Helldivers 2 Tier List: All Stratagems Ranked (April 2024)

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

The Quasar Cannon is probably the best support weapon in the current patch of Helldivers 2. Essentially, it's a laser variant of the EAT, without the need for constant redeployment, and it has infinite ammo. The only drawback is the cooldown between shots. You can one-shot Chargers with carefully aimed shots at their heads. It can also eliminate Mushrooms, Shrieker Nests, and Cannon Towers from across the map. Moreover, it's the best weapon against Bile Titans, capable of taking them down with just two headshots.

• Call-In Time - 2 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 60 Seconds

The ultimate game-changer: this weapon can one-shot Chargers and is ready to go with a short cooldown. You can run any support weapon you want, as you can pick up the EAT after use. Having four players each drop these means your map will be raining rockets non-stop. It's a versatile tool that fits into any strategy.

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

After a significant rise in the ranks, the Auto Cannon now stands as a must-have against both bots and bugs. It's incredibly effective at crowd control and taking down heavy hitters. A strategic choice that leaves room for more firepower in your loadout. Remember to reload before you run out of ammo since the reload time is significantly faster.

• Call-In Time - 2 Seconds
• Uses - 3
• Cooldown Time - 300 Seconds

 A game-changer against both bugs and bots. Its ability to clear enemies swiftly makes it a top pick, despite the risk of friendly fire. Use it to obliterate large groups of enemies, Automaton bases, or tough single targets with its impressive power.

• Call-In Time - 1 Second
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 210 Seconds

The ultimate in precision and power. Capable of one-shotting the most formidable foes, it's a must-have for dealing with heavy hitters. Its instant effect and reliability make it a favorite. The only downside is that it can sometimes miss your intended target.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - 1
• Cooldown Time - N/A

More frequent use than the Orbital Laser but requires precise targeting due to its smaller area of effect. Delivers unmatched destructive power, making short work of bug nests and large foes. A critical tool for bug missions.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 90 Seconds

A defensive powerhouse that offers significant protection. It excels in providing cover and making engagements with Automatons a lot easier. Essential for surviving in the toughest conditions in the higher difficulties.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 180 Seconds

A strategic masterpiece, the EMS Mortar excels at crowd control by creating fields that slow down enemy hordes, allowing for easier management or escape. It's particularly effective in bug missions, providing a "free win" button by repeatedly halting enemy advances. While it requires careful placement to avoid destruction, its impact on the battlefield can dramatically alter the course of engagements, making it a top-tier choice for controlling the pace and flow of battle.

• Call-In Time - 5 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

We are ranking in the S tier after the Shield Generator Pack nerf. It is essential for any loadout, providing additional ammo, grenades, and stims. It's a game-changer for weapon-intensive strategies.

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

With infinite ammo and the ability to damage multiple enemies at once, it's unbeatable for horde control. The only downside is that you will need to spend some time until you get used to using it and there is a big friendly fire potential. 

• Call-In Time - 5 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

Even after the nerfs, it works wonders on all maps and against all enemies. It protects you from stuns, blocks missiles, and significantly boosts your survival chances. It's an essential tool when combined with a light Body Armor.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - 2
• Cooldown Time - 15 Seconds

 Quick, accurate, and with a wide damage radius, this airstrike can destroy objectives and wipe out enemies swiftly. Available from level 2, it's too useful to pass up for most missions.

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

It used to best stratagem in the game, but even after the nerfs the Railgun still holds its own. It's still a powerhouse against bots and, with precise play, can decimate larger foes. Just be mindful of its nerfed effectiveness and charge requirement.

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

Very powerful just like the EAT, but its effectiveness is slightly diminished by its huge reload time. You will need a teammate to reload for you if you plan to use this weapon.

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

Offers great explosive damage with a high range, making it excellent for clearing groups of enemies or destroying key targets. While it runs low on ammo quickly, pairing it with a supply pack makes it a formidable weapon.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - 4
• Cooldown Time - 15 Seconds

The best stratagem for clearing large groups of enemies quickly and has a short cooldown. Very good at killing your teammates too.

• Call-In Time - 4 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 100 Seconds

Packs a significant punch with incredible accuracy, making it a fantastic choice for targeted elimination of tough enemies across both factions. The downside is that it takes forever to hit with its extra call-in time.

• Call-In Time - 2 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 75 Seconds

Freezes enemies in place, offering strategic control in heated battles. Its effectiveness makes it a top choice for crowd management.

• Call-In Time - 5 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

A good Stratagem that can clear smaller enemies while you focus on the bigger threats. The downside is its lack of armor penetration and it often shoots your teammates.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 180 Seconds

Provides excellent suppressive fire, essential for holding back enemies and protecting objectives.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 180 Seconds

Essentially it is the Autocannon on a turret. It has a long range and can support the team effectively if placed correctly. 

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - 2
• Cooldown Time - 600 Seconds

The Patriot Exosuit is your go-to mech for when you want to feel unstoppable against bugs. It's packed with a machine gun and rockets, perfect for shredding tanks and keeping the smaller pests at bay. While bots can make quick work of it, against bugs, it turns evacuation missions into a walk in the park and helps your team complete objectives with its firepower. 

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 180 Seconds

Think of the Mortar Sentry as your personal artillery unit. It launches powerful explosives far into enemy lines, dealing massive damage. It's especially good before storming bot bases, clearing the way for you. Just remember, it's not great around bugs or in close combat since it can accidentally blow you up too if enemies get too close. 

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

After the buffs, it now pierces armor and deals decent damage to a variety of targets. Heat build-up is a drawback, especially on warmer planets, but in cooler environments, it shines by cutting through enemy ranks with ease. 

• Call-In Time - 5 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

Allows you to leap over obstacles or enemies, enhancing mobility significantly. It’s a game-changer for navigating the terrain quickly or escaping tight spots. Though it doesn’t offer direct combat enhancements, the ability to reposition swiftly can be a lifesaver.  

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 150 Seconds

While it has its drawbacks, including a high risk of friendly fire and vulnerability to chargers, it shines in defense missions by significantly thinning enemy ranks. 

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - 2
• Cooldown Time - 15 Seconds

Offers fire damage over an area, making it a decent option for bug encounters. However, its performance is overshadowed by the standard Eagle Airstrike. 

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited 
• Cooldown Time - 240 Seconds

Consistent and powerful, this stratagem excels in clearing paths and securing objectives with its reliable explosions. Its ability to disrupt enemy formations is great but it lacks effectiveness against tanks and towers.

• Call-In Time - 2 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited 
• Cooldown Time - 120 Seconds

A large-area devastator that excels in thinning enemy ranks. While its capacity for friendly fire requires careful handling, its effectiveness is undeniable, making it a solid choice for clearing bug breaches. 

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

A recent buff has turned the Flamethrower into a bug's nightmare. It melts through most enemies with ease. However, its lack of range and potential danger to teammates hold it back from higher ranks. 

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 480 Seconds

A bullet hose that's perfect for dealing with swarms. While not the strongest in damage, its sheer volume of fire makes it a contender. Great for those who love to keep the pressure on but might be overshadowed by other bug-clearing options.

• Call-In Time - 5 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 240 Seconds

 Offers a specific, area-targeted solution to enemy encampments, particularly against bots. Its unpredictable nature and risk of friendly fire make it a situational pick, balanced by a long duration.

• Call-In Time - 6 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 240 Seconds

A beefier version of the 120mm, with added firepower. Best used against automatons, where it shines with its extended duration. 

• Call-In Time - 6 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 240 Seconds

These deliver powerful, targeted strikes ideal for taking down bigger foes. However, their inconsistency and limited ammo capacity compared to other options make them a bit of a gamble. 

• Call-In Time - 3 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 180 Seconds

A heavy machine gun that’s great for laying down a lot of bullets quickly. It’s perfect for holding a line or covering a retreat. The main downside is its limited mobility due to the slow turn speed, making it less versatile in fast-paced situations.

 Capable of downing Hulks in two shots, it's not without merit. Unfortunately, its severe recoil and poor ammo return make it a less desirable option for support.

The Heavy Machine Gun, while dealing more damage than its standard counterpart, suffers from significant drawbacks including a forced aim-down sight for accuracy, slower reload times, and rapid ammo depletion without offering armor penetration. Despite full ammo restoration on resupply, its practical application is limited, making it less favorable compared to other support options.

Potent against medium-sized threats with decent damage. But, its atrocious ammo economy and clunky reload mechanics drag it down to the lower end of our list.

Efficient against lesser foes and boasts a favorable cooldown. However, its performance is overshadowed by more effective options.

When it works, it's fantastic—offering nice range and damage. However, its reliability issues and finicky lock-on mechanism make it a frustrating choice.

Inferior to the Gatling variant, offering less effective fire support.

It sounds powerful but tends to underperform against the toughest enemies, which are its intended targets. While it's good against medium-sized foes, its limited ammo and lower efficiency compared to the Auto Cannon one make it less appealing.

A lesser version of the laser variant due to its lower ammo capacity. Lacks armor penetration.

• Call-In Time - 0 Seconds
• Uses - Unlimited
• Cooldown Time - 15 Seconds

 Its smaller AOE and fewer charges compared to other options make it less appealing. 

Releases a cloud of gas to damage enemies over time. While it has the potential to be useful, its actual damage output and the duration of the gas cloud are underwhelming, making it a less effective choice for area denial or damage over time. 

 Ineffective activation and high risk to the user render these mines more of a liability than an asset.

Provides minimal strategic advantage, significantly hindered by a long cooldown and ineffective utility in combat.

Ineffective activation and high risk to the user render these mines more of a liability than an asset.

Similar to anti-personnel mines, these offer little value and are easily outclassed by virtually any other stratagem.

Offers little in terms of utility, making it a hard pass. Its effect on visibility and minimal strategic advantage makes it a non-starter.