Since its release, Helldivers 2 has been loved by players for its interesting mechanics and highly playable content, with Stratagems mechanic at its core.
Choosing the best Stratagems is crucial for excelling in the game, as they provide extra support in combat and help you successfully complete various challenges. Due to the vast list of Stratagems, a small number are often overlooked and considered underpowered.
In fact, each Stratagem has its value; you can unleash its potential by using it properly. If you're trying something new in Helldivers 2, try these less common choices; they might offer a unique experience.
A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower
Because Helldivers 2 retains the indiscriminate damage attack mechanic, some attacks can also affect players on the same side, which is one reason why Tesla Tower is unpopular.
Even though it's one of Sentry with the shortest cooldown in the game, and it's almost fatal indiscriminate attack makes it rarely used in actual combat. It activates when a target enters its 20-meter range, charging for 3 seconds before unleashing electric arcs that attack all characters within range.
While you can disrupt its perception in some ways, this isn't a long-term solution. As long as you're within range, even prone, you'll be attacked.
It's highly effective against Terminids, easily eliminating Patrolls and Impalers. Against enemies like Illuminate, it requires proper synergy to unleash its full potential.
However, Tesla Tower excels in defensive missions and can be used in any defensive line.
You can pair it with Helldivers 2 items such as MD-I4 Incendiary Mines, MD-6 Anti-Personnel Minefield, and MD-8 Gas Mines to slow enemy attacks and deal additional damage during Tesla Tower's charging phase.
S-11 Speargun
This often-overlooked S-11 Speargun is powerful and versatile.
It's like a combination of multiple weapons, allowing you to stack their damage to threaten enemies. Especially against enemies like Automatons, it can be one-shot kills. Even if it misses, it inflicts area-of-effect poison gas damage, disorienting and slowing enemies.
When fighting Terminids or Illuminates, it can release poison gas to support teammates and destroy buildings, allowing for safe long-range sniping. You can pair it with P-11 Stim Pistol or G-23 Stun Grenades for backline combat.
Win by healing and resupplying allies and sniping key enemy targets.
RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher
Despite numerous bugs at release and its continued neglect by most players, I still believe Airburst Rocket Launcher is worth trying in the game.
As a long-range weapon, Airburst Rocket Launcher can threaten multiple enemies by firing cluster rockets. It's very effective against more rigid enemies like Illuminates, but struggles against the more mobile Terminids.
It has two launch modes: Flak and Cluster, each offering different effects in Helldivers 2.
Flak Mode utilizes a proximity fuse; as long as a target is within a 2-meter detection range, the rocket detonates in a very short time, causing high damage. The minimum safe distance in this mode is 30 meters from the blast center.
Cluster Mode uses an impact fuse rocket, which explodes upon impact. It's worth noting that the minimum safe distance in Cluster Mode varies depending on the height at which the fuse fails.
Furthermore, if you want to defeat opponents faster, you can pair it with powerful Helldivers 2 items, such as BR-14 Adjudicator or skillfully used mines, to deal with additional damage to enemies.
FX-12 Shield Generator Relay
Shield Generator Relay's ability to only block projectiles fired at you has led many players to consider it a burden, a perception reinforced by its limited effectiveness against Terminids and Illuminates.
However, it's not entirely useless, and can shine in well-coordinated squads.
You can first choose a strategically advantageous, easily defensible position in the game, set up turrets and Supply Pods, and prepare to engage the approaching enemy.
Through teamwork, you can use Shield Generator Relay to lure enemies and cover your teammates, creating opportunities for their attacks. With suppressive fire, your team will probably achieve victory more quickly.
Besides using it in coordination with other players, players can also use FX-12 Shield Generator Relay to create more space for themselves. You can pair it with EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank to launch a fierce offensive against the enemy from higher ground.
It's important to note that Shield Generator Relay doesn't provide constant protection. Before it completely fails, you have ample time to consider your next move.
Overall, while Shield Generator Relay is exceptionally effective in the game, it's clearly more useful in team battles and less effective for solo exploration.
In Helldivers 2, the popularity of Stratagems doesn't necessarily reflect their strength. Many little-known tactics are overlooked due to online reviews, but when used properly, they can be incredibly effective.
While mastering and applying these Stratagems takes time, experimenting with these niche tactics in-game and continuously exploring their strengths and weaknesses will undoubtedly yield surprising results.
Furthermore, the process of transforming seemingly insignificant elements into powerful tools will bring immense satisfaction. So why not start now? Try out these less commonly used Stratagems in your spare time, assemble your squad, and unleash their hidden potential in Helldivers 2!
