Helldivers 2 boasts intense action, strategic play, and loads of loadout customization options. This is how to unlock the best stratagems and weapons to start with to give you an upper hand in your missions. These helldivers stratagems and weapons choices can prepare you for the future.

Essential Stratagems to Unlock

Eagle 500kg Bomb

In Helldivers 2, the Eagle 500kg Bomb is a powerful Stratagem that can obliterate nearly any enemy with a single explosion. Though it can only be used once, it’s perfect for eliminating tough enemies or large groups, especially in late-game missions. Be cautious of its large blast radius to avoid friendly fire. This bomb can take down bosses and entire dropships. Save it for moments when enemies are clustered for maximum impact.

Orbital Precision Strike

Boss enemies in missions can be tough to kill, but the Orbital Precision Strike makes it easier. This Stratagem uses your Destroyer ship’s “ATLAS” cannon to fire a powerful shot at the nearest enemy to a throw beacon, dealing massive damage and piercing through armor.

The Precision Strike has a short cooldown of just 100 seconds, allowing you to repeatedly target and take down dangerous foes. While it’s not meant for groups, its unlimited uses make it perfect for handling tough opponents. You get access to this Stratagem from the start of Helldivers 2, making it a top choice for early-game missions

Eagle Cluster Bomb

Explosives are always useful in missions, and the Eagle Cluster Bomb is one of the most reliable Stratagems for various worlds in Helldivers 2. While it can’t destroy buildings, its wide-reaching air strike is perfect for instantly wiping out groups of smaller enemies.

This Hangar Stratagem recharges quickly, with a cooldown of just 15 seconds, allowing you to repeatedly deploy explosives with no delay. However, you only have 4 uses per mission, so you’ll need to use them wisely.

Note: Be careful not to harm your teammates. Ensure they’re clear of the beacon laser’s area before deploying the Cluster Bomb.

AC-8 Autocannon

The AC-8 Autocannon is the best weapon Stratagem in Helldivers 2, effortlessly piercing through enemy armor. It’s excellent against light vehicles and armored targets, often destroying them in just a few shots. Though it has limited ammo that needs reloading via backpack support, its high damage output makes it extremely effective.

Be mindful of your ammo, as the Autocannon has a lengthy 480-second cooldown when you run out. Fortunately, you can use this Stratagem repeatedly to tackle the toughest enemies. Target weak points to disable enemy movement, then finish them off with additional shots from the cannon.

Orbital Laser

The Orbital Laser Stratagem shoots a powerful beam of energy through enemies and deals massive damage. This laser can also be used against heavy armor – making it a good choice for both Terminid and Automaton foes. This Stratagem has you covered if you need to cover a retreat, slicing through swarms or taking down giant targets.

Note:  Point the beacon carefully to hit the nearest enemy first, since the laser strikes the nearest enemy. The beam also burns the ground, causing further damage to nearby enemies. With its quick firing speed and shorter cooldown, the Orbital Laser is perfect for tackling challenging enemies.

Best Weapons Against Terminids

SG-225 Breaker

This fully automatic shotgun excels in close-quarters combat, delivering high damage per second (DPS) with a rapid rate of fire, perfect for mowing down swarms of Terminids.

SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary

An incendiary version of the SG-225 Breaker, this shotgun not only deals substantial damage but also adds a burning effect, inflicting continuous damage over time, making it highly effective against large groups.

PLAS-1 Scorcher

Ideal for crowd control, the PLAS-1 Scorcher fires bursts of plasma that spread out upon impact, causing significant area damage. It’s particularly useful for handling clusters of Terminids.

Best Weapons Against Automatons

AR-23P Liberator Penetrator

This assault rifle features medium armor penetration, making it versatile and effective against both light and moderately armored Automatons. Its balance of accuracy and firepower ensures reliability in various scenarios.

R-63 Diligence

A marksman rifle that combines precision with high damage output, the R-63 Diligence is ideal for picking off Automatons from a distance, ensuring you can maintain a safe engagement range while dealing lethal shots.

AC-8 Autocannon

Designed to handle armored targets, the AC-8 Autocannon delivers a continuous stream of high-caliber rounds, making it perfect for breaking through the defenses of tougher Automatons.

Conclusion

Early unlocking of these stratagems and weapons in Helldivers 2 will make your squad more efficient and versatile in battle. Each provides its own advantages which could tilt the balance in your favor. Equip your team smartly, and get into the action confidently.