Jumping into Helldivers 2 can be overwhelming at first—chaotic firefights, massive bugs, and friendly fire mishaps are all part of the learning curve. As someone who spent their early hours fumbling through missions with the wrong gear and underestimating enemy strength, I’ve learned a lot about how to build effective loadouts. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, having a smart setup can make the difference between mission success and extraction failure. Here are 8 essential loadout tips to help beginners get the most out of their Helldiver experience.
1. Start With Versatility in Mind
In your first few missions, prioritize flexibility. Equip weapons and stratagems that allow you to adapt. I personally relied heavily on the AR-23 Liberator in early missions because of its balanced stats. Pair it with a support weapon like the autocannon or machine gun for extra firepower. Avoid over-specializing until you understand your squad’s strengths and enemy behavior.
2. Always Carry a Resupply Stratagem
Ammo can run out fast, especially during extended firefights. I made the mistake early on of prioritizing damage-dealing stratagems and forgetting the importance of a simple resupply beacon. The Support Kit with Resupply has saved my team multiple times in higher-difficulty missions. Trust me, running out of ammo mid-swarm is a death sentence.
3. Experiment With Armor Types
Don’t stick with the default armor too long. Armor isn’t just cosmetic—it affects your movement speed, durability, and regeneration. Light armor helped me during recon-style missions where speed was key, while heavier suits came in handy against Terminids. Try different sets to match your mission needs and personal playstyle.
4. Coordinate Stratagems With Friends
Team synergy is everything. I learned this the hard way when all four players called down turrets at once, which led to absolute chaos. Instead, communicate before the mission starts. If you’re the one bringing an orbital barrage, make sure someone else has a revive beacon or supply drop. If your friend is new and struggling with unlocks, you can even buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits for friends, helping them access better gear earlier.
5. Don’t Underestimate Defensive Stratagems
In my early loadouts, I focused too much on offense—miniguns, missile strikes, and the like. But once I unlocked the Anti-Personnel Minefield and Shield Generator Relay, I realized how vital defense is, especially during extraction. Holding your ground is half the battle, and setting up traps or barriers before the final wave can make all the difference.
6. Learn From Your Deaths
Every loadout failure teaches you something. For example, after getting overwhelmed while using the Laser Cannon without backup, I realized I needed to carry a close-range secondary weapon. Keeping a shotgun or SMG in your back pocket can save your life when enemies close the distance.
7. Upgrade Loadouts Based on Mission Type
Helldivers 2 has diverse mission types—from assassination to bug nest cleanups. Tailor your gear accordingly. For Terminid-heavy missions, I found flamethrowers and incendiary grenades incredibly effective. On robot-themed maps, EMP-based tools and armor-piercing weapons shine. The more you match your gear to the mission, the smoother it goes.
8. Practice Using Stratagems Quickly
Speed and accuracy are key when calling down stratagems under pressure. I practiced the input sequences in the Armory to get them into muscle memory. During one mission, my squad was pinned by automaton tanks, and the few seconds I saved by calling in an airstrike quickly helped turn the tide. Don’t fumble in battle—get sharp with your inputs.
Building a strong loadout in Helldivers 2 takes time and experimentation. I’ve failed missions, lost teammates to friendly fire, and even called down my own death with a poorly placed Hellbomb. But every mistake taught me how to play smarter. Equip with purpose, communicate with your squad, and don’t be afraid to help newer players out—whether it’s sharing strategies or deciding to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits for friends to jumpstart their experience.
War against Super Earth’s enemies is tough, but with the right loadout and a little cooperation, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Dive hard, dive smart, and most importantly—don’t shoot your teammates.