Helldivers 2: Essential Beginner's Guide to Success

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Our beginner’s guide to Helldivers 2 is a great starting point for new players trying to understand the rules of the Galactic War on Super Earth. With frequent updates and a focus on community, the game can seem overwhelming at first.

However, the core principles stay consistent, and the best way to get familiar with the game is to jump right in. If you’re feeling lost, this guide has the answers. Whether you’re tackling the Automaton Bots, the Terminid Bugs, or the alien Illuminate, we’ve broken down the basics of Helldivers 2 for beginners below.

What do you do in Helldivers 2?
Helldivers 2 is a multiplayer co-op game where you team up to fight alien enemies across planets in a large galaxy. Here’s a simple overview:

The game’s developers, especially a guy named Joel, decide which enemies attack which planets. You can see this on the galactic map in your ship, with colored sectors showing where enemy forces are. These are the planets you need to work to save or take back.

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Pick a planet to go to using the same map.
When you arrive, choose an “Operation” — which is a series of 1 to 4 missions depending on the difficulty level. Completing these missions helps reclaim the planet, shown as a percentage.
The community of players works together to win battles and push back enemies of Super Earth. There are also Major Orders—big goals everyone can contribute to—often rewarding medals for completion.
As players succeed or fail to control planets, the war shifts over time. We’ve seen new locations, enemy types, and even a new faction called the Illuminate emerge as the conflict evolves.

It might sound simple, but there’s a lot of strategy involved because missions are tough, and battles are always changing with new threats. We recommend starting with the tutorial to learn the basics of combat before jumping into the game.

Where do I go?
Any sector marked in red, yellow, or purple has enemy-controlled planets worth fighting for. Here’s what each color indicates:

Orange sectors are controlled by the Terminid Bugs, giant insects that overwhelm you with their numbers.
Red sectors are controlled by the Automatons, advanced robots armed with laser guns and armor.
Purple sectors are controlled by the Illuminate, alien-led forces using high-tech and dark powers.

You can choose which faction to fight, or jump between them, but generally, it’s easier to start with the bugs, as they tend to be less tough than the others. You can also check for Major Orders or daily challenges to give you a clearer goal.

How do I play Helldivers 2?
In missions, your goal is focused entirely on completing objectives marked in orange on your map. Keeping your focus on these tasks is key—how many enemies you kill or how many teammates are lost doesn’t matter as much. You can find optional objectives and collectibles to earn extra rewards, but the main goal is to finish the mission.

Here are some tips:

Progress, collectables, and lives are shared among your team, so work together.
Friendly fire is always on—you can hurt teammates and enemies alike.
Accidents happen; Helldivers may hurt each other, but don’t worry too much if it happens.
Communicate and support each other to do well.
Completing side objectives or destroying enemy bases grants more experience and rewards.
Use your dive ability often. It helps you dodge attacks and reduces damage from explosions. Mastering it makes a big difference.

Which weapons should I start with?
Helldivers 2 offers many weapons, armor, and equipment, each with different strengths. To get started, check out our list of the best weapons in the game, which can help you choose your initial gear.

What armor should I get first?
Armor in Helldivers 2 balances weight—affecting how slow or agile you are—and protection, like damage reduction. Usually, lighter armor provides a good mix of speed and safety. You can buy armor sets with Warbonds and Super Credits. They often come with unique buffs and perks, but heavier armor is rarely worth the loss of mobility.

What Stratagems should I use first?
Stratagems are special airstrikes and supply drops. Early on, it’s smart to get a variety of them, since different missions call for different tactics. For example, Sentry turrets are great for defense, and support weapons can counter specific enemies. Good starting options include the Machine Gun Sentry, Eagle Airstrike, Cluster Bomb, and Anti-Materiel Rifle.

What are Warbonds?
Warbonds are reward packages that work like battle passes, giving access to new weapons, armor, Stratagems, cosmetics, and Super Credits. You’ll spend Medals to unlock these rewards. All players start with the Helldivers Mobilize! Warbond free of charge, providing basic gear. Premium Warbonds, purchased with Super Credits, unlock themed gear like flamethrowers or space cowboy outfits. Some of the best weapons and gear are in these packages, and upgrading your equipment is key for tougher missions.

If you’re new to Helldivers 2, doing the tutorial is highly recommended to understand combat mechanics, and then you’ll find plenty of other guides and tips to help improve your gameplay. Happy hunting!