Unlocking Stratagems In Helldivers 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive headfirst into the action-packed world of Helldivers 2? If you're anything like me, you're probably itching to unleash those devastating stratagems that rain down destruction on your enemies. But, wait a minute... how do you actually unlock these bad boys? Don't worry, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking and using stratagems in Helldivers 2, ensuring you're well-equipped to spread managed democracy across the galaxy. So, grab your favorite weapon, load up your ship, and let's get started!

Understanding Stratagems: The Key to Victory

First things first, what exactly are stratagems? Think of them as your special abilities, your secret weapons, your big guns that can turn the tide of battle. In Helldivers 2, stratagems come in various forms, from orbital strikes and supply drops to powerful support weapons and defensive fortifications. They are the tools that allow you to adapt to any situation, whether you're facing hordes of Terminids or legions of Automatons. Mastering the use of stratagems is absolutely crucial if you want to succeed in the game's challenging missions and, more importantly, survive! They give you the edge you need to take down even the toughest enemies and complete objectives. Without a solid understanding of how they work, you'll be at a huge disadvantage. That's why it's so important to understand the different types, how to use them, and how to unlock them in the first place.

The Importance of Stratagems

Stratagems aren't just about blowing stuff up; they're about strategic decision-making and adapting to the chaos of war. They're your primary source of firepower and support. They're the difference between a glorious victory and a humiliating defeat. They enable players to call in powerful offensive capabilities, such as orbital strikes and Eagle strafing runs, which can clear out enemy strongholds. Also, they provide vital defensive options like the emplacement of turrets and the deployment of defensive fortifications, turning the tide during intense battles. The ability to quickly respond to threats and change your tactics on the fly is essential for survival. By mastering the art of calling in stratagems, you become a force to be reckoned with, capable of turning the tide of battle and leading your squad to victory. Keep in mind that efficient stratagem use is essential for completing missions and progressing in the game. That's why understanding them is crucial for your success. In short, they are your best friends in the battlefield.

Types of Stratagems

There's a whole arsenal of stratagems at your disposal, each with its own unique purpose and tactical applications. Here's a quick rundown:

• Offensive Stratagems: These are your damage dealers. Think orbital strikes, eagle strikes, and artillery barrages. They are perfect for clearing out large groups of enemies or taking down heavily armored targets.
• Support Stratagems: These help keep you and your team alive. Examples include resupply pods, reinforcement beacons (to call in your friends, or respawn if you're alone), and medical supplies.
• Defensive Stratagems: Need some cover or a way to hold a position? Defensive stratagems like sentry turrets and defensive emplacements are your best bet. Place them strategically to create choke points and protect your flanks.
• Traversal Stratagems: Things like the EXOSUIT. They give you extra mobility and firepower. Use them wisely.

Each type has its own code that you'll need to memorize, and the more you play, the easier it becomes to call them in under pressure. So, get ready to memorize those codes!

How to Unlock Stratagems in Helldivers 2

Now, let's get to the juicy part: unlocking those awesome stratagems. The process is pretty straightforward, but it requires a bit of dedication and strategic planning. Here’s the lowdown on how to get your hands on them.

Leveling Up and Earning Requisition Slips

The primary way to unlock new stratagems is by gaining experience and leveling up your character. Each time you level up, you'll earn Requisition Slips, which are the currency you'll use to purchase new stratagems from the Ship Management menu. You can also gain these slips by completing missions, fulfilling certain objectives, and earning medals during operations. Think of Requisition Slips as your ticket to accessing all the cool gear and weapons in the game. It is really important to level up to be able to use the cool stratagems that will make your game easier to play. The higher your level, the more Requisition Slips you'll earn, and the more stratagems you'll be able to acquire. Pay attention to the challenges and objectives within each mission to maximize your Requisition Slip income. This will speed up your progression and allow you to expand your arsenal more rapidly. Therefore, the key is to level up, earn those Requisition Slips, and then go shopping for stratagems.

Accessing the Ship Management Menu

Once you've earned some Requisition Slips, you'll need to head over to your ship's Ship Management menu to spend them. This is where the magic happens! The Ship Management menu is accessible from the main menu of your ship. Once you're there, navigate to the Stratagems section, and you'll see a list of available stratagems that you can unlock. Each stratagem will have a specific Requisition Slip cost, so make sure you have enough before you try to purchase it. Take some time to browse through the available options and decide which stratagems best suit your playstyle and the types of missions you enjoy. Prioritize the stratagems that will offer you the most strategic advantage. Maybe a more powerful orbital strike or a new support weapon? It's all up to you!

Purchasing and Equipping Stratagems

After you've acquired your desired stratagems, you'll need to equip them before you can use them in battle. This is done through the Loadout section of the Ship Management menu. Select the stratagems you want to bring with you on your next mission, and then customize your loadout to optimize your effectiveness on the battlefield. The game allows you to bring a limited number of stratagems into a mission. So, you'll have to choose carefully based on the mission's objectives and the anticipated enemy types. Consider the terrain, the expected duration of the mission, and the strategic advantages each stratagem provides when building your loadout. A well-prepared loadout can be the difference between victory and defeat. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try out different combinations to discover what works best for you and your team. Practice calling them in during your missions to master their use.

Mastering Stratagem Codes

Alright, you've unlocked your stratagems, now it's time to learn how to use them. This involves memorizing the directional input codes required to activate each stratagem. Each stratagem has a unique code, and you'll need to input it correctly to deploy it in the heat of battle. This can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it'll become second nature. You'll be tapping them out without even thinking.

Memorizing Stratagem Inputs

The key to mastering stratagem codes is repetition. Spend some time practicing the inputs in the Ship Management menu or during low-stakes missions. Start with the simpler codes and gradually work your way up to the more complex ones. Consider writing down the codes on a piece of paper or creating a quick reference guide to help you memorize them. Practice, practice, practice! You'll be surprised how quickly you pick them up. Also, try associating each code with a visual or mnemonic device to help you remember it more easily. For example, if a code involves Down, Left, Right, Up, imagine your character performing those directional movements. This can help solidify the code in your memory. Try different methods until you find what works best for you. Pretty soon, you'll be calling in orbital strikes like a pro.

Practicing Stratagem Execution

Once you've memorized the codes, it's time to practice their execution under pressure. This is where things get interesting. The faster you can input the code, the faster you can deploy your stratagem. This can be the difference between life and death in the heat of battle. The faster the better! Start by practicing in a safe environment, such as the Ship Management menu or during low-difficulty missions. Once you're comfortable with the inputs, gradually increase the difficulty and complexity of the missions. This will force you to react quickly and accurately under pressure. To improve your execution speed, focus on minimizing wasted movements and using a consistent rhythm when inputting the codes. Use your muscle memory and repetition to your advantage. Try to anticipate when you'll need to call in a stratagem and start preparing the input early. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate you'll become. Soon, you'll be deploying stratagems with lightning-fast speed, saving yourself and your team from certain doom.

Strategic Use of Stratagems

Knowing how to unlock and use stratagems is only half the battle; knowing when and where to use them is where true mastery lies. Tactical deployment can be the difference between a mission accomplished and a mission failed.

Assessing the Situation

Before calling in a stratagem, take a moment to assess the situation. Consider the following factors:

• Enemy Types: Are you facing hordes of weak enemies or a few heavily armored ones? Choose stratagems accordingly. Orbital strikes are great for clearing out large groups, while anti-tank weapons are ideal for taking down armored targets.
• Objective: What are you trying to achieve? Are you defending a position, attacking a stronghold, or rescuing civilians? Choose stratagems that will help you accomplish your specific goals.
• Terrain: Are you in an open area or a confined space? The terrain will affect the effectiveness of your stratagems. Orbital strikes may be less effective in confined spaces, while defensive emplacements can be extremely useful for controlling choke points.
• Team Composition: What stratagems do your teammates have equipped? Coordinate your stratagem use to maximize your team's effectiveness. For example, have one teammate focus on crowd control while another takes down heavy targets.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about which stratagems to use and when to deploy them.

Coordinating with Your Team

Communication is key in Helldivers 2. Coordinate your stratagem use with your teammates to maximize their effectiveness. Share information about enemy types, objective locations, and your current loadouts. Communicate your intentions before calling in a stratagem to avoid friendly fire. For example, if you're planning to call in an orbital strike, let your teammates know so they can clear the area. Coordinate your stratagem use to create powerful combos. For example, you can use a smoke screen to cover your advance and then call in an orbital barrage to clear out enemy positions. A well-coordinated team is a deadly team. Remember, working together is the most effective way to spread managed democracy across the galaxy. Help each other out and watch each other's backs.

Tips and Tricks for Stratagem Mastery

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you become a stratagem master:

• Practice in the Training Area: The ship offers a training area where you can practice your stratagem inputs and experiment with different loadouts. Use this to familiarize yourself with the codes and get a feel for how the stratagems work.
• Prioritize Upgrades: As you level up, you'll unlock upgrades for your ship and your weapons. Prioritize these upgrades, as they can significantly improve your effectiveness in battle. For example, the orbital laser upgrade reduces its cooldown time. This means you can use it more frequently.
• Experiment with Different Loadouts: Don't be afraid to experiment with different stratagems and weapons to find the combinations that work best for you. Try different loadouts for different missions and enemy types. What works well on one planet might not be the best choice on another.
• Watch the Cooldown Timers: Pay attention to the cooldown timers of your stratagems. Knowing when a stratagem will be available again can help you make strategic decisions about when to use it. Use the right stratagem at the right time.
• Stay Flexible: The situation on the battlefield can change rapidly. Be prepared to adapt your tactics and adjust your stratagem usage on the fly. Don't be afraid to change your plans if things aren't working out. Flexibility is the key to victory in the ever-changing landscape of war.

Conclusion: Go Forth and Dominate!

There you have it, folks! Now you should be well on your way to unlocking and mastering the art of stratagems in Helldivers 2. Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep playing, keep experimenting, and keep spreading managed democracy across the galaxy. With a little bit of effort and a whole lot of democracy, you'll be raining down hellfire on your enemies in no time. So go out there, liberate some planets, and show those bugs and bots what you're made of! Good luck, Helldivers, and may liberty guide your way!