If you’re stepping into the chaotic, bullet-filled world of Helldivers 2, you’re about to experience one of the most exhilarating cooperative shooters of the year. As with the original, Arrowhead has packed this sequel with frantic action, tactical depth, and the kind of friendly fire chaos that can turn allies into accidental liabilities. To help you hit the ground running, here are 10 Essential Tips for New Helldivers 2 Players that will make your early missions smoother, and maybe even save your squad from premature annihilation.
1. Respect Friendly Fire
Unlike many other co-op shooters, Helldivers 2 doesn’t forgive sloppy aim. Every bullet, grenade, and orbital strike can—and will—take out your teammates if you’re careless. Communicate with your squad and always double-check before unleashing heavy firepower.
2. Learn Your Stratagems
Stratagems are the backbone of your toolkit. From airstrikes to resupplies, they define how you approach each mission. Practice the input sequences until they’re muscle memory; fumbling a code mid-firefight can be the difference between survival and a squad wipe.
3. Gear for the Mission
Not every loadout works in every environment. If you’re up against armored enemies, bring anti-tank options. For swarm-heavy missions, prioritize area-of-effect weapons. Adaptability is key to success in Helldivers 2.
4. Don’t Hoard Ammo
Ammo is plentiful if you use resupply Stratagems wisely. Don’t cling to every bullet—use your firepower aggressively when the situation demands it. Holding back can sometimes cost more than going all out.
5. Prioritize Objectives
It’s easy to get distracted by the sheer chaos of the battlefield, but mission objectives always come first. Completing them ensures progress and rewards. Everything else—enemy hunting, loot collection—comes second.
6. Master Extraction
The mission isn’t over until you’re safely extracted. Plan your approach to the extraction zone, clear the area, and defend the landing point as a team. Remember, a failed extraction means no reward, even if you nailed every other objective.
7. Use Cover and Movement
Standing still is a death sentence. Keep moving, use cover effectively, and don’t be afraid to dive when under heavy fire. Survival in Helldivers 2 often comes down to positioning and timing.
8. Communicate Constantly
Call out enemy positions, warn teammates about grenades, and coordinate Stratagem drops. Even the best players won’t last long without solid communication. A squad that talks survives longer—and usually finishes missions faster.
9. Expect the Unexpected
Procedurally generated maps and randomized enemy spawns keep missions unpredictable. Stay flexible and be ready to change tactics on the fly. Stubbornness often leads to disaster.
10. Embrace the Chaos
Part of the charm of Helldivers 2 is that things rarely go according to plan. Accidents happen, friends blow each other up, and missions devolve into glorious pandemonium. Don’t get frustrated—lean into the chaos and laugh through the failures.
Jumping into Helldivers 2 as a newcomer can feel overwhelming, but these 10 Essential Tips for New Helldivers 2 Players should give you the foundation needed to thrive. With practice, communication, and a willingness to adapt, you’ll soon be raining democracy from orbit with the best of them.