In Helldivers 2, cooperation isn’t just encouraged—it’s the key to survival. Whether you're wading through Terminid swarms or tackling the deadliest Automaton fortresses, items play a huge role in shaping how your team adapts, supports, and survives. In this guide, we’ll explore 19 effective ways to use Helldivers 2 items in co-op play, ensuring that your squad operates like a well-oiled machine.

1. Use Resupply Strategically

The humble Resupply is a co-op staple. Don’t just spam it mid-fight—drop it between waves or after a boss encounter. Communicate with your squad so nobody wastes a pack while another is already inbound.

2. Coordinate with the Shield Generator Pack

One teammate running the Shield Generator Pack can soak up fire while others push objectives. Rotate shield users or pair them with heavy weapons users for extra frontline stability.

3. Sync Up with the Ballistic Shield Backpack

This item shines when paired with SMGs or pistols. One player provides mobile cover, allowing others to advance or revive safely. Use it in narrow corridors or during extraction to create a moving wall.

4. Reinforce Under Fire

Don’t wait until everyone’s dead. If you're the last one standing, use the Reinforce Stratagem as soon as you get a window. Timely reinforcement can be the difference between victory and wipe.

5. Turret Placement Matters

The Autocannon and Gatling Turrets are powerhouses, but they require smart placement. Drop them on high ground or flanks—not in choke points where they'll shred teammates.

6. Tactical Use of Stun and EMP Grenades

Stuns aren’t just for crowd control. They’re life-savers when you need to revive a friend under fire or reset a situation. Use them generously during high chaos missions.

7. Deploy the UAV to Guide the Team

The UAV is more than a map—it provides strategic vision. In co-op, assign one player to guide the team using recon, especially during bug nest clear-outs or scout patrol evasion.

8. Backup Weapons for Specific Roles

Shotguns and SMGs are great for close-quarters, while someone with a Railgun or Recoilless Rifle can serve as your designated tank-buster. Coordinate loadouts to ensure balance.

9. Mix DPS with Utility

While it's tempting for everyone to go full offense, make sure someone brings gear like the Supply Pack or Shield Generator. Survivability scales better than raw firepower in later missions.

10. Team Heal with Stims and Medic Perks

Stims restore health fast, and with the right perks, they can heal teammates too. Consider rotating medic roles or always having one support player.

11. Item Timing in Objective Defense

When holding an uplink or defending a beacon, pre-deploy mines, turrets, and barriers before enemies arrive. A proactive defense saves lives.

12. Use Decoys to Distract Heavy Units

Decoys like the Distractor Beacon are excellent against chargers or stalkers. Use them to pull enemies away while the rest of the team completes objectives or reloads.

13. Leverage Orbital Bombardments Together

Orbital 120MM, Laser, and Mortar Strikes are devastating when stacked. Use voice or ping coordination to chain multiple strikes during enemy surges.

14. Rotate Stratagems Based on Mission Type

For stealth missions, avoid loud or explosive gear. For extermination missions, go heavy. Change your item loadout depending on whether you’re rescuing survivors or exterminating bugs.

15. Drop Supplies Near Cover

When dropping Medkits, Ammo, or Support Weapons, always aim near a rock, wall, or structure. This prevents them from being destroyed and keeps teammates safe during pickup.

16. Use Hellpods as Offensive Tools

Hellpod deployments do massive damage. In tight situations, calling in a supply pod on a known enemy spawn point can act like a free artillery strike.

17. Communicate Cooldown Status

Share info about when your Stratagems are ready again. A teammate waiting on an Autocannon reload might change approach if they know you’re about to drop one in.

18. Farm More to Equip More

Having access to better items opens up more tactical options in co-op. Players often choose to buy Helldivers 2 Items to fast-track specific builds or team roles.

19. Earn Medals Faster for Upgrades

If your squad wants to unlock top-tier Stratagems quickly, focus on medal farming missions. Some players buy Helldivers 2 medals to speed this up—especially when optimizing gear for squad synergy.

Co-op in Helldivers 2 is where the game truly comes alive. Smart item usage, good communication, and team loadout planning can elevate your performance and reduce unnecessary wipes. Whether you're a frontline tank, stealth recon, or orbital support specialist, knowing how to get the most out of your items is a must.