Helldivers 2: Ultimate Guide To Weapons And Stratagems
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-blasting, automaton-annihilating world of Helldivers 2? This game is all about teamwork, strategy, and of course, blowing stuff up! And what's more important than choosing the right tools for the job? In this guide, we're going to break down the best weapons and Stratagems that will help you liberate planets and spread Managed Democracy across the galaxy. Get ready to learn about everything from your trusty sidearm to the devastating orbital strikes. Let's get started!
Primary Weapons: Your First Line of Defense
Your primary weapon is the bread and butter of your arsenal, the one you'll be relying on most often. Choosing the right one can make or break your mission. Here's a look at some of the top-tier primary weapons and what they excel at:
The Liberator Series: The All-Rounder
The Liberator is your starting weapon, and it's a solid choice for any situation. This assault rifle is reliable, has decent damage, and is easy to handle. It's a great choice for new players getting accustomed to the game's mechanics, offering a balanced approach to combat. The Liberator Penetrator is an upgraded version that deals armor-piercing damage, making it much more effective against heavily armored enemies like the Hive Guard and Chargers, this one is a beast.
Why You'll Love It: It's versatile! Works well against both bugs and bots. It's a great starting point for those new to the game.
The Breaker Series: The Shotgun King
If you love getting up close and personal, the Breaker is your go-to. This shotgun packs a serious punch and can obliterate enemies at close range. The Breaker is known for its high damage output and effectiveness against hordes of smaller enemies. There are different variations, including the Breaker Incendiary, which deals fire damage over time.
Why You'll Love It: Massive damage up close. Great for crowd control. Good for tearing through enemy forces with ease.
The Defender: The Automatic Rifleman's Delight
The Defender is a weapon that can be unlocked early and is designed to be your best friend while you run and gun, especially if you're not a fan of the slow-firing guns. This allows you to effectively maneuver the battlefield while simultaneously providing the power you'll need.
Why You'll Love It: Good for crowd control. Good for tearing through enemy forces with ease.
The Diligence Series: The Precision Marksman
For those who prefer a more tactical approach, the Diligence series offers a slower rate of fire with higher damage per shot and better range. These weapons are best for taking out enemies at medium range, and are equipped with scopes for better accuracy. The Diligence Counter Sniper is the variant that allows you to penetrate armor.
Why You'll Love It: Accurate at medium range. Good for picking off enemies before they get close. Great for players who like to be more tactical in their approach.
The Dominator: The Heavy Hitters
The Dominator is a heavy weapon in the primary weapon class, it is a high-powered, energy-based weapon. It can easily take out multiple enemies in one shot. However, it's known for its slow fire rate and requires careful aim due to its slower projectile speed. This weapon is best used for players who have good aim and like to take out enemies at range.
Why You'll Love It: High damage. Good for taking out multiple enemies at once.
Secondary Weapons: When Your Primary Needs a Break
Secondary weapons are your backup plan. They're great for when you run out of ammo or need a quick burst of damage. Here are a few options:
The Pistol: Your Faithful Sidekick
Every Helldiver starts with a pistol, and it's surprisingly effective. The pistol is a solid choice when you need a quick shot, especially at close range, it is an automatic, which allows you to take out multiple enemies. The MP-98 Knight is a good alternative and a nice choice.
Why You'll Love It: Always available. Reliable in a pinch.
The Grenade Pistol: Explosive Fun
For those who love explosions, the grenade pistol is perfect. It's a secondary weapon that launches grenades, providing great crowd control and area-of-effect damage. This is a game changer when you need a little more boom in your life.
Why You'll Love It: Massive damage. Great for clearing out groups of enemies and it's a game changer.
Support Weapons: Bringing in the Big Guns
Support weapons are your heavy hitters, designed for dealing significant damage or providing vital support to your team. These weapons require a backpack and some help to reload. Here are some of the best:
The Machine Gun: Suppression and Destruction
The Machine Gun is your go-to for suppressing fire and mowing down hordes of enemies. It has a high rate of fire and a large magazine, making it ideal for sustained combat. It's especially useful against the bugs, allowing you to create a wall of lead and protect your team. This weapon offers excellent firepower and is great for crowd control, allowing you to effectively deal with large groups of enemies.
Why You'll Love It: High rate of fire. Excellent for crowd control.
The Railgun: Precision and Power
The Railgun is a powerful anti-armor weapon that can pierce through the toughest enemies. It requires charging before firing, but the result is a high-damage shot that can take down even the most heavily armored foes. This is one of the most popular support weapons in the game due to its raw power and ability to punch through armored targets. It has a high skill ceiling because it needs to be charged before firing, but it is extremely deadly when used correctly.
Why You'll Love It: Incredible armor penetration. High damage.
The Spear: Lock-On and Launch
The Spear is a rocket launcher that locks onto enemies and then launches a missile to destroy them. It's great for taking out large enemies from a distance. However, it's not the easiest weapon to use, requiring good target acquisition and a bit of practice. However, its power and long-range capabilities make it an excellent choice for taking down larger enemies, making it a valuable asset for any team.
Why You'll Love It: Can take out armored enemies. Great at long range.
The Flamethrower: Burn Everything
The Flamethrower is a close-range weapon that deals continuous fire damage. It's devastating in close quarters and can quickly eliminate hordes of enemies. However, it requires you to get close and can be dangerous if you're not careful. Its area-of-effect capabilities make it perfect for clearing out tight spaces, and its ability to deal damage over time can be incredibly effective against many enemy types.
Why You'll Love It: Extremely effective at close range. Great for dealing damage over time and clearing out hordes of enemies.
Stratagems: Calling in the Cavalry
Stratagems are your tactical tools, special abilities that you call in during battle. They range from orbital strikes to supply drops. Here are some of the most useful Stratagems:
Orbital Strikes: Delivering Democracy from Above
Orbital Strikes provide massive area-of-effect damage. There are different types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Orbital Precision Strike is a precise, high-damage strike, while the Orbital Gatling Barrage provides sustained fire over a wider area. These are essential for clearing out large groups of enemies or taking down heavily fortified positions.
Why You'll Love It: Massive area damage. Can clear out large groups of enemies.
Eagle Stratagems: Swift Aerial Support
Eagle Stratagems are delivered by a nimble aircraft that provides quick, agile support. The Eagle Airstrike is a quick burst of explosions, while the Eagle Cluster Bomb scatters smaller bombs over a wider area. These are great for dealing damage on the move and clearing out enemy positions quickly.
Why You'll Love It: Quick deployment. Excellent for hit-and-run tactics.
Defensive Stratagems: Fortifying Your Position
These Stratagems help you control the battlefield and provide cover. The Guard Dog (a deployable sentry drone) and the Autocannon Sentry (a stationary machine gun) are great for providing area denial and covering your flanks. These are great for holding down positions and providing a tactical advantage.
Why You'll Love It: Provides area denial. Excellent for defensive play.
Offensive Stratagems: Bringing the Heat
Offensive Stratagems are designed for dealing direct damage to enemies. The Expendable Anti-Tank is a single-use rocket launcher, while the EAT-17 is a pair of disposable anti-tank launchers. These are excellent for taking out armored enemies or heavy targets quickly.
Why You'll Love It: Great for taking out armored enemies. Very high damage output.
Support Stratagems: Keeping Your Team Alive
These Stratagems focus on supporting your team and providing resources. The Resupply drops ammunition and grenades, while the Orbital Smoke Strike can provide cover. These are essential for keeping your team supplied and providing tactical advantages.
Why You'll Love It: Provides essential resources. Great for team support.
Tips for Choosing Your Loadout
Choosing the right loadout is crucial for success. Here are a few tips:
- Consider the mission: Some missions require heavy firepower, while others benefit from a more tactical approach. Think about the objectives and the type of enemies you'll be facing.
- Team synergy: Coordinate with your team to create a balanced loadout. One player could focus on crowd control, while another focuses on anti-armor.
- Experiment: Try different weapons and Stratagems to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your playstyle.
- Always have a plan: Before you drop, know your Stratagems and how to use them effectively. Practice calling them in under pressure.
Conclusion: Spread Democracy!
Choosing the right weapons and Stratagems in Helldivers 2 is key to surviving and succeeding. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, you can create a loadout that complements your playstyle and helps you spread managed democracy across the galaxy. So grab your gear, team up with your friends, and get ready to liberate some planets! Remember, the only bad bug is a dead bug, and the only good automaton is a scrap heap. See you on the battlefield, Helldivers! For Super Earth!