Jumping into Helldivers 2 for the first time can feel overwhelming. Between coordinating with teammates, calling in stratagems, and surviving against relentless enemies, it’s easy to make mistakes early on. But with a few beginner-friendly strategies, you’ll not only survive longer but also contribute more effectively to your squad. Here are some essential tips every new Helldiver should know.

1. Master the Basics of Stratagems

Stratagems are your lifeline in Helldivers 2. Whether it’s calling down a resupply, deploying turrets, or summoning heavy weapons, learning the input codes quickly is key. Don’t just memorize them—practice until you can call them under pressure. In intense battles, even a second’s delay can mean the difference between success and a full squad wipe.

2. Friendly Fire Is Always On

One of the defining mechanics in Helldivers 2 is friendly fire. Unlike other co-op shooters, your bullets, grenades, and orbital strikes can (and will) kill teammates. Always watch your positioning before firing, especially with explosives. Communication goes a long way—let your team know before you drop heavy ordnance.

3. Keep Moving and Stay Together

Standing still is a quick way to get overrun. Stay mobile, keep an eye on the minimap, and never stray too far from your team. Lone wolves don’t last long in Helldivers 2. Squad cohesion ensures quicker revives, safer retreats, and better chances of completing objectives under fire.

4. Upgrade Your Gear Wisely

As you progress, you’ll earn resources like medals and super credits that can be used for upgrades. These currencies are essential for unlocking new stratagems, armor, and weapons. While some players choose to grind, others prefer to buy Helldivers 2 medals or buy Helldivers 2 super credits to speed up progression. No matter your path, prioritize upgrades that fit your playstyle—mobility for scouts, durability for frontliners, and utility for support players.

5. Learn Enemy Weaknesses

Different enemy factions require different tactics. Bugs swarm in numbers and can be burned down with AoE weapons, while Automatons rely on heavy armor that requires anti-tank solutions. Don’t bring the same loadout for every mission—adapt based on the threat.

6. Communication Is Half the Battle

Even if you’re playing with randoms, use quick chat and pings to coordinate. Calling out enemy waves, reloads, or stratagem drops prevents chaos. A well-coordinated squad will always outperform a silent one.

7. Extract Smartly

Extraction is where many missions fall apart. Enemies will swarm in endless waves, so plan your defenses before hitting the extraction beacon. Use turrets, mines, and stratagems strategically to buy time until the ship arrives. Panicking and scattering almost always leads to failure.

Helldivers 2 rewards teamwork, preparation, and adaptability. By mastering the basics and learning how to work with your squad, you’ll go from a fresh recruit to a reliable soldier of Super Earth in no time. Whether you choose to grind resources or buy Helldivers 2 medals and buy Helldivers 2 super credits, progression is only part of the journey—the real fun comes from surviving chaotic missions with your squad.