Helldivers 2 Stratagems: Unlock Codes & Guide

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive back into the action and spread some managed democracy? One of the most crucial aspects of succeeding in Helldivers 2 is mastering your Stratagems. These aren't just fancy gadgets; they're your lifeline against the alien hordes. Knowing the codes, understanding when to use each Stratagem, and coordinating with your squad can be the difference between a glorious victory and a swift, bug-splattered defeat. So, let's break down everything you need to know about Helldivers 2 Stratagems and their all-important codes.

What are Stratagems in Helldivers 2?

Stratagems in Helldivers 2 are essentially your special abilities and support options that you can call in during missions. Think of them as your off-planet reinforcements, bringing everything from powerful weapons and orbital strikes to defensive structures and helpful drones. Unlike your standard weapons and grenades, Stratagems require you to input a specific sequence of directional commands (the codes we're here to talk about) to activate them. These codes are entered using the directional pad on your controller or the corresponding keys on your keyboard. Successfully inputting the code calls in the Stratagem, and after a short cooldown, you can unleash its power upon your enemies.

The importance of Stratagems can't be overstated. They provide the firepower and utility you need to tackle the game's increasingly challenging objectives and enemy encounters. Need to clear out a heavily fortified enemy base? Call in an orbital bombardment. Getting swarmed by hordes of Terminids? Deploy a Gatling Sentry. Need a quick escape? The Jump Pack can get you out of a tight spot. The key is to choose the right Stratagems for the mission and to know the codes by heart so you can deploy them quickly and efficiently.

Why are Stratagems Important?

Strategic depth is added by stratagems to the game. They are not simply "nice to haves"; they are essential for surviving and flourishing in the Helldivers 2's harsh environments. Stratagems allow players to overcome obstacles that would otherwise be insurmountable because they offer a variety of offensive, defensive, and support options. For instance, orbital strikes can clear out hordes of enemies or destroy buildings, while supply drops make sure your team has the supplies they need to keep fighting. Sentries offer automated fire support that can significantly lessen enemy pressure, and backpacks give special capabilities like shield generation or resupply options.

Coordination is Key:

Effective teamwork depends on Stratagems. Knowing what Stratagems your teammates have prepared and how to combine them can greatly improve your team's effectiveness. For instance, one player might call in an EMS Mortar Sentry to slow down approaching enemies while another player uses an airstrike to do massive damage. Clear communication and strategic planning will enable your squad to successfully handle even the most difficult tasks. In Helldivers 2, Stratagems are essential resources for ensuring victory and not just extra features.

Helldivers 2 Stratagem Codes List

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the Stratagem codes themselves! I won't list every single Stratagem in the game (there are a lot!), but I'll cover some of the most essential and frequently used ones. Remember, these codes must be entered precisely and in the correct order for the Stratagem to activate.

Offensive Stratagems:

• Orbital Gatling Barrage: Down, Forward, Right, Up, Left This Stratagem unleashes a hail of Gatling fire from orbit, shredding enemies in a wide area. Great for clearing out large groups of weaker foes or softening up tougher targets.
• Orbital Airburst Strike: Down, Forward, Up, Left, Down A versatile Stratagem that delivers a series of airburst explosions, perfect for dealing with enemies behind cover or in elevated positions.
• Eagle 500KG Bomb: Up, Right, Down, Left, Up The classic "big boom" option. This Stratagem drops a massive 500KG bomb on the designated target, obliterating anything in its blast radius. Use with caution, as it can easily kill you and your teammates if you're too close.
• Eagle Airstrike: Up, Right, Right, Down This Stratagem deploys a precision airstrike along a designated path, dealing heavy damage to enemies in its wake. Excellent for taking out armored targets or clearing out a line of defense.

Defensive Stratagems:

• Gatling Sentry: Down, Up, Right, Left, Down Deploys an automated Gatling turret that mows down enemies with relentless fire. A great way to provide covering fire or defend a specific area.
• Mortar Sentry: Down, Up, Left, Down, Right Launches mortar rounds at distant enemies, providing indirect fire support. Effective for suppressing enemy positions or taking out entrenched targets.
• Shield Generator Pack: Down, Left, Up, Right, Down Equips the user with a personal energy shield that absorbs incoming damage. A must-have for staying alive in intense firefights.

Support Stratagems:

• Supply Drop: Down, Down, Up, Right Calls in a supply pod containing ammunition, grenades, and stims. Essential for keeping your squad stocked up on resources.
• Reinforce: Up, Down, Right, Left, Up Reinforcements are called in to replace fallen teammates, restoring your squad's strength. This is your get-out-of-jail-free card when things go south.
• Jump Pack: Down, Up, Down, Right, Up Equips the user with a powerful jump pack, allowing for rapid traversal of the battlefield and access to elevated positions. Great for flanking enemies or escaping dangerous situations.

Tips for Memorizing Codes

• Practice: The best way to learn the codes is simply to use the Stratagems frequently. Start with a few essential Stratagems and gradually add more to your repertoire as you become more comfortable.
• Mnemonic Devices: Create memorable phrases or acronyms to help you remember the sequences. For example, for the Eagle 500KG Bomb (Up, Right, Down, Left, Up), you could think of "Under Red Dark Light Umbrella."
• Visual Aids: Write down the codes on a piece of paper or create a digital cheat sheet to reference during missions. Over time, you'll find yourself relying on it less and less.
• Teamwork: Coordinate with your squad to divide up the Stratagem responsibilities. This way, each player only needs to memorize a subset of the codes, making it easier to manage.

Mastering Stratagem Deployment

Knowing the codes is only half the battle. To truly master Stratagems, you need to understand how to deploy them effectively in combat. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Situational Awareness:

Before calling in a Stratagem, take a moment to assess the situation. Are you facing a large group of enemies? Is there a heavily armored target that needs to be taken out? Are you in a confined space where an orbital strike could backfire? Choosing the right Stratagem for the situation is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and avoiding friendly fire incidents.

Timing is Everything:

Don't just call in Stratagems willy-nilly. Time your deployments carefully to coincide with enemy movements and your squad's actions. For example, you might want to wait until a group of enemies is clustered together before unleashing an orbital bombardment. Or, you might want to coordinate an airstrike with your teammates' advance, clearing the way for them to push forward.

Communication is Key (Again!):

Let your squad know what Stratagem you're about to deploy and where you're targeting it. This will help them avoid getting caught in the blast radius and allow them to coordinate their actions accordingly. Use voice chat or the game's ping system to communicate effectively.

Friendly Fire Awareness:

Many Stratagems have a wide area of effect and can easily kill or injure your teammates if you're not careful. Pay close attention to the targeting reticle and be mindful of your squad's position. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a less destructive Stratagem.

Cooldown Management:

Stratagems have cooldown periods, meaning you can't spam them continuously. Keep track of the cooldown timers and plan your deployments accordingly. If you know you're about to enter a difficult area, save your most powerful Stratagems for when you really need them.

Optimizing Your Stratagem Loadout

Choosing the right Stratagems for a mission is just as important as knowing the codes and deploying them effectively. Consider the mission objectives, the enemy types you'll be facing, and your squad's composition when selecting your loadout.

Mission Objectives:

Some missions require you to destroy specific targets, while others task you with defending a position or extracting resources. Choose Stratagems that are well-suited to the mission objectives. For example, if you're tasked with destroying a heavily armored enemy base, you'll want to bring Stratagems that can deal high amounts of damage to single targets, such as the Eagle 500KG Bomb or the Railcannon Strike.

Enemy Types:

The enemies in Helldivers 2 come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some enemies are heavily armored, while others are fast and agile. Some attack from a distance, while others prefer to get up close and personal. Choose Stratagems that are effective against the types of enemies you'll be facing. For example, if you're facing a horde of Terminids, you'll want to bring Stratagems that can deal area-of-effect damage, such as the Orbital Gatling Barrage or the Eagle Airstrike.

Squad Composition:

Coordinate with your squad to create a balanced loadout that covers all the bases. Make sure you have a mix of offensive, defensive, and support Stratagems. For example, one player might focus on dealing damage, while another focuses on providing support and defense. This will ensure that your squad is well-prepared for any situation.

Experimentation:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different Stratagem combinations and loadouts. The best way to find out what works for you is to try things out in the field. You might be surprised at what you discover. Who knows, you might even find a new favorite Stratagem that becomes a staple of your loadout.

Conclusion: Become a Stratagem Master

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to Helldivers 2 Stratagems, complete with codes, deployment tips, and loadout optimization strategies. Mastering Stratagems is essential for becoming a successful Helldiver and spreading managed democracy throughout the galaxy. So, get out there, practice your codes, and coordinate with your squad. With a little bit of effort and a lot of explosions, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Stratagem master. Now go on, Helldiver, and make Super Earth proud!