Helldivers 2 offers a chaotic but strategic gameplay that thrives on teamwork and explosions. However, there is much more to the experience than meets the eye. While players can master the basics in a dozen hours or so, they can easily overlook several hidden mechanics and features. These are not just beginner tips in Helldivers 2. They are gameplay elements that are easy to miss. From surprising ways to interact with the environment to using emotes to spread managed democracy, here are 10 things players probably did not know they could do in Helldivers 2.
Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate
Discover the best loadouts and builds in Helldivers 2 to counter the Illuminate threat. Use our recommendations to perfect your anti-squid strategy.
10 Players Can Shoot Behind While Running
Requires One-Handed Weapons
Many players do not know they can shoot behind themselves while running away in Helldivers 2. This is only possible with one-handed weapons and is a highly useful technique to effectively kite enemies while staying on the move.
The StA-11 SMG is an excellent weapon for kiting and shredding enemies in Helldivers 2. It was added for free via the Killzone 2 crossover event.
9 Saluting Raises the Flag Quicker
Spread Democracy in Record Time
When raising the flag of Super Earth, performing the Salute emote in Helldivers 2 helps complete the Spread Democracy mission objective faster. The more the saluting players, the quicker the flag flies up. So, call down sentries to set up a defense, and have all four players salute the flag for as long as possible.
8 The HUD Can Be Hidden
Take Clean Screenshots
Helldivers 2 features a default hotkey to hide the HUD for improved immersion. Hence, players can toggle their HUD in real time to take clean, beautiful screenshots without installing any mods. Hit Mouse 5 on PC or change the keybind from the gameplay settings.
7 Going Prone in Shallow Waters Causes Drowning
Professional Swimming Tip
Everyone knows swimming too long in deep waters can cause players to drown in Helldivers 2. However, players can also die if they go prone in small pools of water. When engaging enemies near coastlines, remember to not stay prone for too long in shallow waters.
6 Pings Can Be Countered
Give Negative Pings to Another Player's Ping
Pinging enemies and objectives in Helldivers 2 improves team coordination. However, players might not know they can disagree with other players' pings by giving them a thumbs down. Hold down the ping button over another ping to give a negative, updating the entire team. Following that, players can issue a new ping to counter the initial order.
5 Headless Brood Commanders Stop Chasing If Meleed
Let Them Bleed Out in Peace
Brood Commanders and Warriors gain increased movement speed after losing their heads, charging players in a berserk state before bleeding out in a few seconds. Instead of wasting precious ammunition to finish them off, especially when facing a hoard, use a melee attack. They will be stunned long enough to bleed to death, stopping them from chasing players around and allowing players to focus on other enemies in peace.
Helldivers 2: Armor Passive Tier List
Explore the best armor passives in Helldivers 2 with our updated tier list. Find what you need to improve your combat and survival in every mission.
4 Crouching/Proning Reduces Explosion Damage
Hit the Deck to Stop Dying From Rockets
Something else players probably did not know was possible in Helldivers 2 was mitigating explosive damage by going prone, crouching, or diving.
When fighting the Automatons, make it a habit to crouch or prone while shooting. This not only increases accuracy for high fire-rate weapons like the Machine Gun and Stalwart, but also reduces the chance of dying in a single rocket explosion. The same rule applies to friendly Eagle Airstrikes or Orbital Strikes.
3 Get +100 Super Credits for Free
The Legends Are True
When farming Super Credits in Helldivers 2, players have an extremely rare chance of looting +100 SC instead of the usual +10 SC. This is possible even on level 1 - Trivial difficulty missions and is not a bug or glitch. Every time players come across a Super Credits loot pile, the game rolls a die to determine whether to give +10 or +100 SC. Hence, players can spam Trivial missions to increase the chance of looting more Super Credits.
Similarly, +1000 Requisitions and +30 Medals are also possible.
2 Smoke Pods Can Launch Players in the Air
Botanic Propulsion Effects
Some planets in Helldivers 2 have these pods-like plants that expel smoke. Running into them causes them to explode to create a cloud of smoke, which is perfect for breaking the enemy's light of sight. However, if players stand on these smoke pods and melee or shoot them, they will be launched into the air. This can be a lifesaver for escaping a tough fight or breaking free from a swarm of enemies.
1 Mid-Air Emotes Reduce Fall Damage
Ask for Hugs While Falling
The next time players are launched into the air due to a massive explosion, make sure to use an emote before hitting the ground. This helps reduce fall damage and ensures players do not die on impact. This is probably one Helldivers 2 fact that all players must know is possible, especially against the Automatons where rocket barrages have players flying all over the map.
Helldivers 2
- Released
- February 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
- Engine
- bitsquid
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
