Helldivers 2: Your Ultimate Beginner's Tutorial
So, you're ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-demolishing world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But before you go spreading managed democracy across the galaxy, you'll need a crash course. This tutorial will arm you with everything you need to know to survive your first few missions and contribute to the galactic war effort. Let's get started, recruit!
Gearing Up: Understanding Your Loadout
First things first: your loadout. In Helldivers 2, what you bring to the battlefield is crucial. Don't just jump in with whatever looks cool (though, admittedly, everything does look pretty cool). Understanding each component of your loadout and how it synergizes with your team is key to success. Let's break it down:
Primary Weapon
This is your bread and butter, the weapon you'll be using most of the time. Helldivers 2 offers a variety of primary weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You’ll start with a basic assault rifle, but as you level up and earn Requisition Slips (the game's currency), you can unlock shotguns for close-quarters carnage, accurate rifles for picking off enemies at a distance, and even support weapons like the Liberator, which offers a balanced approach for various combat scenarios. Experiment with different weapons to find what suits your play style. Consider factors like: damage per shot, rate of fire, magazine size, recoil, and effective range. A good understanding of these stats will help you choose the right tool for the job, whether you're facing hordes of Terminids or heavily armored Automatons. Don't be afraid to try out different weapons in the training simulator on your ship before heading into a live mission. Remember, a Helldiver is only as good as their weapon, so choose wisely!
Secondary Weapon
Think of your secondary weapon as your backup plan, your "oh crap" button. Usually a pistol, it's useful for quickly dispatching enemies when you're out of primary ammo or need to switch weapons in a hurry. While not as powerful as your primary, a reliable secondary can save your life in a pinch. Some secondaries also offer unique utility, such as the P-19 Redeemer which boasts a surprisingly high rate of fire. Practice switching between your primary and secondary weapons efficiently to maximize your combat effectiveness.
Grenades
Ah, grenades – the explosive solution to almost any problem. Helldivers 2 features a range of grenades, from the standard fragmentation grenade for clearing groups of enemies to specialized grenades like stun grenades or incendiary grenades. Learning when and where to use each type of grenade is essential. Frag grenades are great for clearing out bug nests or softening up a group of Automatons. Stun grenades can temporarily disable enemies, giving you and your team a crucial advantage. Incendiary grenades can create areas of burning damage, denying enemies access to certain areas or inflicting damage over time. Experiment with different grenade types to discover their unique applications and learn how to use them effectively in different combat scenarios. Remember to aim carefully and be mindful of friendly fire! Nobody likes getting blown up by their own teammate's grenade.
Armor
Your armor provides protection against enemy attacks, but it also offers passive bonuses. Different armor sets come with different stats and perks, such as increased stamina, faster reload speeds, or resistance to specific types of damage. Consider the mission type and enemy composition when selecting your armor. For example, if you're facing a lot of heavily armored Automatons, you might want to choose armor with increased armor rating. If you're planning on doing a lot of sprinting and dodging, armor with increased stamina would be a better choice. Pay attention to the passive bonuses as well. Faster reload speeds can be a game-changer in intense firefights, while resistance to certain types of damage can significantly improve your survivability. Ultimately, the best armor is the one that complements your play style and the needs of your team.
Stratagems
Stratagems are your heavy hitters, the big guns you call in from orbit. These can range from powerful orbital strikes to supply drops to support weapons like the Railgun or the Autocannon. Stratagems are crucial for dealing with tougher enemies and completing objectives. Each stratagem has a unique code that you must input using the directional pad on your controller. Memorizing these codes is essential for quickly calling in reinforcements when you need them most. Stratagems have cooldowns, so use them wisely and don't waste them on trivial targets. Coordinate with your team to ensure that you have a variety of stratagems available to handle any situation. A well-timed orbital strike can wipe out an entire enemy patrol, while a strategically placed supply drop can keep your team stocked with ammo and grenades. Stratagems are the key to victory in Helldivers 2, so learn them well and use them effectively!
Basic Movement and Combat
Okay, now that you're geared up, let's talk about how to move and fight. Helldivers 2 is a fast-paced, chaotic game, so you'll need to be able to move effectively and react quickly to threats. Mastering the basics of movement and combat is essential for survival.
Movement
Movement is key to survival in Helldivers 2. Learn to sprint, dive, and utilize cover effectively. Sprinting allows you to quickly traverse the battlefield, but it consumes stamina, so manage it wisely. Diving can help you avoid enemy fire and quickly reposition yourself. Utilizing cover is crucial for minimizing damage and staying alive. Pay attention to your surroundings and use rocks, trees, and other objects to your advantage. Crouching can also improve your accuracy and reduce your visibility to enemies. Experiment with different movement techniques to find what works best for you in different situations. Remember, a moving target is harder to hit!
Shooting
Aiming and shooting in Helldivers 2 is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Pay attention to your weapon's recoil and adjust your aim accordingly. Use burst fire to conserve ammo and maintain accuracy at longer ranges. Aim for weak points on enemies to maximize damage. For example, the heads of Terminids are generally more vulnerable than their bodies. The vents on the backs of Automatons are also weak spots. Practice your aim in the training simulator on your ship to improve your accuracy and get a feel for different weapons. Remember, a well-placed shot can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Melee
While Helldivers 2 is primarily a shooter, melee combat can be useful in certain situations. When surrounded by enemies, a quick melee attack can create some breathing room and give you a chance to escape. Melee attacks can also be effective against smaller enemies like the Scavengers. However, be careful not to rely on melee too much, as it leaves you vulnerable to attack. Use it sparingly and only when necessary. Consider your weapon's melee attack animation and range when engaging in close combat. Some weapons have faster and more effective melee attacks than others. Experiment with different weapons to find one that suits your melee style.
Reloading
Reloading is a crucial aspect of combat in Helldivers 2. Learn to reload quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime. Pay attention to your weapon's magazine size and reload before you run out of ammo. There's nothing worse than being caught in a firefight with an empty magazine. Use cover to reload whenever possible to avoid taking damage. Some armor sets offer faster reload speeds, which can be a significant advantage in intense combat situations. Practice your reloading technique to improve your speed and efficiency. Remember, a Helldiver who can't reload quickly is a dead Helldiver!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Helldivers 2 is designed as a cooperative experience. You'll be fighting alongside your fellow Helldivers, so teamwork is essential. Communicate with your team, coordinate your attacks, and support each other. A coordinated team can overcome even the most challenging missions.
Communication
Communication is key to success in Helldivers 2. Use voice chat or the in-game text chat to communicate with your team. Call out enemy positions, coordinate stratagem deployments, and let your teammates know when you need help. A well-communicated team is a more effective team. Be clear and concise in your communication to avoid confusion. Use pings to mark enemy locations or points of interest. Listen to your teammates and respond to their requests. Remember, you're all in this together!
Coordination
Coordinate your attacks with your team to maximize your effectiveness. Focus fire on high-priority targets, such as heavily armored enemies or enemy commanders. Coordinate your stratagem deployments to create devastating combinations. For example, you could use an orbital strike to clear out a group of enemies, followed by a supply drop to replenish your ammo. Work together to clear objectives and defend key locations. A coordinated team can quickly and efficiently complete missions. Discuss your strategies before each mission and adjust your tactics as needed. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!
Support
Support your teammates by providing cover fire, healing them when they're injured, and reviving them when they're downed. Share ammo and resources with your teammates. Protect your teammates from enemy attacks. A supportive team is a successful team. Pay attention to your teammates' health and ammo levels. Offer assistance when they need it. Revive downed teammates as quickly as possible to keep them in the fight. Remember, you're all fighting for the same cause, so support each other!
Mastering Stratagems
As mentioned before, stratagems are game-changers. Mastering them is vital. Practice the input codes until they become second nature. Learn the effective range and area of effect of each stratagem. Experiment with different stratagem combinations to find what works best for you and your team. A well-timed and well-placed stratagem can turn the tide of battle.
Practice the Codes
Memorizing the stratagem input codes is crucial for quickly calling in reinforcements when you need them most. Practice the codes in the training simulator on your ship until they become second nature. Use mnemonic devices or other memory aids to help you remember the codes. The faster you can input the codes, the faster you can call in the stratagems. This can be the difference between life and death in a firefight. Don't underestimate the importance of memorizing the stratagem codes!
Learn the Range and Area of Effect
Each stratagem has a specific effective range and area of effect. Understanding these parameters is essential for using stratagems effectively. For example, an orbital strike has a limited range and a circular area of effect. If you're too far away from the target, the stratagem won't reach it. If the area of effect is too small, you might not hit all of the enemies you're trying to target. Experiment with different stratagems to learn their range and area of effect. Pay attention to the terrain and obstacles when deploying stratagems. A well-placed stratagem can wipe out an entire enemy patrol, while a poorly placed stratagem can be a waste of resources.
Experiment with Combinations
Experiment with different stratagem combinations to find what works best for you and your team. Some stratagems synergize well with each other, creating devastating combinations. For example, you could use a smoke grenade to conceal your approach, followed by an orbital strike to wipe out a group of enemies. You could also use a stun grenade to disable enemies, followed by a cluster bomb to inflict massive damage. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for different situations. Communicate with your team to coordinate your stratagem deployments. A well-coordinated stratagem combination can turn the tide of battle!
Spreading Managed Democracy: Your Duty
Remember, Helldiver, you're not just fighting bugs and robots. You're fighting for managed democracy, for freedom, and for Super Earth! Go out there, complete your objectives, and bring glory to Super Earth! And most importantly, have fun!
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Once you've mastered the basics, here are a few advanced tips and tricks to help you become a true Helldivers 2 pro:
- Friendly Fire is a Feature, Not a Bug: Embrace the chaos! Accidents happen, but don't let them discourage you. Just apologize and move on. Try to be mindful of your teammates' positions when firing explosive weapons, but don't be afraid to use them when necessary. Friendly fire is a part of the Helldivers experience!
- Use the Terrain to Your Advantage: The environment in Helldivers 2 is dynamic and can be used to your advantage. Create chokepoints by destroying bridges or collapsing buildings. Use elevated positions to gain a better vantage point. Lure enemies into traps or ambushes. The possibilities are endless!
- Don't Be Afraid to Retreat: Sometimes, the best course of action is to retreat and regroup. If you're overwhelmed by enemies, don't be afraid to fall back and call in reinforcements. Live to fight another day!
- Customize Your Loadout for Each Mission: Different missions require different loadouts. Consider the mission objectives, enemy types, and terrain when selecting your weapons, armor, and stratagems. A well-prepared Helldiver is a successful Helldiver!
- Learn Enemy Weaknesses: Each enemy type in Helldivers 2 has its own unique weaknesses. Learn these weaknesses and exploit them to maximize your damage output. For example, the heads of Terminids are generally more vulnerable than their bodies, while the vents on the backs of Automatons are weak spots.
Conclusion
So there you have it, recruits! With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned Helldiver and spreading managed democracy across the galaxy. Remember to communicate with your team, coordinate your attacks, and support each other. And most importantly, have fun! Now get out there and show those bugs and robots what you're made of! For Super Earth!