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14 Advanced Hidden Mechanics You Need to Know

  • Writer: Dom
    Dom
  • Feb 12, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: May 16

by Dom's Roundtable


The war for Super Earth is brutal, and while you've survived the early grind, Helldivers 2 has layers of hidden mechanics that separate the recruits from the veterans. If you've mastered the basics and want to play like an elite Helldiver, this guide will break down 14 advanced tips and hidden mechanics that most players overlook.

Whether it's secret loot locations, movement tech, or powerful strategies, these tips will help you fight smarter, survive longer, and obliterate enemies more efficiently. Let’s get started!


Hidden Cargo Containers – Free Loot for the Observant

Throughout missions, you’ll find partially hidden cargo containers with doors that can be blown open. These aren’t marked on your map, and they don’t always appear near major points of interest.

What’s inside? Samples, requisition points, and special weapons.

Where to look? Scan your surroundings, as they can be tucked away anywhere.


💡 Bonus Tip: Always check for explosives or destructible objects around cargo containers to open them faster.



Speedrun Artillery Loading Trick

The artillery sub-objective can be painfully slow—unless you use this trick. Pick up and drop artillery shells in quick succession to fly toward your objective. Some players claim you can balance shells on your shoulders and sprint with them—haven’t confirmed it yet, but worth trying!


💡Bonus Tip: Always prioritize loading mini nukes if you find them—they can one-shot large enemy nests.



Unexploded Nukes – Your Best Friend in a Tough Fight

Ever noticed those dormant warheads lying around? Shoot them, and they’ll trigger a massive explosion after a short timer. Great for clearing waves of Terminids and even one-shotting a Charger. Mark them on your map—they could save your squad when things get overwhelming.


💡 Bonus Tip: Get clear ASAP after triggering one, or you’ll join your enemies in the afterlife.



The Dolphin Dive Climbing Technique

Stuck at the bottom of a cliff? Most slopes can’t be climbed normally, but there’s a trick.

  • Hold Sprint + Spam Dive → This lets you scale most surfaces you’d otherwise slide down.


💡 Bonus Tip: Use this technique to reach high ground for a better vantage point or escape enemies.



The Orbital Laser – Use It Wisely!

The Orbital Laser is ridiculously powerful, but here’s what you need to know:

  • Can wipe out Bile Titans & Chargers with one use

  • Lasts a long time, making it better than the Orbital Rail Cannon in many cases

  • Limited to 3 charges—AND THEY ARE SHARED TEAMWIDE


💡 Pro Tip: Only one teammate should bring the laser to avoid wasting stratagem slots.



Broken Drop Pods – Another Secret Loot Source

These damaged pods randomly appear opening and closing. If you blow them up, they drop special weapons.


💡 Bonus Tip: Some players have only found weapons inside, but let me know in the comments if you’ve found anything else!



Radar Towers – Your Key to Winning Missions Efficiently

If a mission has a Radar Tower objective, activate it ASAP because;

  • Reveals enemy nests & hidden loot

  • Helps you plan an efficient route

  • Prevents you from getting lost in high-intensity fights


💡 Bonus Tip: Listen for the audible ping when realigning the radar—it tells you when it’s locked in place.



Some Locations Will Stay "Unexplored" No Matter What

Even after looting everything, some minor locations never mark as completed. Why? These areas contain lore objects or non-lootable environmental storytelling elements. If you’re sure you’ve grabbed everything, just move on.



Fungi & Spores Can Be Used for Emergency Escapes

See those weird cloud-spewing fungi? Shoot them, and they’ll propel you (and enemies) away!

  • Great for escaping when swarmed

  • Can stun enemies for extra breathing room

  • Works offensively AND defensively


💡Bonus Tip: If you’re using a shield, you won’t be affected by the knockback—abuse this for safe escapes.



Day/Night Cycle – Choose Your Battles Wisely

Missions change based on time of day:

  • 6 AM – 6 PM: Day Missions

  • 6 PM – 6 AM: Night Missions


💡 Bonus Tip: If you start a mission at 5:30 PM, it WILL become night during play. Plan accordingly!



Always Chase Yellow Beams – Free War Bonds & Super Credits

See a yellow light beaming from the sky? Run towards it because;

  • Usually leads to requisition drop pods

  • Can contain Super Credits (premium currency) or War Bonds

  • Loot is SHARED—if one teammate picks it up, everyone gets it


💡 Bonus Tip: This is the ONLY way to get Super Credits without paying real money.



The Accidental Grenade Bug – Don’t Blow Yourself Up

Bug Alert! If you have grenades equipped and try to ping on the map, YOU WILL THROW A GRENADE.


💡 Bonus Tip: Always switch to your primary or secondary weapon before pinging.



Drop Your Special Weapon First If Loadout Space is Tight

If you have too many stratagems to carry, drop your special weapon slot first.

Many special weapons can be found in missions, specifically in cargo containers, drop pods, and nests that often contain them.


💡 Bonus Tip: Prioritize carrying extra stratagems instead—special weapons are replaceable, but stratagems aren’t!



Embrace the Chaos & Adapt

The best Helldivers aren’t just skilled shooters—they’re adaptable, quick thinkers.

  • Use the environment to your advantage

  • Learn enemy weaknesses & prioritize threats

  • Coordinate stratagems with your team

  • And most importantly—have fun while bringing democracy to the galaxy!



Final Thoughts – Are YOU Ready for Extreme Difficulty?

With these 14 advanced tips, you’re better prepared for high-difficulty missions, elite enemy waves, and chaotic extractions. Now, go forth, Helldiver—for Super Earth, for freedom, and for DEMOCRACY!🚀




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