Helldivers 2: Complete Beginners Guide

Welcome to Helldivers 2, a high-octane, multiplayer cooperative shooter that puts you in the boots of elite soldiers known as Helldivers. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game challenges you and up to three friends to defend your home planet, Super Earth, from alien threats like the Bugs, Cyborgs, and Automatons. Helldivers 2 features intense combat, strategic missions, and a rich storyline set a century after the events of the first game.

In this Helldivers 2 complete beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started. Whether you’re new to the series or looking to refresh your skills, we’ll cover character creation in Helldivers 2, loadout customization, basic combat mechanics, mission objectives, and tips for playing with a team. So, grab your gear, join the Helldivers 2, and fight for democracy and freedom in the galaxy.

Understanding the Story

Helldivers 2 takes place a century after the first game, where humanity triumphed over the Terminids, Bugs, and The Illuminate. However, new threats have emerged. The Bugs, once defeated, have returned in greater numbers, and a new faction called the Automatons has arisen, bent on destroying humanity.

Your mission is to join the Helldivers, a specialized military force tasked with reclaiming colonized lands and spreading democracy. You’ll be dropped into combat zones via Hellpods in Helldivers 2, and it’s up to you and your team to complete objectives, eliminate enemies, and survive.

Getting Started

Embarking on your journey as a Helldiver is both exciting and straightforward. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, here’s everything you need to get started with Helldivers 2.

Creating a Character

When you start the game, you’ll create a character in Helldivers 2. Choose your appearance and you’ll be ready to join the Helldiver Corps. Your character’s appearance doesn’t affect gameplay, but it’s a fun way to personalize your experience.

Joining a Squad

You can play solo or join a squad of up to three other players. Playing with friends can make the game more enjoyable and challenging. You can find or create lobbies through the in-game menu or use matchmaking in Helldivers 2 to find a team.

Choosing a Loadout

Helldivers 2 offers a variety of weapons and gear. Customize your loadout with primary and secondary weapons, grenades, and other utilities. You can switch out your loadout between missions in Helldivers 2 based on the threats you face. Here are some key items to consider:

• Primary Weapons: Ranged weapons like assault rifles, shotguns, and sniper rifles.
• Secondary Weapons: Melee weapons, sidearms, or throwable items.
• Grenades: Use grenades to take out groups of enemies or clear out areas.
• Utilities: These can include healing items, EMP grenades, and more.

The Basics of Combat

Combat in Helldivers 2 is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Here’s a breakdown of the essential combat mechanics to help you get started.

Movement

• WASD Keys (or Controller Sticks): Use these to move around.
• Sprint: Press the Shift key (or equivalent on controllers) to sprint and cover more ground quickly.

Shooting

• Aim and Shoot: Use the mouse (or equivalent on controllers) to aim and shoot.
• Switch Weapons: Press the number keys (1, 2, 3, etc.) to switch between your primary and secondary weapons.

Grenades

• Throw Grenades: Press the G key (or equivalent on controllers) to throw a grenade. Use them to clear out enemies or destroy obstacles.

Stratagems

Stratagems in Helldivers 2 are powerful support weapons and utilities you can call in using beacons. They include artillery strikes, drone support, and even close air support. Use them wisely, as they have long cooldowns.

• Using Beacons: Throw a beacon to call in a stratagem. Choose wisely, as each stratagem serves a different purpose.

Mission Objectives

Each mission in Helldivers 2 will have several objectives that you need to complete. Here are some common types:

• Exterminate: Kill all enemies in a specific area.
• Destroy: Destroy designated targets like vehicles or buildings.
• Retrieve: Collect items or data and bring them to a designated drop-off point.
• Escort: Protect a character or vehicle as they move through an area.
• Deploy: Place and activate equipment in the field.
• Defuse: Disable or destroy explosives.
• Assassinate: Take out a specific high-value target.
• Capture Area: Hold a specific area for a set amount of time.
• Extract: Rescue or retrieve a character and bring them to a drop-off point.

Playing with Teams

Collaboration is key in Helldivers 2. Here are some tips for playing with a team:

• Communication: Use the in-game chat to coordinate with your team. Let them know about enemy positions, objectives, and when you need support.
• Loadout Synergy: Choose different loadouts that complement each other. For example, one player might focus on close combat while another uses long-range weapons.
• Stratagem Coordination: Work together to plan and use stratagems effectively. Make sure everyone knows when and where to throw beacons.
• Cover and Clear: Use cover to stay safe and clear out enemies systematically. Move from cover to cover to avoid getting overwhelmed.

Exploring the Game World

It features a vast galaxy with 55 sectors and 261 planets in Helldivers 2 (including Super Earth). Each planet has its own unique environment and challenges. Take time to explore and discover hidden items, logs, and notes to get a better understanding of the story.

Conclusion

Helldivers 2 is a breathtaking and challenging game that rewards teamwork and strategic thinking. With its engaging story, diverse factions, and fast-paced gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of cooperative shooters. So, grab your gear, join the Helldivers, and fight for democracy and freedom in the galaxy.

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