Summary

• Simple Stratagems can effectively solve problems in Helldivers 2, even at higher difficulty levels.
• Higher-tier Stratagems have fewer uses and longer cooldowns, making simple options more practical in missions.
• Proper timing can also help prevent long periods of Stratagem downtime during missions.

Stratagems can be some of the most powerful weapons in Helldivers 2, but sometimes the simpler options work the best. Helldivers 2 becomes significantly more challenging as players take on higher levels, making proper Stratagem use even more important, especially when these higher difficulty levels spawn more resilient units like the Terminid Bile Titan and Automaton Hulk. Units like these require precise shots with hard-hitting weapons or massive burst damage to eliminate, or Helldivers face the risk of being overrun quickly.

Stratagems come in multiple forms, ranging from Eagle aircraft strikes, Orbital barrages, Sentry deployments, heavy weapons, and backpack equipment. Further Stratagems can be unlocked as Helldivers level up and then purchased using the Requistion Slips rewarded from missions. Though some Stratagems are better than others, each one is useful on its own and shows the balance of the game where any can be a good option. Future Stratagems, like Helldivers 2 mech leaks, will surely shake up the game and provide new ways to play.

Simple Stratagems Can Work Great & Solve Problems In Helldivers 2

The usual tradeoff for most higher-tier Stratagems is that they will have fewer uses and longer cooldowns. An example of this is the Railgun, considered the best heavy weapon in the game, but with an extremely long cooldown. Though these weapons can restore ammo with supply drops and ammo found during missions, this becomes a huge problem in missions where Helldivers are constantly dying and cannot reach their dropped weapons. Thus, using the simpler Stratagem options can help avoid this issue.

Another issue that can be run into is the overlapping cooldowns of some Stratagems. Another popular Stratagem is the 500kg Bomb, but that is part of the Eagle Airstrike group. So, if one is using other Eagle Airstrikes, the cooldown for the 500kg Bomb will not start until all the others are used up or a rearm is used. However, in the latter case, one locks themselves out of the Eagle Airstrikes they have not used yet. This is another case where simpler Stratagem use and a greater variety of choices can solve an issue that could be life or death on a mission.

The Best Simple Orbital & Eagle Stratagems To Use In Helldivers 2

The Orbital Precision Strike is the Stratagem unlocked for all when they start the game. All it does is drop a precise medium explosive on the marked location. This makes it less effective against higher armor or large swarms of enemies, but it serves the purpose of destroying Terminid Nests or Automaton Fabricators. In greater difficulties, this can be an asset for destroying these spawn points from safe distances and keeping the number of enemies low. It also has the added benefit of only having a cooldown of 100 seconds, making it readily available for use at will.

Orbital Stratagems use separate cooldowns, so Helldivers need not fear overlapping cooldowns like with Eagle Airstrikes.

Another great Stratagem choice is the Orbital Airburst Strike, which will fire down three heavy explosive waves. This Orbital is best for taking down light and medium armor enemies, thinning out the swarm so Helldivers can handle the bigger threats. The one caveat to this choice is proper communication will be needed, or the large radius will result in friendly fire deaths. This Stratagem is on a 120-second cooldown, making it another fantastic choice for consistent use in battle.

A good option when it comes to Eagle Airstrikes is the Cluster Bomb. This option will cover both sides of the drop point with mini bombs that can devastate most enemies. The Eagle Cluster Bomb has four uses before needing a rearm and is arguably the best Stratagem for clearing out swarms of low-tier enemies. However, this option has the same warning as the Airbust, as its even larger and less predictable radius is highly likely to easily kill friendly Helldivers close to the drop point.

The Best Simple Weapons & Sentries For Helldivers 2

A great simple weapon to use is the Expandable Anti Tank missile. Though they only have one shot and drop in duos, they are extremely powerful and capable of taking out heavy armored units if hit correctly. The Anti Tank missiles only have a cooldown of 70 seconds, making them excel for constant use. Overall, the flexibility and frequent use of this Stratagem make it a strong choice for battle, but best used when in a team with other weapons to it.

A second choice for simple weapons is the Recoilless Rifle. This hybrid of a rocket launcher and a rifle carries seven heavy shots capable of killing even the hardest enemies of Helldivers 2. This weapon is refilled by picking up ammo anywhere, so smart play can prevent the need to call it down multiple times and avoid the longer cooldown. The one caveat to this weapon is it will only fire one at a time and will require a longer reload than standard weapons.

The Mortar Sentry is unlocked early and is arguably the best Sentry currently available in Helldivers 2. This emplacement fires down heavy mortar shells capable of killing anything short of a Bile Titan or Hulk. The long duration and short cooldown make it a phenomenal choice for long battles or holding defensive positions. The two things to when using this Sentry are that it will break easily if hit by enemies and kill Helldivers if they are too close to the targeted enemy.

One of the great things about Helldivers 2 is how flexible players can be with playstyles. Though a meta does exist of what most consider to be the best, with proper use, any Stratagem or weapon can successfully be used to tackle even Helldive difficulty missions. The only problem arises when one picks too many high-tier Stratagems and is left with long periods of missions where they are helpless. Thus, sometimes the best Stratagems to use in Helldivers 2 are the simple ones that can be used more frequently.