When missions in Helldivers 2 turn into chaotic standoffs and your squad is forced to hold ground against overwhelming waves, your choice of stratagems can make or break the defense. As someone who has survived countless extraction holds and defend-the-objective scenarios, I’ve learned through trial, error, and a fair share of clutch revives which defensive stratagems work best. This guide walks you through the eight best stratagems for defensive play, based on personal experience and squad-tested effectiveness.
Whether you’re a newcomer looking to toughen up your defense or a veteran refining your kit, these picks can keep your team alive longer—and sometimes even turn a losing situation into a glorious Helldiver victory.
To access some of the most effective defensive stratagems—especially advanced options like the Tesla Tower or EMS Mortar Sentry—you’ll need to unlock them through the Warbond system. While grinding missions can earn you what you need over time, many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits to speed up progression and get access to key tools sooner. It’s a practical option for those who want to experiment with different defensive setups without waiting through dozens of missions.
1. Shield Generator Relay
If your squad often ends up pinned down under fire, the Shield Generator Relay is a must. It provides a dome of protection that blocks most projectile attacks, giving you time to revive teammates or reload in safety. It works exceptionally well in narrow corridors or tight objective zones. In my runs on Automaton missions, this stratagem often bought us the precious seconds we needed to call in reinforcements.
2. Anti-Personnel Minefield
Nothing says “you shall not pass” like a well-placed minefield. The Anti-Personnel Minefield automatically covers an area with explosive traps that deal with enemy infantry before they get too close. It’s especially useful in bug missions where swarms charge blindly into defenses. I’ve used this to protect our backs during extraction and to cover disabled squadmates while reviving.
3. HMG Emplacement
When you have time to set up a fortified position, the HMG Emplacement is pure defensive firepower. It doesn’t require ammo resupplies and can mow down waves of enemies with sustained fire. I always assign a dedicated gunner when using it; having a teammate operate the turret while others focus on revives or objective tasks has saved countless missions.
4. Tesla Tower
The Tesla Tower offers autonomous crowd control with a satisfying zap. It fries weaker enemies in proximity and slows down tougher ones, which can be critical when trying to hold a tight perimeter. It shines in bug-heavy zones, especially when combined with other area denial tools. In several missions, I’ve used it to guard flanks while we focused fire elsewhere.
5. EMS Mortar Sentry
One of the more underrated defensive tools, the EMS Mortar Sentry lobs electromagnetic shells that slow enemy movement. While it doesn’t deal much damage, it’s perfect for controlling crowds. I’ve found this especially useful during extraction, giving us breathing room and reducing the risk of being overrun.
6. Incendiary Mines
When you’re fighting enemies that rush in overwhelming numbers—like Terminid hordes or Scavenger bots—Incendiary Mines add lethal fire damage on top of explosion effects. The lingering flames deter enemies from pushing too aggressively. Personally, I’ve used these mines to block choke points when low on ammo and still managed to hold objectives.
7. Reinforce
This classic stratagem is essential in any defensive loadout. In high-difficulty missions, casualties are inevitable, and having a fast finger for calling in Reinforce can mean the difference between mission success and squad wipe. I’ve saved entire games by preloading the Reinforce code before charging into high-risk objectives.
8. Orbital 120MM HE Barrage
While this is more offensive in nature, its effectiveness as a last-resort defensive stratagem can’t be overstated. When your team is being overwhelmed and fallback isn’t an option, dropping a 120MM HE Barrage can clear large waves and give you a reset opportunity. I’ve used this multiple times during extraction countdowns to keep zones clear while we waited for the shuttle.
Defensive play in Helldivers 2 is all about preparation, communication, and the right tools. These stratagems have kept me and my squad alive in the worst firefights—from last-minute extractions to defending against elite waves of Automatons.
When planning a defensive build, make sure to balance automation (turrets, mines), support (shields, reinforce), and raw firepower. And if you’re looking to expand your options, don’t hesitate to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits or buy helldivers 2 medals to unlock advanced stratagems faster.
