Helldivers 2: Guided Vs. Unguided Stratagems - Which Is Best?

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2, huh? Awesome! One of the first things you'll realize is that stratagems are your lifeline. These called-in reinforcements, weapons, and support tools are crucial for survival, but they come in two main flavors: guided and unguided. Figuring out which one is best for the situation can be a game-changer, so let's break down the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each.

Guided Stratagems: Precision is Key

Guided stratagems, as the name suggests, offer a degree of control over where they land. Typically, this means you'll pull out your stratagem ball, toss it, and then use a targeting laser to fine-tune the impact point. This laser guidance is invaluable for several reasons. First and foremost, you get pinpoint accuracy. No more accidentally dropping an airstrike on your own squad because the wind shifted! You can direct your ordnance exactly where it's needed, whether that's a heavily armored bug nest or a cluster of Automatons hunkered down behind cover. This is especially crucial on higher difficulties where enemies are more numerous and strategically positioned.

Another advantage of guided stratagems is their versatility in dynamic combat situations. Imagine you're facing a horde of Terminids, and a Charger suddenly bursts through the front lines. With a guided stratagem like the Recoilless Rifle or the EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank, you can quickly target and eliminate the Charger before it wreaks havoc on your team. Unguided options might take too long to deploy or simply miss their mark in the heat of battle. Furthermore, some guided stratagems, like the Orbital Laser, allow for continuous targeting, letting you sweep the beam across the battlefield and incinerate multiple targets. This level of control is unmatched by their unguided counterparts.

However, all this precision comes at a cost. Guided stratagems typically have a longer deployment time compared to unguided ones. You need to throw the stratagem ball, then hold the targeting laser steady while the stratagem locks on. This leaves you vulnerable to enemy fire, especially if you're caught out in the open. Mastering the art of quick targeting and finding safe spots to deploy guided stratagems is essential. Another potential downside is the risk of self-inflicted damage. While the targeting laser helps you avoid friendly fire, it's still possible to misjudge the distance or accidentally target too close to your position. Always double-check your surroundings before unleashing a guided stratagem!

When to Use Guided Stratagems:

• High-Priority Targets: Chargers, Bile Titans, Tanks, and other heavily armored enemies. The precision of guided weapons ensures you hit their weak points.
• Defensive Positions: When defending an objective or holding a fortified position, guided stratagems allow you to control the battlefield and eliminate threats with surgical accuracy.
• Elite Squads: Facing a group of heavily armed Automatons? A well-placed guided airstrike can wipe them out before they even know what hit them.

Unguided Stratagems: Unleash the Fury

Unguided stratagems are all about unleashing raw, unadulterated firepower. These are your area-of-effect (AoE) weapons, your carpet bombings, and your artillery barrages. The beauty of unguided stratagems lies in their simplicity and speed. You throw the stratagem ball, and boom, the carnage begins! There's no need to fiddle with targeting lasers or worry about precise aiming. This makes them ideal for quickly clearing out large groups of enemies or suppressing enemy positions. In chaotic situations where you're surrounded by bugs or robots, an unguided stratagem can buy you precious time to regroup and restrategize.

Another major advantage of unguided stratagems is their ability to cover a wide area. Stratagems like the Eagle 500kg Bomb or the Orbital Barrage can devastate entire sections of the map, clearing out multiple enemy nests or fortifications in a single strike. This makes them incredibly efficient for clearing out objectives quickly and pushing through enemy lines. Furthermore, unguided stratagems are generally less demanding in terms of skill and coordination. While guided stratagems require precise aiming and timing, unguided options are more forgiving, making them a great choice for newer players or when you're playing with a less experienced team.

However, the lack of precision comes with significant drawbacks. The biggest downside of unguided stratagems is their lack of accuracy. You're essentially carpet bombing an area, which means there's a high chance of friendly fire. Always communicate with your team before deploying an unguided stratagem, and make sure everyone is clear of the blast radius. Another potential issue is the inability to target specific enemies. Unguided stratagems are great for clearing out groups, but they're not very effective against single, heavily armored targets. You might end up wasting a valuable stratagem on a lone Scout Strider while a horde of Berserkers closes in on your position.

When to Use Unguided Stratagems:

• Clearing Hordes: When facing massive swarms of Terminids or waves of Automatons, unguided stratagems are the perfect way to thin the ranks and create breathing room.
• Objective Clearing: Need to quickly destroy a series of bug nests or bot fabricators? An unguided barrage can level the entire area in seconds.
• Suppression: Use unguided stratagems to suppress enemy fire and allow your team to advance. The sheer volume of explosions can force enemies to take cover, giving you a window of opportunity to push forward.

The Verdict: A Balanced Loadout is Key

So, which is better: guided or unguided stratagems? The answer, as with most things in Helldivers 2, is it depends! There's no one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach is to create a balanced loadout that includes both guided and unguided options, allowing you to adapt to different situations and enemy types. For example, you might bring a Recoilless Rifle for taking down armored targets and an Orbital Gatling Barrage for clearing out hordes.

Ultimately, the choice between guided and unguided stratagems comes down to personal preference and playstyle. Some players prefer the precision and control of guided weapons, while others prefer the raw power and simplicity of unguided options. Experiment with different stratagems, find what works best for you, and most importantly, communicate with your team. A well-coordinated team with a balanced loadout is the key to success in Helldivers 2.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Helldivers 2 is all about trial and error. Try out different combinations of guided and unguided stratagems, see what works best for you and your team, and don't be afraid to adapt your loadout based on the mission objectives and enemy types.

Communicate with your team! Let your teammates know what stratagems you're bringing and coordinate your attacks. A well-coordinated team can maximize the effectiveness of both guided and unguided stratagems.

So, dive in, Helldivers! Experiment with different stratagems, master their strengths and weaknesses, and unleash the fury upon the enemies of Super Earth! And remember, a little bit of democracy never hurt anyone (except maybe the bugs and bots).