Video Games
How to play Helldivers 2
Work with a squad to complete mission objectives, call support equipment and extract before the mission ends.
What you need
Helldivers 2 on a supported platform with an online connection
Set up the game
- Complete training, equip a loadout and select a mission whose difficulty you can manage. Read its primary objective and available stratagems before deployment.
- Missions and enemy factions change, so this guide covers the common deployment-to-extraction loop rather than a specific live operation.
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Playing Helldivers 2
- Land at a chosen point, summon support equipment using stratagem inputs, and move toward the mission's marked objectives.
- Complete the primary objective while managing enemies and limited reinforcement resources. Team weapons, explosive effects and falling equipment can harm allies; communicate before calling them in.
- Optional objectives and samples may reward the squad, but do not substitute for the mission's stated primary success condition.
- After the objective, call extraction at a valid zone, survive the wait and board the shuttle when it arrives. Check the results screen for mission completion and collected rewards.
The beacon lands on your firing line
You need ammunition while two squadmates hold a corridor. Instead of throwing a resupply beacon between them, call it behind the group in a clear zone and announce it. Once it lands, teammates can move back safely to collect supplies.
A successful objective and extraction are distinct
Completing the primary mission can secure its success state, while the team still needs to call and survive extraction to bring itself and carried samples home. Do not describe every teammate's death after the objective as though it undoes the objective; the result screen separates outcomes.
Beginner decisions
- Call a support weapon in a clear space so its incoming pod does not land on a teammate.
- If the team is overwhelmed, reposition together rather than all firing from one exposed spot.
Common rule mix-ups
- Standing under an incoming stratagem beacon or throwing one through teammates.
- Assuming extraction automatically starts when the primary objective is finished; the squad must reach and call it.
Questions about this game
Can I complete a mission alone?
The game permits solo deployment, but threats and objectives are built for cooperative play.
Is friendly fire active?
Yes. Protect teammates from your weapons, explosives and support drops.
Sources and edition notes
Helldivers 2 core cooperative mission loop. Planet modifiers, faction behavior, reinforcement and extraction parameters vary by mission and update.
Sources and stated format checked October 13, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
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