In Helldivers 2, managing large swarms of enemies can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not prepared. While gunplay and positioning matter, the right stratagems can make the difference between wiping out a mission in style and getting stomped under alien feet. Today, I’ll walk you through some of the best crowd control tools in the game and share tips from my own experience.

Explosives That Clear the Room

When it comes to crowd control, nothing beats explosives. The standard grenade and the concussion grenade are reliable choices, but if you want to truly dominate a horde, the Arc Mine or the Shredder Bomb are excellent. Place them strategically near choke points or entrances, and you can turn a dangerous swarm into easy pickings. I personally love using Shredder Bombs with my squad because the chain reaction often takes out enemies before they even reach us.

A small tip: don’t forget to upgrade your stratagems whenever possible. Even a slightly stronger blast radius can save your team from being overwhelmed. If you’re looking to boost your overall power, some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock or improve certain abilities faster. It’s not mandatory, but it can speed up the process if you want to experiment with every crowd control option.

Automated Defenses

Turrets and auto-sentries are underrated but highly effective. Setting up a few around key objectives can literally stall an entire wave while you focus on finishing off stragglers. The Coil Gun Turret is particularly useful because it tracks enemies automatically and can stagger groups of aliens, giving your team breathing room.

For newer players, one easy way to make sure you always have the equipment you need is to know the best place to buy Helldivers 2 items. Certain vendors or third-party providers like U4GM have a wide range of gear available, which can help if you’re struggling to get the stratagems you want through normal gameplay. Just make sure to check the source and ensure you’re getting legitimate items for your account.

Area Denial Tools

Area denial stratagems like the Flame Barrage or the Freezing Mortar are perfect for controlling tight spaces. They don’t just deal damage—they also slow or block enemies, giving your team a huge advantage. Personally, I find that combining a Flame Barrage with a turret setup creates a little “kill box” that lets us handle waves of enemies almost effortlessly.

Remember, the timing of these abilities is critical. Using them too early can waste resources, but using them at the right moment can completely turn the tide of a mission. Experiment a bit in lower-level missions to get a feel for how long each effect lasts and where enemies tend to group.

Support Stratagems

Don’t forget your support tools. Items like the Resupply Pod or Healing Beacon might not seem directly related to crowd control, but keeping your team alive and ammo topped off allows you to keep pressure on enemies without breaking formation. A coordinated team that combines explosives, turrets, and support stratagems will almost always have the upper hand, even against the biggest waves.

Another player tip: if you’re ever unsure which medals to prioritize for unlocking stratagem upgrades, consider exploring U4GM’s resources. They sometimes have guides or tips that can help you decide efficiently, without wasting time grinding for less impactful medals.

Personal Playstyle Considerations

Every squad is different, so don’t feel forced to use the exact setup everyone else recommends. I tend to favor a mix of explosives and turrets, while my friends lean toward slowing and freezing abilities. Try different combinations, watch how enemy waves react, and adjust your loadout accordingly. Crowd control in Helldivers 2 isn’t just about raw damage—it’s about smart positioning, timing, and knowing when to pull the trigger.

One small note: while it’s tempting to max out all stratagems at once, focusing on a few that match your playstyle often leads to better results than spreading yourself thin. And if you ever feel stuck, checking out tips on where to buy Helldivers 2 items can save hours of farming.

FAQ

Q1: How do I get the best crowd control stratagems quickly?A1: Focus on completing missions that reward medals and unlock stratagems, and consider using Helldivers 2 medals to speed up the process.

Q2: Can I trade stratagems with other players?A2: No, stratagems are tied to your account and cannot be traded.

Q3: Are explosives or area denial tools more effective?A3: It depends on the mission and enemy type. Explosives are great for immediate damage, while area denial can control movement and prevent swarms from reaching you.

Q4: Do turrets work on all enemy types?A4: Most turrets are effective against standard aliens but may struggle against armored units. Combine them with other stratagems for best results.

Q5: How often do new stratagems appear in the game?A5: New stratagems can be unlocked through updates or by leveling up your medals. Keep an eye on patch notes and events.

Q6: Are there any reliable sources to get rare items?A6: Yes, U4GM and certain in-game vendors offer a variety of items. Always verify legitimacy to avoid issues.

Q7: Can crowd control stratagems run out of ammo?A7: Some do, like turrets and mortars. Keep an eye on resupply and use Resupply Pods if needed.

Q8: Should I prioritize upgrading stratagems or weapons first?A8: Both are important, but focusing on stratagems for crowd control can make missions significantly easier, especially in higher difficulty levels.

Ranked List: Helldivers 2 Warbond Tier List 2025