Helldivers 2 continues to deliver intense, cooperative gameplay that rewards tactical thinking and smart resource management. For new players, knowing which strategies to prioritize can make a significant difference in your early experience. Drawing from practical gameplay insights, I’ve compiled my top 10 recommended strategies for newcomers to unlock, along with some tips on how to combine them effectively for crowd control and high-value target elimination.

1. Gas Strike (Level 1)

The Gas Strike is a versatile, low-level strategy that comes with a fast 75-second cooldown. It’s particularly effective against bugs and squids, delivering both direct impact damage and poisonous gas that confuses enemies. Its ability to disrupt enemy formations, close bug tunnels, and deal sustained damage makes it one of the most reliable strategies for early missions.

2. Eagle Strafing Run (Level 1)

At a cost of only 1,500 requisition slips, the Eagle Strafing Run delivers heavy machine gun fire with armor-piercing capabilities. While it won’t instantly kill high-tier targets like titans, it’s excellent for clearing small to medium enemies quickly. Its rapid cooldown and multiple deployment options make it a staple for any beginner loadout.

3. Orbital Gatling Barrage (Level 1)

This strategy offers outstanding crowd control with a 7-second cooldown. Its machine gun fire, which can penetrate heavy armor to some extent, makes it highly effective against bug and squid missions. Combining Gas Strike, Eagle Strafing Run, and Gatling Barrage creates a strong synergy for managing swarms without relying solely on primary weapons.

4. Eagle Air Strike (Level 1)

Costing 4,000 requisition slips, the Eagle Air Strike excels at breaking up crowds and completing objectives such as closing bug tunnels or destroying bot factories. Its ability to fly across maps and drop bombs provides flexibility, though caution is needed in urban or jungle environments to avoid self-damage.

5. EAT17 Expendable Anti-Tank Rounds (Level 3)

These rounds are a game-changer against heavy targets. They can one-shot chargers, hulks, tanks, and even titans with a well-placed hit. With a short 70-second cooldown and two rounds per call-in, they are perfect for both defensive and offensive scenarios. Pairing them with a standard machine gun or other strategies maximizes battlefield effectiveness.

6. Recoilless Rifle (Level 5)

The Recoilless Rifle is a powerful single-target weapon, effective against almost every enemy type. It offers selectable ammo types for anti-tank or high-explosive purposes, and its reload mechanics make it versatile in both solo and team play. Although it occupies a backpack slot, its raw power makes it worth the trade-off.

7. 120 H Barrage (Level 5)

The 120 H Barrage is excellent for dealing with large clusters of enemies. Its relatively short 180-second cooldown allows frequent deployment, making it ideal for closing bug tunnels, demolishing factories, or hitting Illuminate ships. The key is maintaining a safe distance while letting the barrage do the heavy lifting.

8. Rocket Century Turret (Level 15)

The Rocket Century is arguably one of the best turrets in the game. Effective against hordes and large single targets alike, it provides sustained firepower without requiring constant player attention. Its strategic placement can help manage high-difficulty missions and protect objectives.

9. Orbital Laser (Level 15)

Though limited to three uses per mission, the Orbital Laser is devastating when deployed correctly. It prioritizes large enemies and structures while leaving persistent fire in its wake. Timing and positioning are critical to maximize impact while avoiding self-damage.

10. Laz 99 Quazar Cannon (Level 20)

The Quazar Cannon combines precision and raw power without occupying a backpack slot. It effectively bridges the gap between EAT17 rounds and the Recoilless Rifle, allowing repeated one-shot eliminations of most enemies. Its lack of projectile drop simplifies targeting, making it a reliable tool for anti-tank operations.

Practical Tips for New Players

A balanced approach is key. Combining crowd control strategies with high-damage weapons like EAT17 rounds or the Quazar Cannon ensures you can handle both hordes and priority targets. Additionally, for players looking to enhance their progression, understanding where to buy Helldivers 2 medals and the best place to buy Helldivers 2 super credits can save time and provide more flexibility in strategy unlocking. Trusted platforms such as U4GM are commonly used by the community for these purposes.

Starting strong in Helldivers 2 requires prioritizing versatile and impactful strategies. Gas Strike, Eagle Strafing Run, and Gatling Barrage provide early crowd control, while EAT17 rounds, Recoilless Rifle, and Quazar Cannon handle tougher enemies. Complementing these with higher-level options like the Orbital Laser or Rocket Century turret ensures readiness for any mission scenario. By understanding both the mechanics and synergy of these strategies, new players can quickly gain an edge on the battlefield.