Stratagems are the lifeblood of Helldivers 2. They’re not just flashy tools for destruction — they’re the difference between surviving an alien swarm and watching your squad get wiped out. While it’s easy to rely on a single orbital strike or resupply pod, the real fun begins when you start combining stratagems for maximum efficiency. Whether you’re grinding missions for medals or just trying to clear higher difficulty levels, mastering stratagem combos is essential.
1. The Anti-Tank Lockdown Combo
When facing heavily armored targets like Automaton Hulks or Terminid Chargers, you’ll want to pair the Recoilless Rifle with Supply Pack. One player carries the launcher while another brings extra ammo. Together, this duo can keep a steady barrage going without ever running dry. Add in a Shield Generator Pack for protection, and your team can confidently hold the line against any mechanized threat.
This combo works particularly well for players farming missions to buy Helldivers 2 medals, as it keeps engagements efficient and reduces mission failures caused by being overrun by armor.
2. The Bunker Defense Setup
Sometimes offense isn’t the best strategy — especially when defending objectives. The Eagle Cluster Bomb and Machine Gun Turret combo is a classic defensive setup that shreds incoming waves. Drop your turrets first to cover choke points, then use your Eagle strike to thin out tougher enemies before they reach your line.
For even better results, coordinate turret placements so they cover each other’s blind spots. If you’re looking to optimize your builds, checking the Helldivers 2 items store online can give you ideas on which gear pairs best with these defensive setups.
3. The Emergency Extraction Combo
Nothing feels worse than surviving a long mission only to fail the extraction. That’s where the Smoke Strike and Orbital Laser combo shines. Drop a Smoke Strike to obscure your team from ranged attackers, then call in an Orbital Laser to clear the landing zone. This gives your squad precious seconds to reach the extraction shuttle safely.
Timing is everything here. Activate the Smoke first to prevent snipers and rocketeers from picking you off, then unleash the Laser as soon as you hear the extraction beacon. It’s chaotic, cinematic, and incredibly effective.
4. The Area Denial Combo
If you love playing crowd control, the Incendiary Bomb and EMS Mortar Turret combo will become your best friend. The incendiaries create a wall of fire that slows enemy movement, while the EMS turret disables enemies that manage to get close. Together, they buy your team valuable breathing room on high-difficulty missions.
This combo is especially effective against Terminids, as it disrupts their swarm behavior and prevents overwhelming rushes. Many players who source resources through U4GM find this loadout efficient for farming difficult missions quickly and safely.
5. The “Instant Boss Delete” Combo
When you’re up against massive enemies like the Automaton Tanks or Terminid Bile Titans, combine the Orbital Railcannon Strike with Eagle 500kg Bomb. The Railcannon weakens or staggers the target, allowing the Eagle bomb to finish the job in one decisive explosion. It’s not subtle — but it’s devastatingly effective.
Coordinate this with your squad so both stratagems land in quick succession. The timing window is tight, but once you nail it, you’ll start melting bosses before they can even react.
Stratagem combos are what make Helldivers 2 endlessly replayable. Every mission offers a new opportunity to experiment with gear, positioning, and teamwork. The more you play, the more you’ll appreciate how each tool complements the others.
So the next time you drop into a hot zone, don’t just think about which stratagems to bring — think about how they interact. A well-coordinated combo can turn even the toughest mission into a clean, controlled victory. Whether you’re experimenting with new builds, planning your next purchase before you buy Helldivers 2 medals, or checking the Helldivers 2 items store online for loadout inspiration, mastering these combos will make every deployment more rewarding. And if you’re looking to progress faster, platforms like U4GM are well-known among players for helping streamline your grind without breaking immersion.
