In the chaotic battlefields of Helldivers 2, your primary weapon isn’t the rifle in your hands—it’s the terminal on your wrist. Stratagems are the game-changers, the tools that turn an unwinnable fight into a glorious victory for Super Earth. But with dozens of options, which ones should you unlock first? This guide to the best Stratagems in Helldivers 2 will answer that question with a complete tier list.
This tier list ranks every major offensive and support Stratagem based on its power, versatility, and overall impact on the mission, especially on higher difficulties. Whether you’re a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, understanding the meta is crucial. If you’re just getting started, be sure to check out our complete Helldivers 2 Beginner’s Guide for the fundamentals.
Tier List Explained
- S-Tier: The undisputed meta. These are the best Stratagems in Helldivers 2, offering unparalleled power and versatility in almost any situation.
- A-Tier: Excellent, powerful options that are top-tier choices for specific roles or missions.
- B-Tier: Solid, reliable Stratagems that perform well but may be outclassed by S or A-tier options.
- C-Tier: Niche picks that can be effective in the right hands or specific situations but are generally not recommended for general use.
S-Tier Stratagems: The Meta
These are the must-haves for any serious Helldiver. They are game-definingly powerful and should be a priority for any squad tackling challenging content.
- Railgun (Support Weapon): The undisputed king of anti-armor. In unsafe mode, a single, well-placed overcharged shot can strip the armor from a Charger’s leg or take down a Bile Titan’s head. It is essential for dealing with heavy threats.
- Shield Generator Pack (Support Backpack): This backpack provides a personal energy shield that absorbs a significant amount of damage, making you immune to stuns and slows from smaller enemies. It dramatically increases your survivability on chaotic missions.
- Eagle 500kg Bomb (Eagle): The single highest burst-damage Stratagem in the game. It can one-shot Bile Titans, obliterate Automaton Fabricators, and erase any large target you point it at. Its precision and power are unmatched.
- Eagle Airstrike (Eagle): The workhorse of the Eagle Stratagems. It calls in a carpet bomb that is perfect for clearing medium-sized enemies, destroying bug nests, and wiping out Automaton encampments. Its fast cooldown and multiple uses make it incredibly versatile.
A-Tier Stratagems: Excellent Choices
These are incredibly powerful Stratagems that are top-tier in almost any loadout. When building a list of the best Stratagems in Helldivers 2, these A-Tier picks are essential. You can’t go wrong bringing any of them on a high-difficulty mission.
- Orbital Laser (Orbital): The ultimate “delete this area” button. The laser will track and melt the largest targets in its radius, making it fantastic for clearing heavy nests or taking down Bile Titans. It has a long cooldown but is worth it every time.
- Autocannon (Support Weapon): A versatile powerhouse. The Autocannon can close bug nests from a distance, destroy Automaton Fabricators by shooting the vent, and stagger and kill medium-armored targets with ease. Its user-assisted reload makes it great for team play.
- Grenade Launcher (Support Weapon): The best tool in the game for one specific, crucial job: closing bug nests. It can clear an entire nest in seconds from a safe distance, saving you immense time and risk. It’s also excellent for clearing groups of smaller enemies.
- Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17) (Support Weapon): Need anti-armor on a very short cooldown? The EAT is your answer. It calls down two single-use rocket launchers every 70 seconds, giving your team frequent access to armor-piercing firepower.
B-Tier Stratagems: Situational & Solid
These are solid Stratagems that shine in the right situations. They are viable picks that round out any discussion of the best Stratagems in Helldivers 2, but they may require more specific loadouts to be truly effective.
- Orbital Railcannon Strike (Orbital): An automated sniper shot from orbit. It will automatically target the largest enemy on the field and deal massive damage. It’s great for taking out a surprise Bile Titan or Hulk, but it’s single-target only.
- Arc Thrower (Support Weapon): With practice, this weapon is incredible. It fires arcs of electricity that can chain between multiple enemies and does not consume ammo. It can kill Chargers and Bile Titans but requires precise aim and positioning.
- Mortar Sentry (Defensive): For any mission that requires you to defend an area, the Mortar Sentry is a top-tier choice. It lobs explosive shells at enemies from a great distance. Just be careful, as it is infamous for causing friendly fire casualties.
- Gatling Sentry (Defensive): A fantastic area-denial tool. It lays down a high volume of fire and can lock down a chokepoint against unarmored enemies with brutal efficiency.
C-Tier Stratagems: Niche & Outclassed
These Stratagems can be fun and have their uses, but they are generally outclassed by the options in higher tiers for general-purpose missions.
- Anti-Personnel Minefield (Defensive): Can be useful for protecting your flank, but enemies often survive the blasts, and allies frequently run into them.
- Spear (Support Weapon): A powerful anti-tank missile, but its lock-on system can be frustratingly inconsistent, making it less reliable than the Railgun or EATs.
- Laser Cannon (Support Weapon): An accurate energy weapon that can be good against Automatons, but its lack of armor penetration holds it back on higher difficulties.
Loadouts Using the Best Stratagems in Helldivers 2
Here are two sample loadouts using the best Stratagems in Helldivers 2 for specific missions.
1. The “Bug Nest Eradicator” Loadout:
- Grenade Launcher (for nests)
- Shield Generator Pack (for survivability)
- Eagle Airstrike (for clearing medium enemies)
- Orbital Laser (for “oh no” moments and Bile Titans)
2. The “Automaton Siege Breaker” Loadout:
- Autocannon (for Fabricators and medium bots)
- Shield Generator Pack (to survive laser fire)
- Eagle 500kg Bomb (for tanks and cannon towers)
- Orbital Railcannon Strike (for surprise Hulks)
Ultimately, the best loadout is one that complements your squad. For a full, detailed list of every Stratagem, including cooldown times and unlock levels, the community-run Helldivers 2 Wiki is an invaluable resource. Experiment, coordinate with your team, and find what works for you.