Helldivers 2: Contracts, Gameplay & Strategy Guide

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive headfirst into the glorious, bug-squashing, automaton-annihilating world of Helldivers 2? This guide is your ultimate tutorial, covering everything from the basics of contract completion to advanced gameplay strategies. Whether you're a fresh recruit or a seasoned veteran, there's always something new to learn in the fight for managed democracy. So, grab your weapons, strap in, and let's get started!

Understanding Helldivers 2 Contracts

Alright, let's talk about the bread and butter of your Helldivers 2 experience: contracts. Think of these as your missions, your tasks, the objectives that drive you forward in this intergalactic war. Successfully completing these contracts is how you'll earn valuable resources, unlock new gear, and ultimately contribute to the liberation of the galaxy. But how do these contracts work, and what should you expect? Let's break it down, shall we?

First off, contracts come in various forms. There are the main missions, which are usually larger-scale operations with specific objectives like destroying enemy bases, rescuing civilians, or eliminating high-value targets. These are often the most rewarding in terms of rewards and experience. Then, you have side objectives that you can find within your missions that can be completed for additional rewards. The contracts are also diverse in terms of difficulty. Some missions are relatively easy, perfect for practicing your skills or leveling up your character. Others are incredibly challenging, designed to test the limits of your teamwork and strategic thinking. Make sure you and your squad are ready before diving into those tougher battles, because you will die. A lot.

Now, let's talk about the rewards. Completing contracts will earn you a variety of essential resources. These typically include experience points, which will help you level up your character and unlock new perks and abilities. You'll also earn currency, which you can use to purchase new weapons, armor, and stratagems from the in-game store. Furthermore, some contracts reward you with special resources like samples, which are used to upgrade your ship and unlock powerful new weapons and abilities. It is very important to get these samples to maximize your effectiveness in the battlefield. Don't be that guy that doesn't extract with the samples.

Finally, remember that teamwork is the key to success in Helldivers 2. Most of these contracts are designed to be completed with a squad of players. Communicate with your teammates, coordinate your strategies, and watch each other's backs. A well-coordinated team is far more effective than a group of lone wolves running around without any direction. Because let's face it, no one likes a lone wolf in Helldivers 2.

Mastering Helldivers 2 Gameplay

Alright, now that we've covered the basics of contracts, let's dive into the heart of Helldivers 2: the gameplay. This game is all about intense, action-packed combat, strategic decision-making, and, of course, a healthy dose of chaos. Here are some of the key elements you need to master to become a true Helldiver.

First, let's talk about combat. Helldivers 2 features a third-person perspective, putting you right in the middle of the action. You'll have access to a variety of weapons, ranging from standard assault rifles to powerful shotguns, machine guns, and even flamethrowers. You also have access to Stratagems, which are special abilities that you can call in from your ship, such as orbital strikes, air strikes, and supply drops. Effective combat involves a combination of smart positioning, strategic use of cover, and precise aiming. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, and don't be afraid to reposition yourself to gain a tactical advantage. Practice your aim, and learn to anticipate enemy movements. Learn the weapons, some are good, some are bad, but make sure to learn them all.

Secondly, strategic decision-making is critical. You'll need to assess the battlefield, identify your objectives, and choose the right tools for the job. Do you need to focus on eliminating a specific threat, or are you trying to hold a defensive position? Should you call in an orbital strike to clear out a swarm of enemies, or will a well-placed grenade suffice? These are the types of decisions you'll constantly be making in Helldivers 2. Learn to adapt to changing situations, and don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to combat, so it's important to be flexible and creative.

Thirdly, teamwork is paramount. Helldivers 2 is designed to be played with a squad of up to four players, and working together is essential for success. Communicate with your teammates, coordinate your attacks, and watch out for each other. One of the best ways to die in Helldivers 2 is by friendly fire, so watch your fire.

Finally, embrace the chaos. Helldivers 2 is a game that thrives on unpredictability. Things can go sideways at any moment, and sometimes, the best course of action is to simply roll with the punches. Don't take yourself too seriously, and enjoy the ride. After all, you're fighting for managed democracy!

Essential Helldivers 2 Strategies and Tips

Alright, you've learned about contracts and gameplay; now, let's look at some essential strategies and tips to help you dominate the battlefield. These will give you an edge in your quest to spread managed democracy across the galaxy. This is where we separate the newbies from the veterans, so pay attention!

First, always bring the right gear. Different weapons and stratagems are effective against different types of enemies. Make sure your loadout is tailored to the mission you're undertaking. For example, if you're going up against heavily armored enemies, you'll want to bring weapons that can pierce their armor, such as the Railgun or the Autocannon. If you're facing hordes of smaller enemies, consider using weapons with a wide area of effect, such as grenades or flamethrowers. Don't forget to take the right armor for the job too. Armor with high resistance to explosion or fire can be very helpful.

Secondly, master the art of stratagem management. Stratagems are powerful abilities, but they also have cooldowns and can be easily interrupted. Learn to call in your stratagems quickly and efficiently. Know the button combinations, and practice your timing. Also, be aware of the enemy’s positions to avoid friendly fire. Dropping an orbital strike on your squad is a quick way to turn a successful mission into a complete disaster.

Thirdly, learn to prioritize your targets. Some enemies are more dangerous than others. Focus on eliminating the most threatening enemies first, such as armored units, ranged attackers, and any enemy that can call for reinforcements. This will make it easier to control the battlefield and prevent being overwhelmed. Don't run from the fight. Sometimes, you need to turn and fight, even if it means dying a few times. That is what being a Helldiver is all about.

Fourthly, learn to use cover effectively. Don't just run around in the open. Use cover to protect yourself from enemy fire, and to give yourself time to reload and heal. Learn to recognize the best cover spots on each map, and use them to your advantage. But remember, cover is only effective if you use it properly. Avoid standing in the same spot for too long. If you do, the enemy will know your position, and will try to flush you out.

Fifth, learn the extraction points, and how to get there safely. Extracting is one of the most stressful parts of the game. Many Helldivers have failed to extract because they didn't know where to go, or they didn't know when to call in the extraction. Learn the map, and then communicate with your squad on when to call it in. If you want to survive, and get your rewards, you need to extract! This is critical for maximizing your efficiency in battle.

Optimizing Your Helldivers 2 Experience

So, you've got the basics down, you know your contracts, you're getting the hang of the gameplay, and you're starting to implement some solid strategies. But how can you really optimize your Helldivers 2 experience? Let's look at some things you can do to take your game to the next level and truly immerse yourself in the world of managed democracy!

First, build a strong team. While it's possible to play solo, Helldivers 2 is designed to be a cooperative experience. Find a group of friends or join a community of players. A good team will communicate effectively, coordinate their strategies, and support each other. Having a reliable team is the best way to get through some of the more difficult missions. Communication is key! Always be talking with your squad to make sure you're all on the same page.

Second, experiment with different loadouts. Don't be afraid to try out different weapons, armor, and stratagems. What works well for one player might not work for another. Find what suits your play style, and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect loadout for each mission. Switch it up. You don't have to keep playing the same thing every time. The variety of weapons and abilities is one of the things that makes Helldivers 2 so fun.

Third, watch videos and read guides. There's a wealth of information available online about Helldivers 2. Watch videos from experienced players, read guides, and learn from other people's experiences. This can help you learn new strategies, discover hidden tips and tricks, and improve your overall gameplay. There's always something new to learn, so keep an open mind.

Fourth, stay up-to-date with game updates. The developers of Helldivers 2 are constantly updating the game with new content, balance changes, and bug fixes. Stay informed about these updates to ensure you're always playing with the latest version of the game and taking advantage of any new features or improvements. Always read the patch notes. The developers will always be changing things, so you need to keep up to date.

Fifth, have fun! Helldivers 2 is a game, and the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. Don't get too caught up in the grind, and don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your friends. Remember, it's about the journey, not just the destination. This is a game, and it is a fun one. Enjoy yourself and have a blast fighting for managed democracy!

Conclusion: Spreading Democracy Together

And there you have it, fellow Helldivers! You now have a solid understanding of contracts, gameplay mechanics, and essential strategies to help you on your journey. Remember, the fight for managed democracy is a long and challenging one, but with teamwork, determination, and a healthy dose of chaos, you can overcome any obstacle. Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep spreading the good word of Super Earth! Now go out there, complete those contracts, and show the galaxy what it means to be a true Helldiver! For Super Earth!