Orbital support plays a critical role in Helldivers 2, providing a wide array of tactical advantages from devastating firepower to defensive utilities. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which stratagems are worth prioritizing in your loadout. To help you optimize your squad’s effectiveness, I’ve ranked the top orbital support options based on versatility, damage output, and overall utility.
S-Tier: Game-Changing Stratagems
These are the orbital support options that can turn the tide of almost any mission. High damage, large area coverage, and reliability make them must-haves for any serious squad.
Orbital Laser Strike: Nothing beats precision damage from above. Ideal for clearing dense enemy formations and quickly eliminating high-threat targets. Timing and positioning are key to maximizing its potential.
Supply Drop: While not offensive, this stratagem can be a lifesaver. It ensures your team has constant access to ammo, grenades, and medkits, keeping momentum alive during prolonged missions.
A-Tier: Strong and Reliable
These stratagems excel in specific situations and can complement an aggressive or defensive playstyle effectively.
Artillery Barrage: Great for heavy enemy clusters, especially in outdoor maps. Its cooldown is longer, but the raw damage output justifies its use.
Shield Dome: Perfect for holding choke points or protecting objectives. While situational, its defensive capability can often prevent squad wipes in intense firefights.
B-Tier: Situational Picks
These options are useful, but require specific conditions to shine. They can be powerful if used correctly but may underperform in general scenarios.
Orbital Strike Beacon: Fun for chaotic plays, but effectiveness depends heavily on player coordination.
Turret Deployment: A solid choice for defense-heavy missions, though it may struggle against mobile or flying enemies.
C-Tier: Niche Utility
These stratagems generally have niche applications or limited impact, making them less reliable in standard missions.
Smoke Screen: Provides cover and stealth advantages but doesn’t directly impact enemy numbers.
Decoy Projector: Can distract enemies but often gets ignored by higher-tier targets.
Tips for Maximizing Orbital Support Efficiency
Adapt to the Mission: Always pick orbital support that complements the mission objective. Aggressive maps benefit from high-damage strikes, while defense-focused maps call for protective utilities.
Coordinate with Squad: Timing your orbital support with teammates can drastically improve outcomes. Communication is key.
Resource Management: Don’t forget to manage your in-game currency effectively. Many players find it convenient to buy helldivers 2 super credits or buy helldivers 2 samples to unlock and upgrade their favorite orbital support options faster.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each orbital support stratagem, you can fine-tune your loadout for maximum impact. Whether you’re clearing hordes of enemies or defending critical objectives, having the right orbital support at your disposal can make all the difference.
