Helldivers: Guided Vs. Non-Guided Stratagems - Which Is Best?

Hey Helldivers! Ready to dive deep into the heart of strategic warfare? Today, we're tackling a crucial topic for every liberty-spreading soldier: guided versus non-guided stratagems in Helldivers 2. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type can seriously up your game, turning those bug-squashing missions into glorious victories. So, buckle up, cadet, and let's get strategizing!

Understanding Guided Stratagems

Guided stratagems in Helldivers 2 are your precision instruments of destruction. Think of them as the heat-seeking missiles of democracy. These stratagems require you, the Helldiver, to actively guide their trajectory, ensuring they hit exactly where you intend. This guidance usually comes in the form of a laser pointer or a similar targeting mechanic. You paint the target, and the stratagem follows. This level of control offers unparalleled accuracy, making guided stratagems ideal for taking out specific, high-value targets.

Imagine a heavily armored Charger bearing down on your squad. A well-placed, guided missile can cripple or eliminate it in a single shot, saving your team from potential disaster. Or perhaps there's a pesky Automaton Fabricator churning out bots non-stop. Guiding a precision strike directly onto the Fabricator ensures its swift and permanent shutdown. The beauty of guided stratagems lies in their ability to surgically remove threats from the battlefield, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing impact. However, this precision comes at a cost. You're vulnerable while guiding the stratagem. You need to remain focused on the target, which means you're not shooting, moving, or actively defending yourself. This leaves you open to enemy attacks, requiring careful positioning and timing. Furthermore, mastering guided stratagems takes practice. You need to learn the nuances of each stratagem's guidance system, accounting for factors like projectile speed, trajectory, and potential obstacles. But with dedication and training, you can become a master of guided destruction, turning the tide of battle with pinpoint accuracy.

Exploring Non-Guided Stratagems

Now, let's talk about non-guided stratagems. These are your area-of-effect powerhouses, designed to blanket the battlefield in explosive mayhem. Unlike their guided counterparts, non-guided stratagems don't require manual aiming after deployment. You call them in, and they unleash their fury upon a predetermined area. This makes them incredibly versatile for dealing with hordes of enemies or suppressing large areas. Picture a swarm of Terminids rushing your position. A well-placed orbital barrage can decimate their ranks, turning the tide of the engagement in your favor. Or consider a fortified Automaton outpost. A non-guided airstrike can soften their defenses, making it easier for your squad to push through. The strength of non-guided stratagems lies in their ease of use and their ability to control large areas. You don't need to spend time aiming, allowing you to focus on other crucial tasks, like shooting, moving, and coordinating with your team. This makes them perfect for chaotic situations where you're constantly under pressure. However, this ease of use comes with a tradeoff. Non-guided stratagems lack the pinpoint accuracy of their guided counterparts. They're less effective against single, high-value targets and can easily cause collateral damage if not used carefully. You might accidentally wipe out your own squad or destroy valuable objectives if you're not paying attention. Moreover, non-guided stratagems often have a larger area of effect, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While they can clear out large numbers of enemies, they can also create craters and leave behind hazardous terrain, hindering your movement and potentially damaging your vehicles. Therefore, mastering non-guided stratagems requires a different skill set. You need to learn how to estimate distances, anticipate enemy movements, and coordinate with your team to avoid friendly fire. But with practice and experience, you can become a master of area denial, controlling the battlefield with devastating barrages and turning the enemy's advance into a deadly gauntlet.

Guided vs. Non-Guided: A Detailed Comparison

Let's break down the key differences between guided and non-guided stratagems to help you make the best choice for your loadout:

• Accuracy: Guided stratagems win hands down in the accuracy department. Their pinpoint targeting allows you to eliminate specific threats with surgical precision. Non-guided stratagems, on the other hand, are more prone to collateral damage and less effective against single targets.
• Ease of Use: Non-guided stratagems are generally easier to use. You simply call them in and let them do their thing, freeing you up to focus on other tasks. Guided stratagems require more attention and precision, making them more demanding to master.
• Versatility: Both types of stratagems offer versatility in their own ways. Guided stratagems excel at taking out high-value targets, while non-guided stratagems are better suited for dealing with hordes of enemies and controlling large areas.
• Risk: Guided stratagems can leave you vulnerable while you're guiding them, making you an easy target for enemies. Non-guided stratagems can pose a risk to your own team if not used carefully, due to their larger area of effect.
• Situational Awareness: Successfully utilizing guided stratagems requires high situational awareness. You need to be aware of your surroundings to prevent being flanked by enemies and to accurately target your stratagem. Non-guided stratagems also benefit from situational awareness as you need to consider the trajectory and area of effect.

Choosing the Right Stratagem for the Mission

So, how do you decide which type of stratagem is right for a particular mission? Here's a simple guide:

• Consider the Enemy: Are you facing hordes of Terminids or heavily armored Automatons? If it's the former, non-guided stratagems might be the better choice. If it's the latter, guided stratagems can help you take down those tough targets.
• Think About the Terrain: Is the battlefield open and spacious or confined and cluttered? In open areas, non-guided stratagems can be used to great effect. In confined spaces, guided stratagems might be a better option to avoid collateral damage.
• Coordinate with Your Team: Talk to your teammates about their loadouts and strategies. A well-coordinated team can combine guided and non-guided stratagems to create a synergistic effect, maximizing their effectiveness.
• Adapt to the Situation: Be prepared to adjust your strategy on the fly. If you're facing unexpected challenges, don't be afraid to switch to a different type of stratagem.

For example, on missions where you have to destroy Automaton Fabricators, a combination of both can be extremely effective. You can use an Eagle Airstrike to destroy the buildings around the fabricator and then use a Recoiless Rifle to take it down. However, when fighting the Terminids on a Blitz mission, you're better off using non-guided strategems to clear the swarm.

Top Stratagem Recommendations

To give you a head start, here are some highly recommended guided and non-guided stratagems:

Guided Stratagems:

• Recoilless Rifle: This shoulder-fired weapon packs a serious punch. It's perfect for taking out heavily armored targets like Chargers and Tanks.
• EAT-17: The Expendable Anti-Tank is the perfect anti-tank weapon, and you can bring two at once. Use it to take out armored targets.
• Orbital Railcannon Strike: Expensive, but extremely powerful. Use this to take out a single heavily armored target.

Non-Guided Stratagems:

• Eagle Airstrike: A versatile stratagem that can be used to clear out hordes of enemies or soften up fortified positions.
• Orbital Gatling Barrage: A continuous stream of bullets that can tear through enemy ranks with ease.
• 500KG Bomb: Great for clearing out an area of effect. Be careful to avoid friendly fire.

Mastering the Art of War in Helldivers 2

In conclusion, both guided and non-guided stratagems have their place in the Helldivers 2 arsenal. Mastering both types will make you a more versatile and effective soldier, capable of adapting to any situation. So, experiment with different loadouts, practice your aiming, and coordinate with your team. With dedication and training, you'll be spreading managed democracy across the galaxy in no time!

So, fellow Helldivers, go forth and liberate! Remember to choose your stratagems wisely, and may your aim be true! For Super Earth!