Many new divers drop onto their first planet with questions about how they got here and what it all means. This guide walks through the training process and early gameplay from the perspective of common experience, not propaganda broadcasts.
Who Actually Becomes a Helldiver?
In general, Helldivers are recruited from the existing SEAF infantry. While promotional materials suggest any citizen can apply, most players understand their character to be a soldier who was selected for exceptional (or perhaps just available) service. The training you undergo, whether in the First or Second Galactic War timeline, is designed to filter out the unprepared quickly. The age or background of your specific diver isn't a gameplay factor; once you're in the pod, you're a Helldiver.
What Was Training Like in the First Galactic War?
The earlier training regimen was notoriously brutal and practical. Recruits were awakened by an Instructor Bot that would immediately inflict a severe injury to teach first aid under pressure. The training progressed through weapon handling with the Liberator rifle, grenade throws, team coordination drills using holographic allies (HOLODIVERS), and live-fire crawling exercises. The final phase was Stratagem Training, where recruits learned to call in resupplies, dive bombs, turrets, and reinforcements from an orbiting Super Destroyer. This culminated in a simulated mission with objectives, enemy patrol mechanics, and an extraction under fire. It was comprehensive, harsh, and focused on instant obedience and core mechanics.
What Does Modern Training Involve in Helldivers 2?
The current training, overseen by General Brasch, is more streamlined but retains the deadly serious tone. It functions as the game's tutorial. You land alone and run an obstacle course to learn movement. You then face a "Highly Realistic Battlefield Simulator" (crawling under live turret fire) and a "Battlefield Injury Simulator" (forcing you to use a stim). The core combat loop is introduced step-by-step: using your sidearm against a live Terminid Warrior, closing a bug hole with a grenade, and calling in your first Orbital Precision Strike. Crucially, it teaches squad philosophy with a cardboard diver, emphasizing that reinforcements are how you replace fallen teammates. Finally, you complete a mock liberation mission, securing a flag and holding out against a bug horde before earning your cape. It's an effective, if theatrical, introduction to the game's primary systems.
How Does Progression Work After Training?
Upon graduation, you're launched to your personal Super Destroyer. This is your hub. Progression is based on two main currencies: Requisition Slips (Req) and Medals. Req is earned from missions and buys stratagems. Medals are earned through completing missions, objectives, and personal orders; they are used to unlock new weapons, armor, and cosmetics in the Acquisition Center. This grind is central to the game. Most players focus on completing all mission objectives and side tasks to maximize their Medal gain. It's worth noting that all progression is tied to your own play; there is no trading between players. While you might see third-party websites advertising helldivers 2 medals for sale, most veterans advise against this, as it bypasses the core gameplay loop and risks account penalties. Earning Medals through coordinated play with your squad is the intended and most rewarding path.
What is the Standard Mission Flow for Most Players?
The modus operandi is consistent. On your ship, you select a planet and mission from the Galactic War map. You and your squad (up to 4) prepare your loadouts—primary weapon, sidearm, stratagems, and booster. You then enter Hellpods and drop onto the planet. A typical mission involves 2-4 main objectives, several side objectives, and constant enemy patrols. The common player behavior is to move strategically, using the terrain and stealth to avoid unnecessary alarms, while completing objectives to secure samples (used for ship upgrades) and the mission itself. Extraction requires calling a shuttle and surviving a final, intense wave. Teamwork is not optional; covering each other during stratagem calls, sharing resupplies, and using reinforcements effectively are what separate success from a squad wipe.
How Important Are Stratagems Really?
Stratagems are your squad's force multiplier. They are not just "special abilities"; they are your heavy weapons, your support, and your survival tools. Most players bind a few key stratagem codes to muscle memory. In practice, a well-placed Eagle Airstrike can clear a heavily fortified position, while a carelessly called Orbital Gatling Barrage can wipe your entire team. Cooldowns are long, so usage must be deliberate. The general rule is to specialize within your squad: one player might focus on anti-armor ordnance, another on defensive turrets, another on supply logistics. Communication on what you're calling in is critical to avoid friendly fire, which the training explicitly states is unavoidable but manageable.
What Should a New Helldiver Focus On First?
Initially, don't rush to higher difficulties. Get comfortable with the core loop on Trivial to Challenging. Unlock essential stratagems like the Supply Pack, Autocannon, and/or Grenade Launcher early, as they provide utility against various enemy types. Prioritize upgrading your ship modules, especially the Orbital Cannon and Hellpod Space, as these provide passive benefits to all your missions. Most importantly, use your ping system constantly and play objectives. The community values players who work toward the mission goal over those who simply seek kills. Your training taught you the basics; real experience with your squad will teach you everything else. Welcome to the front line, Helldiver.