Helldivers 2 takes players on an adventure through a futuristic universe with diverse alien species and technology. Amidst the chaotic war raging between the Terminid and the Automatons, players step in the boots of the Helldivers and use whatever means necessary to protect Super Earth against these enemies.

Thankfully, Helldivers 2 gives players the freedom to choose from a multitude of offensive and defensive tools. When it comes to fighting the Automatons or Terminids, protective gear goes a long way. In fact, certain armor pieces come with an Extra Padding bonus. For those who are not entirely sure how this armor perk works in Helldivers 2, this guide will explain what it entails and how best to utilize it.

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What Is Extra Padding in Helldivers 2?

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Extra Padding is the first passive effect players can get from the four default body armor options in Helldivers 2. It supposedly provides players with a higher armor rating. However, when an item with this trait is equipped, the armor rating remains at 100, which is the same as others without this buff.

Many fans of Helldivers 2 speculate that the Extra Padding may not have anything to offer. However, the truth is that the Extra Padding does actually provide a combat buff, specifically protection against explosive damage. Armor sets equipped with Extra Padding absorb noticeably less damage from grenades and landmines compared to those lacking this enhancement. However, this doesn’t mean that Extra Padding will stop a full grenade to the face or let players jump on a landmine recklessly. Regardless of their armor, direct contact with explosives will kill the player.

It is not possible to try out Extra Padding without completing missions and unlocking additional armor sets from the Superstore. So, before aiming to get your hands on better sets, try to complete the missions.

Another important thing to keep in mind when using Extra Padding is that this armor is rather weak to incoming fire and melee attacks. Unfortunately, players will die after getting shot four to five times even if they have equipped Extra Padding, which is why it might be better to explore other options.

Helldivers 2 Strategems

Even though it doesn’t grant true invulnerability, having the Extra Padding stat can be the difference between life and death when one is struggling to navigate the minefields or trying to dodge grenades. Nonetheless, there are better armor options in Helldivers 2 that are capable of negating lethal damage and allowing players to live longer.

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Helldivers 2
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9 /10
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Released
February 8, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Developer(s)
Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
Publisher(s)
Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
Franchise
Helldivers
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction