As you spend more time spreading managed democracy, you'll realize that your primary weapons are only half the equation. Your true power comes from the Stratagems you call down from orbit. This guide covers how they actually work in the field, based on common player experience and mechanics.

How Do I Call In a Stratagem During a Mission?

Each Stratagem has a unique code, which is a sequence of directional pad inputs (like down, left, up). You must input this code correctly while holding the Stratagem button, then throw the beacon to your desired location. The sequence length varies, so practice is key. In the heat of a fight, most players find it helpful to memorize a few core Stratagem codes for their favorite tools to avoid fumbling. Remember, if you enter the code but haven't thrown yet, you can cancel it. Once you begin the throwing animation, however, you're committed.

What's the Deal with Stratagem Beacons?

The beacon you throw is the delivery marker. A few important notes based on player behavior: First, if you get knocked down while holding a primed beacon, you'll drop it at your feet. This can be disastrous with explosives or helpful with a Resupply. Second, a clutch tactic many experienced players use is dialing in a Reinforce Stratagem while they are downed and bleeding out, potentially saving the entire mission. Third, you can deploy beacons while in an Exosuit using its shoulder launcher, which throws at a fixed distance.

How Do I Unlock More Stratagems?

You start with a few basics like the Resupply. To get more, you generally have two paths. The main one is completing all missions on a specific planet that lists a Stratagem as a reward. The other is through purchasing DLC packs. Most players focus on the planet rewards first to build a versatile arsenal without spending extra money. It's worth checking the planet reward list before starting an operation to plan your unlocks.

How Should I Choose My Four Stratagems?

This is your most important pre-mission decision. The general rule is to build a balanced loadout that covers different threats. A typical setup for many players includes one supply Stratagem (like the Resupply or a Sentry), one anti-tank option, one area-clearing offensive tool, and a flexible fourth pick based on the mission or enemy type (Terminids or Automatons). Don't forget that you can take multiple of the same Stratagem; for defense missions, it's common to see two or even three players bring the same turret to create overlapping fields of fire. There is no single best loadout; it depends heavily on team coordination and difficulty level.

Are Upgrades Worth the Research Points?

Absolutely. Upgrades, purchased at the Armory terminal on your ship, significantly improve Stratagems. They reduce cooldowns and call-in times, increase damage, or change a weapon's role entirely—like turning an anti-personnel strike into an anti-tank one. Some upgrades require you to first upgrade a related Stratagem. For instance, you need the Vindicator Dive Bomb Mk2 to unlock the Airstrike Mk2. Most players prioritize upgrading their most-used Stratagems first, as the quality-of-life improvements are very noticeable on higher difficulties.

How Are Stratagems Categorized and Used in Practice?They fall into four main categories:

• Supply: These give you ammo, backpacks, drones, or vehicles. In practice, the Resupply is considered essential on higher difficulties, while vehicles are great for traversing large maps.

• Defensive: This includes automated sentries and mines. Players use these to fortify a position, especially during extraction or defend-objective missions. Placing them on elevated surfaces can extend their field of view.

• Offensive: Your airstrikes, barrages, and orbital bombardments. These are your main tools for clearing large groups or destroying heavy targets. Communication is vital here to avoid team kills; always call out where you're throwing one.

• Special: These are granted automatically for specific objectives, like the Hellbomb for destroying large structures. You don't need to slot them in your loadout.

A final note on availability: while all gear is earnable through play, some players look to expedite the process. If you're considering to buy helldivers 2 items online, such as DLC packs that contain specific Stratagems or cosmetics, ensure you are using official and secure platforms to protect your account. Ultimately, understanding and mastering your Stratagems is what separates a recruit from a seasoned Helldiver. Plan your loadout with your team, communicate your calls, and watch your fire.