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Stratagems are a key part of any Helldivers 2 mission. They are used to support players on the ground from sending down stronger weapons to raining barrages of rockets on your enemies. Usually, players can choose four to use while on a mission, so choosing what works best for you is essential.
U/UniqueVirtue took to the Helldivers 2 sub-Reddit to ask what Stratagems they should focus on unlocking as a newer level 10 player. While most Stratagems require players to be certain levels before they can unlocked, many of the essential ones are accessible by the time players reach level 10, with others not being too far out of reach.
Many Helldivers 2 players took to the comments and the consensus was largely the same, and that is to focus on unlocking the Eagle and Orbital Stratagems, as well as an Anti-Tank weapon such as the Recoilless Rifle and an AP4 weapon such as the Autocannon. As this is an important topic that many new players could draw inspiration from, here are the recommended Stratagems that players should be unlocking as soon as possible across all categories.
Offensive (Red)
Offensive Stratagems are missiles and rockets that the SEAF send down from ships in the sky to help even the odds when you’re on the ground fighting the Automatons and Terminids. There are many to choose from, but here are the best ones that you should focus on unlocking as you start your Helldivers 2 journey.
Orbital Precision Strike
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: Free
- Description: “A single precision shot from the Destroyer’s ‘ATLAS’ cannon.”
Considering the Orbital Precision Strike is the default Stratagem you are given and it is free, it still packs a punch no matter what level you are. Even now, after months of playing Helldivers 2, I find myself using it from time to time as it is a no-nonsense missile that is designed to wipe out armored enemies.
Orbital Gatling Barrage
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: 1,500 RS
- Description: “A barrage of high explosive rounds, fired from the Destroyer’s high speed rotary autocannons.”
The Orbital Gatling Barrage does exactly what you’d think it does, it fires a high amount of explosive rounds from the sky. This is one that you will probably find yourself using less as you level up, although some people do still use it, but it is a great Stratagem to use early on in your career as a Helldiver.
Orbital Gas Strike
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: 4,000 RS
- Description: “A projectile which releases a cloud of corrosive gas, harmful to both organic and robotic lifeforms.”
Although the Orbital Gas Strike can be used for Automatons, if you prefer Terminids then this is a great Stratagem to use and many still carry it with h them today. The Orbital Gas Strike releases a cloud of gas that corroded the tissue from the Terminids and quickly drains their health. This is great to use on things such as a Stalker lair where you can use it on a large group.
Eagle Airstrike
- Unlock: Level 2
- Cost: 4,000 RS
- Description: “A barrage of bombs creating a non-targeted carpet of explosions. When called, the strike will be perpendicular from the direction you were facing when thrown.”
Like the previous Precision Strike, the Eagle Airstrike is a no-nonsense Stratagem, except this one fires down a barrage of missiles. This is great for taking out smaller groups of enemies, pushing back armored enemies, or easily taking out spawn points such as Automaton Fabricators.
Eagle Napalm Airstrike
- Unlock: Level 5
- Cost: 5,000 RS
- Description: “A barrage of napalm bombs, creating a wall of fire which will stop the enemy in their tracks. When called, the strike will be perpendicular from the direction you were facing when thrown.”
The Eagle Napalm Airstrike is exactly the same as the regular Airstrike, except it leaves a trail of fire, which can quickly drain the health of the Terminids. This is one of my go-to Stratagems these days.
Orbital 120mm HE Barrage
- Unlock: Level 5
- Cost: 4,000 RS
- Description: “A precision artillery salvo over a small area, perfect for taking out concentrated enemy units.”
There are multiple barrage Stratagems to choose from, but I think the 120mm is the best option as it covers a smaller area which makes it more accurate compared to the 380mm.
Eagle 110mm Rocket Pods
- Unlock: Level 10
- Cost: 7,500 RS
- Description: “A barrage of rocket pods, which the Eagle pilot will release on the largest target near the stratagem beacon.”
The 110mm Rocket Pods are my go-to missile Stratagem for both Automatons and Terminids, with it sending down a group of rockets to deal devastating damage over a small area.
Orbital Laser
- Unlock: Level 15
- Cost: 10,000 RS
- Description: “The Destroyer’s laser cannon will sweep over the designated area, vaporizing all targets within the effective radius.”
When it comes to taking out tougher enemies, the Orbital Laser is my go-to choice and I take it on every mission. It sends down a laser that focuses on the toughest enemy first and then moves around the area wiping out dozens of enemies in one use.
Support (Blue)
Support Stratagems are more powerful weapons that you can carry with you alongside your primary and secondary weapons. You should be carrying one with you on every mission.
MG-43 Machine Gun
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: Free
- Description: “A machine gun designed for stationary use. Trades higher power for increased recoil and reduced accuracy.”
The Machine Gun is the default Stratagem that you are given at the start of the game, and it isn’t a bad choice. Similar to the Assault Rifles, the Machine Gun is a great weapon for clearing out hordes of enemies but it isn’t very effective against heavier enemies.
APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: 5,000 RS
- Description: “A high-caliber sniper rifle effective over long distances against light vehicle armor. This rifle must be aimed downscope.”
The Anti-Materiel Rifle is a great sniper rifle that works really well against the Automatons. As a level 1, I would use this over the Machine Gun, and it is a great option no matter what level you are as many players still carry this with them even today.
B-1 Supply Pack
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: 4,000 RS
- Description: “Supply boxes containing ammunition, with a backpack that allows the user to distribute boxes to fellow Helldivers.”
If your preferred Support Stratagem doesn’t require a backpack, then carrying the Supply Pack can be a good choice as you can carry more ammo, grenades, and Stims with you which you can either use yourself or give to your teammates.
EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank
- Unlock: Level 3
- Cost: 3,000 RS
- Description: “A single-use weapon specialized for damaging vehicle armor. Discarded after every use.”
The Expendable Anti-Tank is still incredibly popular and is great for taking out heavily armored enemies such as a Tank or Hulk. One downside is that you can only use it once before having to discard it, but its firepower does make it a good option to consider.
GR-8 Recoilless Rifle
- Unlock: Level 5
- Cost: 6,000 RS
- Description: “A recoilless rifle effective against vehicle armor. Includes support backpack required for reloading.”
For many months, the Recoilless Rifle was my go-to Stratagem, especially for the Automatons. Although slightly weaker than other Anti-Tank weapons such as the Quasar Cannon, it does benefit from the ability to carry numerous rockets which reload fairly quickly. This is a great weapon for taking down Dropships and Gunships, but it is less effective against the likes of Tanks, it can still help to get the job done.
GL-21 Grenade Launcher
- Unlock: Level 5
- Cost: 6,000 RS
- Description: “A grenade launcher effective against armored infantry. Not intended for use against vehicle armor or fortified buildings.”
The Grenade Launcher is a great weapon for clearing out hordes of enemies, as well as closing bug holes in Terminid missions. If you enjoy using Grenades but feel like you run out too soon, the Grenade Launcher can help to solve that.
LAS-98 Laser Cannon
- Unlock: Level 5
- Cost: 4,000 RS
- Description: “A laser weapon firing a continuous beam. Doesn’t require ammunition, but will need heat sink replaced if it overheats.”
The Laser Cannon fell by the wayside when it comes to popularity, but it has seen a revival recently due to its ability to take down Gunships incredibly easily. This is best used in higher-difficulty Automaton missions, but it does have some use for the Terminids too.
FLAM-40 Flamethrower
- Unlock: Level 10
- Cost: 6,000 RS
- Description: “An incendiary weapon for close range. Will ignite targets, terrain, and any flammable teammates.”
Despite its nerf, the Flamethrower is still an effective weapon against the Terminids. Due to the backlash, there is a good chance that we could see it rebuffed in the future, so if you prefer fighting the Terminids, consider bringing this with you.
AC-8 Autocannon
- Unlock: Level 10
- Cost: 7,000 RS
- Description: “A fully-automatic cannon effective against light vehicle armor. Includes support backpack required for reloading.”
In my opinion, this is currently the best Support weapon in Helldivers 2. Whether against the Automatons or Terminids, the Autocannon is incredibly effective. Unfortunately, it is only suited against lighter and medium armor, although it can chip away at heavy armor too. For tougher enemies such as the Hulk, I would recommend using Offensive Stratagems to deal the damage, but this is great for taking out everything else.
Also, it is Pilestedt’s favorite weapon so that means it is unlikely to ever be nerfed. It was also name-dropped in the recent Helldivers 2 blog post ahead of the September 17th update and it is said that it will be “more effective” following the upcoming buffs.
AX/AR-23 “Guard Dog”
- Unlock: Level 10
- Cost: 7,500 RS
- Description: “An autonomous drone equipped with a Liberator assault rifle, providing 360° cover. Returns to backpack to rearm.”
Both the Guard Dog and Guard Dog Rover are great secondary Support Stratagem if your main one doesn’t require a backpack. These Stratagems will give you a drone that flies alongside you and takes out nearby enemies with either a machine gun or laser. You do need to watch out that you’re not caught in the crossfire though.
AX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Rover
- Unlock: Level 10
- Cost: 7,500 RS
- Description: “An autonomous drone equipped with a laser rifle, providing 360° cover. Returns to backpack to cool down.”
When choosing which Guard Dog to use, the regular Guard Dog deals more damage, but the Rover has more durability and can attack for longer before needing to be recharged.
FAF-14 Spear
- Unlock: Level 20
- Cost: 9,000 RS
- Description: “An anti-tank homing missile which must lock onto its target before launch. Effective against large and armored enemies.”
If you’re playing at higher difficulties, especially if part of a squad, carrying a Spear is a great choice for taking out Tanks, Bile Titans, and other large enemies. When playing solo, there are better options out there due to the Spear only having one real use case, but if your other teammates are filling those roles, this is a good Support Stratagem to add to your arsenal.
RS-422 Railgun
- Unlock: Level 20
- Cost: 10,000 RS
- Description: “An experimental weapon which prioritizes armor penetration. Must be charged between shots – choose targets carefully.”
The Railgun is a great Stratagem for taking down armored enemies. With it being unlocked at level 20, there is a good chance that you will find what works for you before you unlock it, and Offensive Stratagems can fill the void in a lot of cases.
Defensive (Green)
Defensive Stratagems are used to help push back the horde of enemies and keep them at bay by utilizing turrets, mines, and similar weaponry.
A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry
- Unlock: Level 1
- Cost: 1,500 RS
- Description: “An agile automated machine gun turret. Will fire at targets even if Helldivers will be caught in the crossfire.”
When it comes to Defensive Stratagems in Helldivers 2, it comes down to personal preference. Many players choose not to carry one, but if you’re worried about being overwhelmed during extraction then it can help. If you do want to carry one, the initial Machine Gun Sentry does as good a job as any other option.