Helldivers 1: Dive Deep Into Galactic Warfare On PS4

Hey Helldivers! Ready to drop into the explosive world of Helldivers 1 on the PS4? This guide is your ultimate buddy for navigating the chaotic, bug-infested, and robot-riddled battlefields of Super Earth's galactic war. We'll cover everything from essential tips and tricks to advanced strategies, helping you become a true hero of democracy. So, suit up, grab your favorite stratagem, and let's get started!

Getting Started: Understanding the Basics

Alright, Helldivers, before we charge headfirst into battle, let's get the lowdown on the basics. Helldivers 1 is a top-down, twin-stick shooter where teamwork, strategic thinking, and a healthy dose of chaos are your best friends. Your mission? To spread Managed Democracy across the galaxy by completing various objectives, eradicating alien threats, and, of course, obliterating anything that stands in your way. Sounds fun, right? The game throws you into procedurally generated missions where you and up to three other players, cooperatively, blast through hordes of enemies, completing objectives and calling in devastating stratagems. The feeling of coordinating attacks and saving your teammates from the brink of death is truly something special. Learning the fundamentals is key to success, so let's break down the essential aspects of the game.

First, you'll want to understand the controls. Moving your Helldiver is done with the left stick, while aiming and shooting are handled with the right stick. You'll use the face buttons for actions like reloading, using stims (healing items), and activating your stratagems. Speaking of stratagems, these are your bread and butter. They range from powerful weapons and defensive shields to orbital strikes and supply drops. You activate them by inputting a series of directional button combinations, similar to Street Fighter-style combos. The faster you input these codes, the quicker you can call in these essential tools. This ability to call in support makes each match dynamic and can quickly turn the tide of the battle. Keep practicing those codes!

Next up is mission structure. Each mission has a set of primary and secondary objectives. Primary objectives are essential for completing the mission, while secondary objectives offer bonus rewards, like experience and resources. Always prioritize the main goals to ensure mission success, but keep an eye out for those extras. Each mission is also graded based on the number of objectives completed and the time taken to complete them. The star rating is key to earning rewards. Mission difficulty also plays a crucial part. Choose levels that are appropriate for your skill level, or take on harder levels to test your skills and earn better rewards.

Remember, in Helldivers, friendly fire is always on. So, watch your shots and try to avoid blasting your buddies. Communication and coordination are your best weapons. Let your teammates know when you're about to call in an orbital strike or drop a supply pod. Working together and knowing your surroundings will help you survive and get the best outcome for your missions.

Essential Tips and Tricks for New Helldivers

Alright, new recruits, here are some quick tips and tricks to get you started on your path to glory.

• Learn Your Stratagems: Experiment with different stratagems to find what suits your playstyle. A well-timed orbital strike can clear a room of enemies, while a supply drop can save your skin when you're running low on ammo and stims.
• Prioritize Objectives: Focus on completing primary objectives first. Secondary objectives are nice, but they shouldn't come at the cost of mission success.
• Communicate: Use your headset or in-game chat to coordinate with your teammates. Let them know when you're calling in a stratagem or if you spot a horde of enemies.
• Manage Your Resources: Keep an eye on your ammo and stims. Use supply drops wisely, and don't be afraid to retreat and regroup if you're running low.
• Know Your Enemies: Understand the different enemy types and their weaknesses. For example, some enemies are vulnerable to specific weapons or stratagems.
• Use Cover: Even though the game is top-down, cover is still essential. Use terrain and buildings to your advantage to avoid taking damage.
• Don't Be Afraid to Retreat: Sometimes, the best strategy is to fall back and regroup. Don't be afraid to disengage and reposition yourself if you're overwhelmed.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you play, the better you'll become. Learn the maps, the enemy spawns, and the stratagem codes.

Stratagem Mastery: Unleashing the Arsenal

Helldivers 1 offers a vast arsenal of stratagems, each with its own unique purpose and devastating effect. Mastering these tools is crucial for victory. Here's a breakdown of some essential stratagems and how to use them effectively.

Offensive Stratagems: Bringing the Pain

• Orbital Strikes: These are your heavy hitters. They range from precision strikes to area-of-effect blasts, capable of wiping out entire hordes of enemies. The Orbital Gatling is a rapid-fire barrage ideal for clearing out groups of smaller enemies. The Orbital Railcannon is a single, powerful shot perfect for taking down heavily armored targets. Practice your codes and learn the optimal use of each one.
• Eagle Strikes: These are your airborne support. The Eagle Strafing Run is a quick, sweeping attack that can eliminate a line of enemies. The Eagle Airstrike delivers a concentrated blast, while the Eagle Cluster Bomb spreads explosives over a wide area. Like Orbital Strikes, these are invaluable for dealing a lot of damage to the enemies.
• Mines: Setting up a minefield can be a great way to control chokepoints and slow down enemy advances. The Anti-Personnel Mines are effective against smaller enemies, while the AT-Mines are perfect for taking down vehicles.
• Weapon Stratagems: These are portable weapons that you can call in to bolster your firepower. The MG-105 Stalwart is a rapid-firing machine gun, great for sustained damage. The LAS-16 Sickle is an energy-based weapon that doesn't require reloading. These stratagems are great for dealing with heavier foes.

Defensive Stratagems: Staying Alive

• Shields: These provide a temporary barrier, absorbing incoming damage and giving you a chance to regroup. The Personal Shield Generator is perfect for solo missions or for when you need a little extra protection. The Shield Generator Pack is a mobile shield that you can place down to protect yourself and your teammates. When the pressure is on, shields are your friends!
• Support Weapons: These weapons can be deployed to provide additional firepower and cover. The Autogun is a versatile weapon with a high rate of fire. The Machine Gun is great for suppressing enemies. These weapons can be carried by teammates, making teamwork even more essential.

Support Stratagems: Boosting Your Team

• Resupply: These are essential for keeping you and your team stocked with ammo and stims. The Resupply stratagem drops a crate filled with resources, while the Reinforce stratagem allows you to bring back fallen teammates. Knowing when to call in a resupply can be the difference between victory and defeat.
• Anti-Tank: These stratagems are designed to destroy heavily armored targets. The EAT-17 is a disposable rocket launcher, while the Recoilless Rifle is a more powerful, but more complex, option. When facing off against tanks, always make sure you have one of these at the ready.

Stratagem Tips

• Practice the Codes: Memorize the directional button combinations for your favorite stratagems. The faster you input the code, the quicker you can call in support.
• Know Your Limits: Each stratagem has a cooldown, so use them wisely. Don't waste your orbital strikes on small groups of enemies.
• Coordinate with Your Team: Let your teammates know which stratagems you're using. This will help you avoid friendly fire and maximize your effectiveness. Knowing what your teammates are equipped with can drastically increase your ability to survive.

Advanced Strategies: Taking on the Galaxy

Alright, Helldivers, once you've mastered the basics and familiarized yourself with the stratagems, it's time to level up your game. Here are some advanced strategies to help you dominate the battlefield.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

• Communication is Key: Use your headset or in-game chat to coordinate with your teammates. Share information about enemy positions, objective locations, and stratagem usage.
• Cover Each Other: Always watch your teammates' backs. Provide covering fire, revive downed allies, and share resources.
• Specialized Roles: Consider assigning roles to your team members. One player can focus on objective completion, another on crowd control, and another on anti-tank duties.
• Coordinate Stratagems: Time your stratagems to maximize their effectiveness. For example, have one player call in an orbital strike while another provides covering fire.

Mastering the Battlefield

• Map Awareness: Learn the maps and their layouts. Know where the best cover is, where enemy spawns are located, and where the objectives are.
• Enemy Identification: Identify the different enemy types and their attack patterns. Learn their weaknesses and how to counter them.
• Situational Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of enemy positions, objective locations, and potential threats.
• Objective Prioritization: Always focus on completing primary objectives first. Secondary objectives can be a bonus, but they shouldn't come at the cost of mission success.

Strategic Loadouts

• Weapon Selection: Choose weapons that complement your playstyle and the mission objectives. Consider the range, rate of fire, and damage of each weapon. It's often helpful to have a mix of weapon types in the team.
• Stratagem Selection: Choose stratagems that suit the mission objectives and your team's composition. Consider bringing a mix of offensive, defensive, and support stratagems.
• Armor Selection: Each armor set provides different bonuses, such as increased stamina, faster reload speed, or resistance to certain types of damage. Choose armor that complements your playstyle and the mission objectives.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Alright, Helldivers, even the most seasoned veterans encounter problems. Here's how to deal with the common issues you might face on the battlefield.

Connection Issues

• Lag: Lag can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor internet connection, server issues, or network congestion. Try restarting your router, or playing at off-peak hours.
• Disconnects: Disconnects can happen for various reasons, including server issues or network problems. If you're frequently disconnecting, try restarting your PS4 or checking your internet connection.

Gameplay Issues

• Difficulty: If you're struggling with a mission, try lowering the difficulty level or playing with a team of experienced players. Take some time to understand the maps better.
• Friendly Fire: Friendly fire is a part of the game. Communicate with your teammates and watch your shots to minimize accidental damage.
• Enemy Overwhelm: If you're getting overwhelmed by enemies, try retreating, regrouping, and calling in reinforcements or support stratagems.

Beyond the Battlefield: Further Resources

Helldivers 1 is a deep game with a lot to discover. Here are some resources to help you further master the galaxy.

• Online Forums: Check out the Helldivers community forums or subreddits for tips, strategies, and player-created guides.
• YouTube Channels: Watch gameplay videos and tutorials on YouTube to learn from experienced players.
• Online Wikis: Online wikis provide detailed information on weapons, stratagems, enemies, and mission objectives.

Conclusion: For Super Earth!

Alright, Helldivers, you're now armed with the knowledge and strategies to become a true hero of democracy. Remember to work together, communicate, and never give up. The galaxy needs you! Now, go forth and spread the word of Managed Democracy! Good luck, and may freedom reign!