Helldivers Tutorial: Secret Tips & Tricks For Success
Hey there, future Helldivers! Ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers? Awesome! But before you start spreading managed democracy across the galaxy, let's talk about some secret tips and tricks that the basic tutorial might have glossed over. These aren't your run-of-the-mill beginner tips; these are the real game-changers that'll help you survive even the toughest missions and impress your fellow divers.
Mastering the Basics (and Beyond)
Okay, so you've completed the initial Helldivers tutorial. You know how to shoot, throw grenades, and call in basic stratagems. But are you really mastering these fundamental aspects of gameplay? Let's elevate your skills from newbie to seasoned veteran.
Movement is Key
In Helldivers, standing still is a death sentence. Seriously, bugs and bots alike will swarm you faster than you can say "For Super Earth!" So, what's the secret? Constant movement. Don't just run in a straight line, though. Utilize the dive mechanic (Ctrl key by default) to dodge enemy attacks and reposition yourself strategically. Diving not only helps you avoid damage but also allows you to close the gap quickly or create some much-needed distance.
Pro-Tip: Practice diving towards enemy fire. Sounds crazy, right? But a well-timed dive can let projectiles sail harmlessly overhead, leaving you in a perfect position to unleash a counter-attack. This is especially useful against slow-moving projectiles like rockets or bile spewed by the Bile Spewers.
Stratagem Mastery
Stratagems are your bread and butter in Helldivers. They're how you call in reinforcements, airstrikes, supply drops, and devastating weapons. But simply knowing how to call them in isn't enough. You need to master the art of stratagem deployment.
- Memorize the Codes: Fumbling with stratagem codes while being chased by a horde of Terminids is a surefire way to end up as bug food. Take the time to memorize the codes for your most frequently used stratagems. Muscle memory is your friend here. Trust me, when things get hectic, you'll thank yourself for it.
- Strategic Timing: Don't just call in stratagems willy-nilly. Think about the situation and choose the right tool for the job. Is a horde of enemies bearing down on you? An airstrike might be the perfect solution. Need to take out a heavily armored target? Call in a powerful anti-tank weapon. Furthermore, timing is essential. Calling in an airstrike too early or too late can be the difference between victory and a complete wipeout.
- Team Coordination: Helldivers is a team game, and that means coordinating your stratagems with your teammates. Don't call in an airstrike on top of your allies (unless, of course, you're going for the "accidental teamkill" achievement). Communicate with your squad and plan your attacks together. A well-coordinated team can take down even the most formidable enemies.
Understanding Enemy Weaknesses
Every enemy in Helldivers has its own strengths and weaknesses. Learning these vulnerabilities is crucial for survival. For example, Terminids are generally weak to fire, while Automatons are more susceptible to armor-piercing weapons. By understanding these weaknesses, you can choose the right weapons and stratagems to maximize your damage output.
Example: Bile Spewers are nasty creatures that can quickly decimate a squad with their toxic vomit. However, they have a weak spot on their abdomen. Focus your fire on this area, and you can take them down much faster. Similarly, the heavily armored Tanks employed by the Automatons have glaring weak spots in the rear. Exploit those weaknesses to turn the tide of battle.
Advanced Combat Techniques
Now that you've mastered the basics, let's dive into some more advanced combat techniques that will separate you from the average Helldiver.
The Art of the Reload
Reloading in Helldivers can be a dangerous proposition, especially when you're surrounded by enemies. However, there are a few tricks you can use to minimize your vulnerability.
- Slide Canceling: Did you know you can cancel the reload animation by diving? By initiating a dive just as your character inserts the new magazine, you can shave valuable seconds off your reload time. This can be a lifesaver in close-quarters combat.
- Staggering: Use grenades or other explosive stratagems to stagger enemies while you reload. A well-placed grenade can buy you enough time to reload safely and get back into the fight. Furthermore, utilize the terrain. Find cover behind rocks, buildings, or other obstacles to protect yourself while reloading.
Mastering Weapon Swapping
Switching between weapons is a crucial skill in Helldivers. Sometimes, you need to quickly switch to a different weapon to deal with a specific threat. Learn the weapon swap animation and practice switching weapons quickly and efficiently. Also, be aware of each weapon's strengths and weaknesses. A shotgun is great for close-range combat, while a rifle is better for engaging enemies at a distance. Having a versatile loadout is key to adapting to any situation.
Utilizing Environmental Hazards
The environment in Helldivers is full of hazards that can be used to your advantage. Exploding barrels, electrified fences, and even the terrain itself can be used to damage or kill enemies. Lure enemies into these hazards to thin their numbers and gain an edge in combat. For instance, you can shoot exploding barrels when enemies are nearby to cause a massive explosion that wipes out entire groups of foes.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Helldivers is, at its heart, a cooperative game. Working together with your teammates is essential for success. Here are a few tips for effective teamwork:
Communication is Key
Talk to your teammates! Let them know what you're doing, where you're going, and what you need. Use voice chat or the in-game communication system to coordinate your actions. Call out enemy positions, stratagem cooldowns, and any other relevant information. Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings, coordinate attacks, and ultimately increase your chances of survival.
Support Roles
Don't be afraid to take on a support role. Not everyone needs to be a frontline fighter. Some players can focus on providing support by calling in supply drops, deploying defensive stratagems, or healing injured teammates. A well-rounded team with players fulfilling different roles is much more effective than a team of lone wolves.
Reviving Teammates
Reviving fallen teammates is crucial for maintaining momentum. Don't leave your comrades behind! Prioritize reviving teammates who are in a safe location. Use smoke grenades or other defensive stratagems to create cover while you revive them. Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. Keeping your teammates alive is essential for victory.
Gear and Loadout Optimization
Choosing the right gear and loadout can significantly impact your performance in Helldivers. Experiment with different weapons, stratagems, and perks to find the combination that works best for you and your playstyle.
Weapon Selection
Each weapon in Helldivers has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Consider the mission type and the enemies you'll be facing when choosing your weapons. For example, if you're going up against heavily armored enemies, you'll want to bring weapons with high armor penetration. On the other hand, if you're fighting hordes of weaker enemies, you might prefer a weapon with a high rate of fire.
Stratagem Choices
Choose your stratagems carefully based on the mission objectives and the threats you expect to encounter. Bring a mix of offensive, defensive, and support stratagems to cover all bases. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your team. Also, consider the cooldown times of your stratagems. Don't rely too heavily on stratagems with long cooldowns, as you may find yourself vulnerable when they're unavailable.
Perk Selection
Perks can provide significant advantages in combat. Choose perks that complement your playstyle and address your weaknesses. For example, if you tend to run out of stamina quickly, you might want to choose a perk that increases your stamina regeneration. If you struggle to aim accurately, you might opt for a perk that improves your weapon handling.
Conclusion: Become a Helldivers Legend
So, there you have it – some secret tips and tricks to help you become a Helldivers legend! Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun! Now get out there and spread some managed democracy across the galaxy! For Super Earth!