Stratagems (Helldivers 2)

Stratagems return from the first game and refers to a wide variety of powerful ordnance and war materiel that Helldivers are able to call down from their Super Destroyers during missions. Each Stratagem has its own unique code consisting of a sequence of directional inputs between 3 and 7 button presses long.

There are several standard-issue Stratagems which are available to all Helldivers regardless of rank, such as the Resupply and the MG-43 Machine Gun stratagems. Players can gain access to more by successfully completing missions and gaining the necessary Requisition points to purchase them in the Ship Management terminal found on their Super Destroyers.

Each player can choose four Stratagems to bring on a mission in addition to any mission specific Stratagems granted by Helldiver Command - this is a crucial decision to be considered carefully as it is the Helldivers' greatest advantage over their foes. Unlike the first game, you cannot select 4 of the same Stratagems.

Once the mission has begun the player is free to call down support at any time, however, as most Stratagems have a cooldown period that must be observed in-between uses, players are advised to plan ahead.

After the Helldiver has input the correct code and placed the Stratagem Beacon at the desired location (in some cases this is done automatically), the Stratagem is delivered to the planet surface directly from the Destroyer or Eagle (bomber aircraft).

Categories
Stratagems are divided into four broad categories based on their intended use:
 * Supply Stratagems can provide the player with defensive drone dock backpacks for automatic delivery of freedom, utility backpacks, supply backpacks for ammunition, and heavy weaponry.


 * Defensive Stratagems grant the player certain operable and automated turrets and mines to help defend against the enemy horde.


 * Offensive Stratagems allow the player to call down a variety of heavy ordnance, firebombs and airstrikes all designed to take the fight directly to the enemy.


 * Mission Stratagems are granted to the player by Helldiver Command to deal with certain mission specific problems. For example, the NUX-223 Hellbomb will always be made available for any mission which requires the destruction of a stationary enemy target (such as a rogue research station).