Helldivers 2: Unlock Stratagems Guide

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2 and are probably wondering, "How do I unlock those sweet, sweet stratagems I keep hearing about?" Well, buckle up, cadet! Unlocking stratagems is absolutely crucial to your success (and survival) in Helldivers 2. These aren't just fancy toys; they are game-changers that can turn the tide of battle against overwhelming odds. Forget your basic rifle for a moment – we're talking orbital bombardments, sentry turrets, and resupply drops! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking and utilizing these powerful tools. Stratagems are the backbone of any successful Helldivers mission. They provide the necessary firepower, support, and tactical advantages to overcome the diverse challenges the game throws at you. Understanding how to acquire and effectively use stratagems is paramount to not just surviving, but thriving, in the face of relentless alien hordes and automaton armies. In essence, mastering stratagems is the key to becoming a true hero of Super Earth. So, grab your gear, rally your squad, and prepare to unlock the full potential of your Helldiver with this comprehensive guide to unlocking stratagems in Helldivers 2.

What are Stratagems?

Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly cover the "what." Stratagems are essentially your off-hand abilities in Helldivers 2. Think of them as powerful support options you can call in during a mission. These can range from offensive abilities like orbital strikes and powerful weaponry to defensive tools like shields and supply drops. You can access and deploy stratagems during missions by inputting specific sequences of directional commands (think Up, Down, Left, Right), and each stratagem has its own unique code that you'll need to memorize or keep handy. Memorizing these codes is extremely beneficial. Fumbling for the right sequence under pressure can mean the difference between victory and a swift, messy defeat. Stratagems are not unlimited, and many have cooldowns or limited uses. This means you'll need to use them strategically, timing their deployment for maximum impact. Coordinate with your team to cover each other's weaknesses and maximize the effectiveness of your combined stratagem arsenal. Effective stratagem use is a collaborative effort. A well-coordinated team can synchronize their stratagems to create devastating combos, clearing entire enemy outposts or providing impenetrable defensive lines. Experiment with different stratagem combinations to discover synergies that suit your playstyle and the needs of your team. Ultimately, stratagems are what set Helldivers 2 apart from your average shooter. They add a layer of strategic depth and tactical flexibility that makes every mission a unique and exciting experience.

How to Unlock Stratagems

Alright, let's get to the good stuff: unlocking those game-changing stratagems! Here's the breakdown: The primary way to unlock stratagems is through the Ship Management terminal on your Super Destroyer. Your ship acts as your base of operations and is where you'll plan missions, upgrade your arsenal, and manage your stratagems. To unlock a stratagem, you'll need requisition slips. These are earned by completing missions and objectives while planetside. The more successful you are, the more requisition slips you'll earn. So, focus on completing those primary and secondary objectives! Once you've accumulated enough requisition slips, head to the Ship Management terminal. Here, you'll find a list of available stratagems, each with its own requisition cost. Simply select the stratagem you want to unlock and spend your requisition slips. Boom! It's yours! Keep in mind that some stratagems may have level requirements. You'll need to increase your player level to unlock access to more advanced and powerful stratagems. So, keep playing, keep completing missions, and keep leveling up! Focus on completing operations to maximize your requisition slip earnings. Operations consist of multiple missions chained together, offering a greater reward upon completion. Don't neglect those secondary objectives! They provide bonus requisition slips and can significantly speed up your progress towards unlocking your desired stratagems. Teamwork makes the dream work! Coordinate with your squad to efficiently complete objectives and maximize your overall earnings. A well-coordinated team can clear missions much faster and more effectively, resulting in a higher requisition slip payout.

Spending Requisition Slips Wisely

Earning requisition slips can sometimes feel like a grind, especially when you're eyeing those high-cost stratagems. So, it's important to spend them wisely. Early on, focus on unlocking stratagems that complement your playstyle and address your team's weaknesses. A well-rounded arsenal is more valuable than a single, ultra-powerful stratagem. Consider unlocking support stratagems like supply drops or sentry turrets. These can provide invaluable support to your team and significantly increase your survivability. Don't be afraid to experiment with different stratagems. Try out different combinations and see what works best for you and your team. You might be surprised at what you discover! Read the descriptions carefully. Make sure you understand what a stratagem does and how it works before you spend your hard-earned requisition slips. Some stratagems are more situational than others. Consider unlocking stratagems that are effective against a variety of enemy types and situations. Don't rush to unlock the most expensive stratagems right away. They might seem tempting, but they often require a specific playstyle or team composition to be truly effective. Think about long-term goals. Plan out which stratagems you want to unlock and prioritize accordingly. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting requisition slips on less useful options. Talk to experienced players. Ask for advice on which stratagems are the most effective and versatile. Learning from others' experiences can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Stratagem Tiers and Progression

As you progress through Helldivers 2, you'll notice that stratagems come in different tiers. Higher-tier stratagems are generally more powerful and versatile, but they also require a higher player level and requisition slip cost to unlock. Early-game stratagems are typically focused on providing basic support and offensive capabilities. These are essential for learning the ropes and establishing a foundation for your Helldiver's arsenal. Mid-game stratagems offer more specialized and powerful options, allowing you to tailor your loadout to specific mission types and enemy encounters. Late-game stratagems represent the pinnacle of Helldiver technology, offering devastating firepower and unparalleled tactical advantages. These are the tools you'll need to tackle the most challenging missions and enemies. Experimentation is key. Don't be afraid to try out different stratagems as you unlock them. You might discover unexpected synergies and playstyles that suit you perfectly. Pay attention to the stratagem cooldowns. Some stratagems have longer cooldowns than others, so you'll need to time their use carefully. Consider unlocking stratagems that offer a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. This will give you more flexibility in different situations. Don't underestimate the power of support stratagems. Supply drops, sentry turrets, and shield generators can be incredibly valuable, especially in challenging missions. Teamwork is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of stratagems. Coordinate with your squad to cover each other's weaknesses and create devastating combos. Focus on upgrading your ship modules. These upgrades can enhance the performance of your stratagems, such as reducing cooldown times or increasing damage output.

Mastering Stratagem Deployment

Unlocking stratagems is only half the battle. To truly become a master of Helldivers 2, you need to master their deployment. Each stratagem has a unique input code that you need to enter correctly to call it in. These codes are displayed on the stratagem selection screen and in the in-game Stratagem menu. Memorize the codes for your favorite stratagems. This will allow you to deploy them quickly and efficiently in the heat of battle. Practice entering the codes in a safe environment, such as during the pre-mission briefing or in a quiet area of the map. Use the Stratagem Hero training mode to improve your code entry skills. This mode allows you to practice entering stratagem codes under pressure, helping you to develop muscle memory. Pay attention to the stratagem deployment area. Some stratagems have a limited range or require a clear line of sight to deploy. Be aware of your surroundings when calling in stratagems. Make sure you're not standing too close to the deployment area, as you could be caught in the blast radius. Communicate with your team when calling in stratagems. Let them know what you're deploying and where you're deploying it. This will help them to coordinate their actions and avoid friendly fire. Use stratagems strategically. Don't just call them in randomly. Think about the situation and choose the right stratagem for the job. Consider the enemy types you're facing. Some stratagems are more effective against certain enemy types than others. Adapt to the changing battlefield. Be prepared to adjust your stratagem deployment strategy as the mission progresses. Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out different stratagem combinations and see what works best in different situations. Learn from your mistakes. If a stratagem deployment doesn't go as planned, analyze what went wrong and try to avoid making the same mistake again.

By following these tips and strategies, you'll be well on your way to unlocking and mastering the stratagems in Helldivers 2. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep playing, keep experimenting, and keep spreading managed democracy! Now get out there, Helldiver, and show those bugs and bots what you're made of!