Helldivers 2 Tutorial: A Beginner's Mission Guide

So, you're ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, and democracy-spreading world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But before you start blasting away at everything that moves, it's a really good idea to run through the tutorial mission. Trust me, it'll save you from a whole lot of frustration (and friendly fire incidents) later on. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ace that initial training and become a true Helldiver hero.

Why Bother with the Tutorial, Anyway?

Okay, okay, I get it. Tutorials can sometimes feel like a drag. But in Helldivers 2, the tutorial isn't just some boring checklist. It's your crash course in survival. The tutorial mission in Helldivers 2 is absolutely crucial for new players. It not only introduces you to the core mechanics of the game but also sets you up for success in the more challenging missions ahead. Skipping it is like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions – possible, but highly likely to end in disaster (and possibly a few broken friendships). Think of it as your first taste of Liber-tea – a necessary step before you can truly appreciate the full flavor of freedom.

Here's why you shouldn't skip it:

• Understanding the Basics: The tutorial teaches you the fundamental controls, like how to move, shoot, reload, and use your Stratagems. These are the building blocks of your Helldiver skills.
• Stratagem Mastery: Stratagems are your lifeline in Helldivers 2. The tutorial introduces you to the concept of calling them in and using them effectively. You'll learn the crucial button combinations and how to time your calls just right.
• Teamwork 101: Helldivers 2 is all about teamwork, and the tutorial subtly introduces you to the importance of coordinating with your squad. You'll learn how to revive teammates, share resources, and work together to achieve your objectives.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The tutorial highlights some of the common mistakes that new players make, such as running out of ammo, getting overwhelmed by enemies, and accidentally calling in Stratagems on your teammates. Learning these lessons early on can save you a lot of headaches later.
• Getting a Feel for the Game: Most importantly, the tutorial gives you a chance to get a feel for the game's unique blend of action, strategy, and humor. It's a low-pressure environment where you can experiment with different weapons and tactics without fear of failure.

Stepping into the Training Pod: The Tutorial Objectives

Alright, enough convincing. Let's get down to business. The tutorial mission is designed to be straightforward, but here's a breakdown of the key objectives you'll encounter:

1. Movement and Weapon Basics:

   • Getting Started: The tutorial starts with basic movement. You'll learn how to walk, sprint, and dive – essential for navigating the battlefield and avoiding enemy fire. Pay attention to your stamina bar, as sprinting too much will leave you vulnerable.
   • Firing Range Fun: Next, you'll head to the firing range to familiarize yourself with your primary weapon. Practice aiming down sights, firing in bursts, and reloading quickly. Remember, accuracy is key, especially when dealing with heavily armored enemies.
   • Melee Combat: Don't underestimate the power of your melee attack! In close-quarters situations, a well-timed melee strike can save your life. The tutorial will teach you how to use it effectively.

2. Stratagem Deployment:

   • Calling in Support: Stratagems are your special abilities in Helldivers 2, ranging from orbital strikes to supply drops. The tutorial will teach you how to input the correct button combinations to call them in. Memorize these codes – they'll be your best friend in the heat of battle. This is crucial!
   • Understanding Cooldowns: Each Stratagem has a cooldown period before you can use it again. Pay attention to these cooldowns and plan your attacks accordingly. Don't waste your best Stratagems on trivial enemies.
   • Strategic Placement: The tutorial will also emphasize the importance of placing your Stratagems strategically. Think about the area of effect and the potential for friendly fire before you call one in. Nobody likes getting blown up by their own teammates.

3. Dealing with Enemies:

   • Bug Hunt: The tutorial will throw a few waves of enemies at you to test your combat skills. Practice using your primary weapon, grenades, and Stratagems to take them down. Remember to prioritize targets and focus your fire.
   • Armor Penetration: Some enemies have armor that can deflect your bullets. The tutorial will introduce you to the concept of armor penetration and how to use weapons and Stratagems that can bypass it. This is a crucial skill for dealing with tougher enemies later on.
   • Teamwork Takedown: You'll learn how to coordinate with your teammates to take down enemies more efficiently. This includes flanking maneuvers, covering fire, and reviving fallen comrades. Teamwork makes the dream work, Helldivers!

4. Completing Objectives:

   • Objective Secured: The tutorial will task you with completing a few simple objectives, such as destroying enemy nests or rescuing civilians. This will teach you how to follow instructions and work towards a common goal. Pay attention to the map and the objective markers.
   • Extraction Time: Once you've completed all the objectives, it's time to extract. Head to the designated extraction point and call in the extraction shuttle. Defend the area until the shuttle arrives and then hop on board to complete the mission. Don't get left behind!

Tips and Tricks for Dominating the Tutorial

Even though the tutorial is designed to be easy, here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you breeze through it and prepare you for the real challenges ahead:

• Pay Attention to the Dialogue: The tutorial is full of helpful tips and hints, so make sure you pay attention to what the instructors are saying. They'll provide valuable insights into the game's mechanics and strategies. Sometimes the best advice comes from the most unexpected places.
• Experiment with Different Weapons: The tutorial gives you a chance to try out a few different weapons. Experiment with them to see which ones you like best. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, so find one that suits your playstyle.
• Master the Dive: The dive is one of the most important moves in Helldivers 2. It allows you to quickly evade enemy fire, reposition yourself on the battlefield, and even put out fires. Practice diving frequently until it becomes second nature.
• Don't Be Afraid to Use Stratagems: Stratagems are your most powerful tools in Helldivers 2, so don't be afraid to use them. Experiment with different Stratagems to see what they can do. The tutorial is the perfect place to learn how to use them effectively.
• Communicate with Your Teammates: Even in the tutorial, communication is key. Use voice chat or text chat to coordinate with your teammates and share information. A well-coordinated team is a much more effective team.
• Have Fun!: Helldivers 2 is a game that's meant to be enjoyed. Don't take yourself too seriously and just have fun with it. Embrace the chaos, laugh at your mistakes, and celebrate your victories. After all, you're fighting for freedom and democracy!

Beyond the Tutorial: Preparing for Galactic War

Once you've completed the tutorial, you're ready to join the fight for Super Earth! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you venture into the wider galaxy:

• Choose Your Missions Wisely: Each mission has its own difficulty rating and objectives. Start with easier missions and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones. Don't bite off more than you can chew.
• Customize Your Loadout: Before each mission, you'll have the opportunity to customize your loadout. Choose weapons, Stratagems, and armor that are appropriate for the mission at hand. Adapt to the challenges ahead.
• Learn from Your Mistakes: You're going to die a lot in Helldivers 2. It's part of the experience. Don't get discouraged by your failures. Learn from your mistakes and try again. Every death is a learning opportunity.
• Support Super Earth!: The war for Super Earth is a global effort. Contribute to the cause by completing missions, earning medals, and unlocking new weapons and Stratagems. Every little bit helps!

So there you have it, future Helldivers! With this guide, you're well-equipped to tackle the tutorial mission and embark on your journey to spread managed democracy across the galaxy. Remember to stay alert, stay focused, and never, ever give up. Super Earth is counting on you! Now get out there and show those bugs and bots what you're made of! Good luck, and may the force... I mean, may liberty be with you!