Helldivers 1 Stratagems: A Complete Guide

Dive deep into the heart of Helldivers 1 with this comprehensive guide to stratagems! For veterans looking to refresh their memory or fresh recruits eager to understand the full scope of their strategic arsenal, this article provides a detailed breakdown of every stratagem available in the game. Understanding and mastering these stratagems is crucial for success in Helldivers 1, turning the tide of battle against overwhelming alien forces. This guide will explore each stratagem, its uses, and how to effectively deploy it on the battlefield. So, gear up, Helldivers, and let's dive in!

What are Stratagems?

So, what exactly are stratagems in Helldivers 1? Simply put, they are your lifeline, your heavy hitters, and your support network all rolled into one. Stratagems are essentially deployable assets and abilities you can call in during missions to aid you and your squad. These range from powerful offensive weaponry like orbital strikes and turrets to vital support tools such as supply drops and defensive barriers. To call in a stratagem, you need to input a specific sequence of directional commands using the D-pad on your controller (or the corresponding keys on your keyboard). The correct sequence is displayed on the stratagem card. Mastering these sequences, especially under pressure, is key to becoming an effective Helldiver. The importance of stratagems cannot be overstated. In Helldivers 1, you're often outnumbered and outgunned, facing hordes of enemies with varying strengths and weaknesses. Stratagems allow you to level the playing field, providing the firepower and utility needed to overcome these challenges. Whether it's dropping a well-placed airstrike to clear out a bug nest or calling in a supply drop to replenish your ammunition, stratagems are essential for survival and mission success. Furthermore, the strategic use of stratagems adds depth and complexity to the gameplay. Experimenting with different combinations and learning how to deploy them effectively in various situations is part of the fun. Knowing when to use a particular stratagem can make all the difference between victory and a swift, embarrassing defeat. So, take the time to familiarize yourself with the different stratagems available and practice their activation sequences. Your survival, and the success of Super Earth, depends on it!

Offensive Stratagems

Let's talk about bringing the boom! Offensive stratagems are all about dishing out damage and clearing out enemy hordes. These are your go-to options when you need to make a big impact and quickly eliminate threats. Knowing when and how to use these offensive tools can drastically improve your team's survivability and mission success. From devastating airstrikes to precision railgun strikes, each offensive stratagem offers a unique way to obliterate your foes. The Airstrike stratagem, for example, is a classic for a reason. It allows you to call in a bombing run on a designated area, raining down explosive ordinance on unsuspecting enemies. It's great for clearing out clusters of weaker enemies or softening up heavily armored targets. Just be sure to aim carefully and avoid friendly fire! Then we have the Railgun Strike, a precision weapon that fires a powerful railgun round from orbit. This is perfect for taking out heavily armored targets like tanks or tough alien bosses. It requires precise aiming, but the payoff is well worth it when you see that enemy armor crumble. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the various turret stratagems can provide excellent firepower. Machine gun turrets, for example, can mow down hordes of enemies with ease, providing valuable covering fire for your team. Rocket turrets, on the other hand, are better suited for dealing with armored targets, launching a barrage of rockets that can quickly cripple even the toughest foes. But it's not just about raw firepower. Offensive stratagems can also be used strategically to control the battlefield. Smoke grenades, for example, can provide cover for your team, allowing you to advance on enemy positions or retreat to safety. Incendiary bombs can create walls of fire, blocking enemy movement and creating chokepoints. The key is to experiment with different offensive stratagems and find the ones that best suit your playstyle and the needs of your team. Don't be afraid to mix and match, and always be aware of the potential for friendly fire! With the right offensive stratagems and a little bit of practice, you'll be able to turn the tide of battle and send those alien invaders running for cover.

Defensive Stratagems

Alright, Helldivers, let's talk about holding the line! Defensive stratagems are your best friends when things get hairy and you need to bunker down and protect your position. These tools are all about creating barriers, slowing down enemies, and providing cover for your team. Mastering defensive stratagems is crucial for surviving intense firefights and completing objectives under pressure. Defensive stratagems are not just about passively waiting for the enemy to attack. They can also be used proactively to control the battlefield and funnel enemies into kill zones. Barbed wire, for example, can be placed strategically to slow down enemy advances, giving your team more time to react and eliminate threats. Mines can be used to create deadly traps, punishing enemies who try to rush your position. Shield generators can provide valuable cover, allowing your team to advance on enemy positions or hold out against overwhelming odds. One of the most versatile defensive stratagems is the static field. This creates an area of electrical energy that slows down and damages enemies who enter it. It's great for creating chokepoints, defending objectives, or simply buying your team some breathing room. The key to using defensive stratagems effectively is to think ahead and plan your defenses. Consider the terrain, the enemy's likely attack routes, and the strengths and weaknesses of your team. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of defensive stratagems to find what works best for you. Remember, a well-placed defensive line can turn the tide of battle and allow your team to survive even the most challenging encounters. And don't forget to communicate with your team! Let them know where you're placing your defenses and how they can best utilize them. Teamwork is essential for effective defense, and a coordinated team can hold out against anything the enemy throws at them. So, gear up, Helldivers, and get ready to defend Super Earth! With the right defensive stratagems and a little bit of planning, you can turn any battlefield into an impenetrable fortress.

Support Stratagems

Need a helping hand? Support stratagems are all about keeping your team alive, resupplied, and ready for anything. These stratagems might not deal direct damage, but they are essential for maintaining your team's combat effectiveness and ensuring long-term survival. From ammo drops to medical support, these tools can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Let's dive into some of the most crucial support stratagems. First up is the Resupply stratagem. This allows you to call in a supply pod filled with ammunition, grenades, and stims. It's essential for keeping your team stocked up on resources, especially during long missions or intense firefights. Knowing when to call in a resupply can be the difference between running out of ammo at a critical moment and being able to keep fighting. Then we have the various backpack stratagems, which provide additional support capabilities. The Jump Pack, for example, allows you to quickly traverse the battlefield, reach high ground, or escape from danger. The Shield Generator Pack provides a personal energy shield that can absorb enemy fire, increasing your survivability. And the Ammo Pack allows you to carry extra ammunition, ensuring that you're always ready for a fight. But support stratagems aren't just about resupplying and providing extra gear. They can also be used to heal and revive fallen teammates. The Medic Gun allows you to quickly heal injured teammates, getting them back into the fight faster. And the Reinforce stratagem allows you to call in reinforcements to replace fallen Helldivers, ensuring that your team stays at full strength. The key to using support stratagems effectively is to be aware of your team's needs and to anticipate potential problems. Pay attention to your teammates' ammo levels, health, and positioning. Don't be afraid to call in a resupply or provide medical support when needed. And always be ready to reinforce fallen teammates to keep your team in the fight. Remember, support stratagems are not just for individual use. They are designed to benefit the entire team, and a coordinated team that utilizes support stratagems effectively can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. So, work together, communicate your needs, and always be ready to lend a helping hand. With the right support stratagems and a little bit of teamwork, you can keep your team alive, resupplied, and ready to fight for Super Earth!

Mobility Stratagems

Need to get somewhere fast, or need to get out of a sticky situation? Mobility stratagems are your key to rapid movement and tactical repositioning on the battlefield. While Helldivers 1 emphasizes strategic combat and holding your ground, sometimes you need that extra burst of speed to outmaneuver enemies, reach objectives quickly, or extract from a losing fight. These stratagems provide the tools to do just that. Vehicles are the prime example of mobility stratagems. The APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) allows your squad to quickly traverse large distances, providing protection from enemy fire along the way. It's perfect for reaching objectives that are far from your starting point or for quickly relocating to a new defensive position. The Bike offers a faster, more agile alternative to the APC, allowing you to zip around the battlefield and scout ahead of your team. While it doesn't offer the same level of protection as the APC, its speed and maneuverability make it ideal for flanking maneuvers and hit-and-run tactics. Jump Packs also fall into the category of mobility stratagems, providing individual Helldivers with the ability to quickly traverse obstacles and reach elevated positions. This can be incredibly useful for gaining a tactical advantage, escaping from pursuing enemies, or reaching objectives that are otherwise inaccessible. The key to using mobility stratagems effectively is to assess the situation and choose the right tool for the job. If you need to move your entire squad quickly and safely, the APC is the way to go. If you need to scout ahead or perform flanking maneuvers, the Bike is a better choice. And if you need to reach a specific location that's difficult to access, the Jump Pack can be a lifesaver. Remember, mobility stratagems are not just about speed. They're also about tactical positioning and strategic movement. Use them to outmaneuver your enemies, control the battlefield, and achieve your objectives quickly and efficiently. And don't forget to communicate with your team! Let them know where you're going and how they can support you. Teamwork is essential for effective mobility, and a coordinated team can use mobility stratagems to dominate the battlefield. So, gear up, Helldivers, and get ready to move! With the right mobility stratagems and a little bit of coordination, you can outmaneuver your enemies and conquer any challenge.

Conclusion

Alright, Helldivers, you're now armed with the knowledge to dominate the battlefield! Understanding and utilizing the various stratagems in Helldivers 1 is crucial for success. From offensive firepower to defensive fortifications and vital support tools, each stratagem offers a unique way to contribute to your team's victory. Remember to experiment with different combinations, practice your activation sequences, and always communicate with your team. The key to mastering stratagems is not just knowing what they do, but also knowing when and how to use them effectively. Assess the situation, consider your team's needs, and don't be afraid to adapt your strategy on the fly. And most importantly, have fun! Helldivers 1 is a challenging but rewarding game, and mastering stratagems is one of the most satisfying aspects of the experience. So, gear up, dive in, and show those alien invaders what Super Earth is made of! With the right stratagems and a little bit of teamwork, you can conquer any challenge and secure victory for Super Earth. Now get out there and spread some managed democracy!