it, Helldivers! A rundown of some of the newest and most exciting stratagems available in Helldivers 2. Remember, the key to success is understanding your options, adapting to the situation, and working as a team. So, go out there, spread some freedom, and show those alien scum what Super Earth is all about! Remember, the fight for democracy never ends, so keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep having fun! Now go out there and bring glory to Super Earth! Godspeed, Helldiver. The galaxy needs you!