Table of Contents
Introduction
Diving into the world of Helldivers 2, players are equipped with a diverse arsenal of stratagems to combat the threats to democracy and freedom across the galaxy. These stratagems range from devastating aerial bombardments to essential support items, each tailored for specific combat scenarios and strategic needs. Whether you're laying down suppressing fire with a heavy machine gun, calling in a precision orbital strike, or setting up defensive perimeters with automated sentries, choosing the right stratagem can mean the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield.
This tier list categorizes these stratagems from S to D, based on their effectiveness, versatility, and impact in various combat situations. Detailed descriptions are provided for each, including available information on call-in times, usage, cooldown periods, traits, and unlock requirements, to help players make informed decisions and strategize effectively in their missions. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new recruit, understanding the strengths and limitations of each stratagem will be key to mastering the art of war in Helldivers 2.
Tier List Explanation
S-Tier: The pinnacle of effectiveness, S Tier stratagems offer game-changing utility or power, characterized by their high efficiency, versatility, and significant impact with minimal drawbacks.
A-Tier: Just below the top, A Tier stratagems provide high utility and effectiveness, being powerful, reliable, and having few weaknesses, excelling in a wide range of scenarios.
B-Tier: Solid and dependable, B Tier stratagems have good utility and are well-balanced, with their strengths generally outweighing any limitations, making them effective but not always the optimal choice.
C-Tier: Average in utility, C Tier stratagems can be useful with notable limitations, often selected for specific tactical needs or when higher-tier options are unavailable.
D-Tier: The least favorable options, D Tier stratagems are typically limited in utility and effectiveness, generally chosen only under unusual circumstances or for specific challenges.
| Tier | Class |
|---|---|
| S Tier | • Machine Gun • Autocannon • Eagle Cluster Bomb • Orbital Precision Strike • Eagle 500kb Bomb • Mortar Sentry |
| A Tier | • Orbital Laser • Eagle Napalm Airstrike • Eagle 110mm Rocket Pods • Shield Generator Relay |
| B Tier | • Stalwart • Orbital Airburst Strike • Eagle Airstrike • HMG Replacement • Anti Personnel Minefield • Shield Generator Pack • Guard Dog |
| C Tier | • Flamethrower • Orbital Gatling Barrage • Orbital 120 HE Barrage • Orbital 380 HE Barrage • Orbital Walking Barrage • Eagle Strafing Run • Machine Gun Sentry • Gatling Sentry • Supply Pack |
| D Tier | • Anti Materiel Rifle • Expendable Anti Tank |
What are Stratagems?
Stratagems in Helldivers 2 are crucial support tools and abilities that players can call upon during missions to aid in combat, defense, logistics, and other aspects of gameplay. These in-game assets are typically accessed through an in-game menu and deployed via a unique interface, often requiring players to input specific sequences or commands to activate them. The nature and function of stratagems can vary widely, encompassing a range of effects from offensive bombardments and precision strikes to defensive structures, supply drops, and specialized equipment.
Here's a breakdown of what stratagems typically offer:
- Offensive Capabilities: These stratagems include artillery strikes, airstrikes, missile barrages, and other direct attack options that can significantly impact enemy forces, clear large areas, or target high-value enemy assets.
- Defensive Utilities: Defensive stratagems may involve deploying automated turrets, mines, shield generators, or barriers to protect the players and critical objectives, enhancing the team's ability to withstand enemy assaults.
- Support and Logistics: This category includes resupply pods, reinforcement beacons to revive fallen teammates, and other logistical support options that ensure the team remains equipped and effective throughout the mission.
- Special Equipment: Some stratagems provide unique or specialized equipment not regularly available to players, such as heavy weapons, advanced reconnaissance tools, or vehicles, offering new tactical options and capabilities.
The strategic use of stratagems is a core element of gameplay, requiring players to make tactical decisions based on the mission objectives, the composition of enemy forces, the terrain, and the current situation on the battlefield. Effective use of stratagems can turn the tide of battle, facilitate difficult objectives, and enhance the overall effectiveness and survivability of the team.
S Tier
Machine Gun
A versatile and reliable choice, effective against a variety of threats but less so against heavily armored targets. It's a staple for any Helldiver due to its balanced capabilities.
- Call-In Time: Fast
- Uses: Unlimited with ammo resupply
- Cooldown Time: Short
- Strategem Traits: High rate of fire, moderate damage
Autocannon
Known for its exceptional armor penetration and splash damage, making it ideal for dealing with both groups and armored foes.
- Call-In Time: Moderate
- Uses: Limited ammo, requires resupply
- Cooldown Time: Moderate
- Strategem Traits: Effective against a wide range of targets
Eagle Cluster Bomb
Effective for clearing large enemy groups or nests, thanks to its significant area damage.
- Call-In Time: Quick
- Uses: Single use per call-in
- Cooldown Time: Long
- Strategem Traits: Large explosion radius, high damage
Orbital Precision Strike
A versatile tool capable of dealing with both groups and heavy units efficiently due to its precision and power.
- Call-In Time: Moderate
- Uses: Single use per call-in
- Cooldown Time: Short to moderate
- Strategem Traits: High accuracy, significant damage
Eagle 500kb Bomb
Delivers a powerful, concentrated blast, making it highly effective in a small radius.
- Call-In Time: Quick to moderate
- Uses: Single use per call-in
- Cooldown Time: Long
- Strategem Traits: High damage, small area of effect
Mortar Sentry
Ideal for strategic placement, capable of causing significant enemy disruption from a distance.
- Call-In Time: Moderate
- Uses: Limited by ammo but can be resupplied
- Cooldown Time: Moderate
- Strategem Traits: Long-range, high damage
A Tier
Orbital Laser
Targets large threats with high precision, significantly impacting battles but is limited by its cooldown.
- Call-In Time: Slow
- Uses: Single use per call-in
- Cooldown Time: Very long
- Strategem Traits: High single-target damage
Eagle Napalm Airstrike
Excels in controlling enemy movement and securing areas by creating impassable fire barriers.
- Call-In Time: Moderate
- Uses: Single use per call-in
- Cooldown Time: Moderate
- Strategem Traits: Creates persistent fire barriers
Eagle 110mm Rocket Pods
Effective against larger targets, offering a balance between firepower and precision.
- Call-In Time: Moderate
- Uses: Single use per call-in
- Cooldown Time: Moderate
- Strategem Traits: Good against larger targets
Shield Generator Relay
Particularly useful against automatons, providing significant defensive capabilities in the right scenarios.
B Tier
Stalwart
A more mobile alternative to the Machine Gun, trading some effectiveness against armor for agility.
Orbital Airburst Strike
Good for wave clearing, though the timing of strikes can limit its overall impact.
Eagle Airstrike
A reliable option for smaller targets, slightly outperforming the Strafing Run.
HMG Replacement
Offers a fun experience but is limited by its stationary nature and slow setup.
Anti Personnel Minefield
Provides effective stationary defense but can cause issues for teammates due to its potential for friendly fire.
Shield Generator Pack
Offers significant protection, especially against automatons, though it might feel like a wasted slot in some scenarios.
Guard Dog
A less efficient version of the Rover, limited by ammunition consumption.
C Tier
Flamethrower
Fun and effective against certain enemies, but its overall utility is limited.
Orbital Gatling Barrage
Impressive in theory but offers limited practical effectiveness.
Orbital 120 HE Barrage
Visually impressive but lacks effective impact due to the spread of hits.
Orbital 380 HE Barrage
Similar issues to the 120 variant, with effectiveness limited by the spread of hits.
Orbital Walking Barrage
Looks cool but lacks practical effectiveness, often posing a greater risk to teammates.
Eagle Strafing Run
Quick to deploy but overshadowed by other options as better stratagems become available.
Machine Gun Sentry
The least effective of the sentries but can manage smaller mobs adequately.
Gatling Sentry
An improvement over the Machine Gun Sentry, effective against unarmored targets.
Supply Pack
Often feels unnecessary given the availability of other supply methods.
D Tier
Anti Materiel Rifle
Outperformed by the Machine Gun and overshadowed by later Anti Armor options.
Expendable Anti Tank
Outclassed by other Anti Tank options, making it less desirable for dealing with armored threats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Helldivers 2 and Stratagems
1. What are stratagems in Helldivers?
Stratagems are special abilities or support options in Helldivers that players can call in during missions. They range from offensive airstrikes to defensive turrets and supply drops, offering various tactical advantages.
2. How do I unlock new stratagems?
New stratagems are typically unlocked by progressing through the game, completing specific missions, achieving certain ranks, or fulfilling particular challenges within the game.
3. Can I use any stratagem at any time?
Stratagem availability during missions is limited by cooldown times and the number of uses. Some might also have specific requirements or conditions for use.
4. What does the 'S' in S Tier stand for?
The 'S' in S Tier often stands for "Super" or "Superior," indicating that these are the highest-rated stratagems based on effectiveness and utility.
5. Are higher-tier stratagems always the best choice?
While higher-tier stratagems are generally more powerful or useful, the best choice depends on the mission, your team's strategy, and personal playstyle. Flexibility and situational awareness are key.
6. How important is teamwork in using stratagems effectively?
Teamwork is crucial in Helldivers, as many stratagems have effects that can benefit the whole team or require coordination to maximize their effectiveness without causing friendly fire incidents.
7. Can stratagem tiers change over time?
Yes, game updates, balance changes, and evolving player strategies can affect stratagem tiers, with some becoming more or less effective over time.
8. Are there any penalties for misusing stratagems?
Misusing stratagems, especially offensive ones, can result in friendly fire incidents, mission failure, or other negative outcomes, so careful and strategic use is advised.
9. How can I learn the best stratagems for each mission type?
Experience, community guides, and experimenting with different stratagems will help you understand which are most effective for various mission types and scenarios.
10. Is there a limit to how many stratagems I can bring on a mission?
Yes, players are typically limited in the number of stratagems they can select for each mission, making strategic choices about which to bring along crucial for success.
Conclusion
Happy gaming, and may your strategic choices always lead you to victory on the battlefield of Helldivers 2. Dive in, adapt, and conquer with confidence! Until we strategize again, take care and keep spreading democracy across the galaxy!
