Helldivers 2: Does It Have A Tutorial?
So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2, huh? Awesome! But before you start spreading managed democracy across the galaxy, you might be wondering: "Is there even a tutorial to show me the ropes?" Let's break it down, guys, so you can be the best Helldiver you can be.
Diving into Democracy: The Helldivers 2 Tutorial Experience
Helldivers 2 throws you into the thick of it pretty quickly, and while it doesn't hold your hand with a super-extensive, drawn-out tutorial, it does offer a basic training sequence to get you acquainted with the core mechanics. Think of it as a crash course in freedom delivery! This initial training is designed to familiarize you with the essential controls, weapon usage, and strategic elements that define the Helldivers experience. It's less about spoon-feeding you every single detail and more about giving you the tools to learn on the fly – which, honestly, is pretty on-brand for a game about surviving overwhelming odds.
When you first boot up the game, you'll be guided through a series of exercises that cover movement, aiming, shooting, and deploying stratagems. These stratagems are your bread and butter, your orbital strikes, your supply drops, and your robotic exosuits. Learning how to use them effectively is crucial to success. The tutorial will walk you through calling them in, understanding their cooldowns, and aiming them properly. Pay close attention here, because a poorly aimed stratagem can be just as dangerous to you and your teammates as it is to the enemy!
Beyond the basics, the tutorial also introduces you to the Super Destroyer, your personal command center in orbit. This is where you'll manage your loadouts, select missions, and upgrade your arsenal. While the tutorial doesn't delve too deeply into the intricacies of ship management, it gives you a good overview of the key functions and how to navigate the interface. You’ll learn how to acquire new stratagems using Requisition Slips. Also how to upgrade your ship modules using Samples found during missions to gain passive bonuses.
The training sequence is relatively short and sweet, focusing on practical skills rather than lengthy explanations. You'll learn by doing, which is definitely the Helldivers way. Don't expect a comprehensive guide to every single weapon, enemy type, or mission objective. The game encourages you to experiment, explore, and learn from your mistakes (and you will make mistakes – glorious, hilarious mistakes!).
Key things you'll learn in the Helldivers 2 tutorial:
- Basic movement and combat controls
- How to use different weapons and grenades
- Deploying and utilizing stratagems
- Navigating the Super Destroyer
- Understanding mission objectives
Why the "Learn by Doing" Approach Works
Some players might find the lack of a super-detailed tutorial a bit daunting at first. But the "learn by doing" approach is actually one of the game's strengths. Helldivers 2 is all about emergent gameplay, unexpected challenges, and adapting to ever-changing circumstances. A lengthy tutorial would likely stifle that sense of discovery and experimentation.
By throwing you into the deep end, the game encourages you to collaborate with your teammates, communicate effectively, and figure things out as you go. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that's central to the Helldivers ethos. Plus, let's be honest, half the fun of Helldivers 2 is learning from your screw-ups. Who hasn't accidentally called in an airstrike on their own position? It's all part of the charm!
Moreover, the game's community is incredibly active and helpful. If you're struggling with a particular aspect of the game, there are tons of resources available online, from guides and videos to forums and Discord servers. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help! Veteran Helldivers are usually more than happy to share their knowledge and experience with newcomers.
Here's why the minimal tutorial is a good thing:
- Encourages experimentation and discovery
- Promotes teamwork and communication
- Creates memorable and hilarious moments
- Fosters a strong sense of community
- Keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging
Tips for New Helldivers
Okay, so you've completed the basic training and you're ready to spread some democracy. Here are a few tips to help you survive your first few missions:
- Stick with your team: Helldivers 2 is designed to be a cooperative experience. Wandering off on your own is a surefire way to get overwhelmed and eaten by bugs (or blasted by robots). Stay close to your squad, communicate effectively, and support each other.
- Use your stratagems wisely: Stratagems are your most powerful tools, but they have cooldowns. Don't waste them! Think carefully about when and where to deploy them. A well-timed airstrike can clear out a horde of enemies, while a poorly placed one can wipe out your entire team.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate: Communication is key to success in Helldivers 2. Use your microphone to coordinate with your teammates, call out enemy positions, and request assistance when needed. Even simple callouts like "Bug breach!" or "Need ammo!" can make a huge difference.
- Don't be afraid to die: Death is a constant in Helldivers 2. You're going to die a lot. Don't get discouraged! Learn from your mistakes, adapt your tactics, and keep fighting. Remember, every death is a step closer to victory (or at least a step closer to unlocking new gear).
- Experiment with different loadouts: There are tons of different weapons, stratagems, and armor options in Helldivers 2. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Try different combinations and see what fits your playstyle.
- Complete the basic training first. While the game doesn’t require you to complete training, it is there for a reason. It teaches valuable skills like how to dive for cover, how to use stims, and more. Don’t skip it!
Mastering Advanced Techniques
After you've got the basics down, it's time to start exploring some more advanced techniques. Here are a few things to consider:
- Learn to dive: Diving is an essential skill in Helldivers 2. It allows you to quickly evade enemy attacks, take cover behind obstacles, and even move faster in certain situations. Practice diving frequently and learn to time your dives effectively.
- Master the art of reloading: Reloading can be a dangerous activity in Helldivers 2, especially when you're surrounded by enemies. Learn to reload quickly and efficiently, and always try to find a safe spot to reload if possible.
- Use the environment to your advantage: The environments in Helldivers 2 are often filled with obstacles, cover points, and even environmental hazards. Use these to your advantage! Take cover behind rocks, lure enemies into explosive barrels, and use the terrain to funnel enemies into choke points.
- Coordinate stratagem combos: Some stratagems work particularly well together. For example, you can use an EMS Mortar to slow down enemies and then follow it up with an airstrike to wipe them out. Experiment with different stratagem combinations to find what works best for you.
- Pay attention to enemy weaknesses: Each enemy type in Helldivers 2 has its own strengths and weaknesses. Learn to identify these weaknesses and exploit them. For example, armored enemies are vulnerable to anti-armor weapons, while weaker enemies can be easily dispatched with grenades or machine guns.
Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos
So, does Helldivers 2 have a tutorial? Yes, but it's more of a starting point than a comprehensive guide. The game encourages you to learn by doing, experiment with different strategies, and collaborate with your teammates. Embrace the chaos, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun! After all, spreading managed democracy is a messy business, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Now get out there and show those bugs (and robots) what you're made of, Helldiver!