Helldivers: Best Unlocks After Level 20

So, you've hit level 20 in Helldivers? Congrats, soldier! You've clearly put in some serious time spreading managed democracy across the galaxy. Now comes the fun part: unlocking some seriously powerful gear. But with so many options available, knowing what to prioritize can be a bit overwhelming. This guide will break down the best unlocks you should be aiming for after reaching level 20, helping you become an even more effective force for freedom. We'll cover a range of stratagems and upgrades, considering different playstyles and mission types. Whether you're a solo diver or part of a coordinated squad, there's something here to boost your combat effectiveness and make those higher difficulty missions a little less… explosive.

Stratagems to Prioritize After Level 20

Okay, let's dive into the juicy stuff – the stratagems. These are your bread and butter in Helldivers, the tools you'll rely on to get you out of sticky situations and turn the tide of battle. After level 20, you'll have access to some game-changing options, but not all are created equal. Let's break down the top contenders:

1. The Railgun

The Railgun is arguably the king of anti-armor stratagems. This thing is an absolute beast against heavily armored enemies like Chargers, Bile Titans, and Tanks. What makes it so good? Well, for starters, it can consistently penetrate armor, dealing massive damage with each shot. Unlike some other anti-armor options that rely on luck or specific weak points, the Railgun offers reliable and predictable performance. Mastering the Railgun involves understanding its charge mechanic. You can overcharge it for increased damage, but be careful! Overcharging too much can lead to a catastrophic explosion, turning you into a fine red mist. The key is to find the sweet spot, maximizing damage without blowing yourself up. The Railgun is incredibly versatile. It excels at taking down large targets quickly, allowing your team to focus on smaller threats. It's also effective at clearing out nests and objectives from a distance, providing valuable support. If you're struggling with heavily armored enemies, the Railgun is a must-have unlock. It will significantly improve your survivability and effectiveness on higher difficulty missions. However, keep in mind that the Railgun has a relatively long cooldown, so use your shots wisely. Don't waste them on weaker enemies; save them for the big threats. It's also important to communicate with your team when using the Railgun. Let them know when you're targeting a specific enemy so they can focus their fire accordingly. With proper coordination, the Railgun can be an unstoppable force on the battlefield.

2. Eagle Stratagems: Airstrike and Cluster Bomb

Eagle Stratagems are your go-to for dealing with hordes of enemies. The Airstrike is a classic, delivering a concentrated blast of explosive power to a designated area. It's great for clearing out bug breaches or robot patrols quickly. The Cluster Bomb, on the other hand, is perfect for covering a wider area with multiple smaller explosions. This is especially effective against tightly packed groups of enemies or for creating a temporary no-man's-land. What makes Eagle Stratagems so appealing is their versatility and ease of use. Simply throw a beacon, and the Eagle will swoop in to deliver its payload. They also have relatively short cooldowns, allowing you to use them frequently throughout a mission. The Airstrike is particularly useful for dealing with Bile Spewers, as it can quickly eliminate them before they can unleash their corrosive projectiles. The Cluster Bomb is excellent for clearing out Fabricators and Bug Holes, preventing enemies from spawning and overwhelming your team. To maximize the effectiveness of Eagle Stratagems, it's important to position yourself strategically. Throw the beacon in a location that will maximize the impact of the explosions, taking into account the terrain and enemy positions. Also, be mindful of your teammates' locations. You don't want to accidentally drop an Airstrike on their heads! Eagle Stratagems are also great for creating diversions. If you're being chased by a large group of enemies, throw an Airstrike behind you to slow them down and give yourself time to escape. They can also be used to disrupt enemy attacks, forcing them to reposition and giving your team an opening to strike. With practice and coordination, Eagle Stratagems can be a powerful asset to any Helldiver team.

3. Support Weapons: Autocannon

The Autocannon is a fantastic support weapon that provides sustained firepower and excellent crowd control. It's effective against a wide range of enemies, from lightly armored bugs to medium-sized robots. What sets the Autocannon apart is its high rate of fire and relatively large magazine. This allows you to lay down a continuous stream of bullets, suppressing enemies and keeping them at bay. It's also surprisingly accurate, making it effective at medium ranges. The Autocannon is particularly useful for dealing with groups of Hunters, Stalkers, and Devastators. Its high rate of fire can quickly shred through their armor and eliminate them before they can pose a serious threat. It's also effective at taking down Automaton Scout Striders, as its accurate fire can quickly destroy their legs. To maximize the effectiveness of the Autocannon, it's important to manage your ammunition carefully. While it has a large magazine, it can still run dry quickly if you're not careful. Use short, controlled bursts of fire to conserve ammunition and maintain accuracy. It's also important to position yourself strategically. Find a good vantage point that allows you to cover a wide area and provide support to your teammates. The Autocannon is also a great tool for destroying objectives, such as Automaton Broadcast Towers and Bug Nests. Its sustained firepower can quickly tear down these structures, preventing enemies from spawning and hindering their operations. It requires a backpack slot for ammo, meaning you can't carry a shield generator. This makes you more vulnerable to enemy fire, so it's important to stay mobile and avoid getting flanked. With proper positioning and ammunition management, the Autocannon can be a powerful asset to any Helldiver team.

General Tips for Level 20+ Helldivers

Reaching level 20 is a significant milestone, but it's just the beginning of your Helldivers journey. Here are a few general tips to help you continue to improve and thrive in the higher difficulty missions:

• Communication is Key: Always communicate with your team. Coordinate your stratagems, call out enemy positions, and let each other know when you need help. A well-coordinated team is far more effective than a group of lone wolves.
• Experiment with Different Loadouts: Don't be afraid to try out different combinations of stratagems and weapons. Find what works best for your playstyle and the mission at hand.
• Master Movement: Movement is crucial for survival in Helldivers. Learn how to dodge, dive, and use cover effectively to avoid enemy fire.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you'll become. Don't get discouraged by failures; learn from your mistakes and keep improving.
• Adapt to the Situation: Every mission is different. Be prepared to adapt your strategy and loadout based on the enemies you encounter and the objectives you need to complete.

Final Thoughts

Reaching level 20 in Helldivers unlocks a wealth of powerful new options. Prioritizing the Railgun, Eagle Stratagems (Airstrike and Cluster Bomb), and the Autocannon will significantly enhance your combat effectiveness and help you tackle the toughest challenges the game has to offer. Remember to communicate with your team, experiment with different loadouts, and adapt to the situation. With practice and dedication, you'll become a true force for freedom, spreading managed democracy across the galaxy one bullet (or airstrike) at a time! Now get out there and show those bugs and bots what you're made of, Helldiver! The fate of Super Earth rests on your shoulders! Good luck, and may your aim be true! Always remember that freedom is not free, it requires a great effort.