Helldivers 2: Earning Medals Guide

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-squashing, robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2, huh? Awesome! But let's be real, you're not just here for the explosions and the glory of Super Earth. You want those sweet, sweet Medals! These shiny badges of honor are the key to unlocking powerful gear and stratagems that'll turn you into a true force of democracy. But how do you get your hands on them? Are there, dare I say, cheats involved? Well, buckle up, Helldiver, because we're about to break down everything you need to know about earning Medals in Helldivers 2.

Understanding Medals in Helldivers 2

First, let's get clear on what Medals actually are. In Helldivers 2, Medals serve as a primary currency, alongside Requisition Slips and Samples. You'll use them to unlock items in the Warbond section. Warbonds are essentially battle passes, offering a tiered progression system filled with weapons, armor, emotes, and other goodies. Medals are essential for progressing through these Warbonds and acquiring the tools you need to spread managed democracy effectively.

Now, the big question: are there cheats to get Medals? Let's be blunt: straight-up cheats that instantly grant you Medals? No, those don't exist. And honestly, even if they did, using them would probably ruin the fun of the game. Helldivers 2 is all about the challenge, the teamwork, and the sheer satisfaction of overcoming overwhelming odds. However, there are definitely strategies and efficient methods you can use to maximize your Medal earnings. Think of it less as cheating and more as optimizing your gameplay for maximum reward. We're talking about playing smarter, not harder, and that's what this guide is all about. So, if you were expecting a magic button to press for instant riches, sorry to disappoint! But if you're ready to learn how to become a Medal-earning machine through skill and strategy, then keep reading!

Primary Ways to Earn Medals

Alright, let's dive into the main ways you'll be accumulating those precious Medals in Helldivers 2. There are primarily two avenues to focus on:

• Completing Missions: This is your bread and butter. Each successful mission you complete rewards you with Medals. The number of Medals you receive depends on the difficulty of the mission and the number of objectives you complete within that mission. Higher difficulties mean higher risks, but they also mean significantly higher Medal payouts. Always strive to complete as many optional objectives as possible, as these often provide bonus Medals. Teamwork is key here, guys! Coordinate with your squad to tackle objectives efficiently and ensure a successful extraction.
• Tackling Daily and Major Orders: Keep an eye on the Galactic War map for Daily and Major Orders. Daily Orders are smaller, individual challenges that reward a handful of Medals upon completion. Major Orders are larger, community-wide objectives that task all Helldivers with achieving a specific goal, such as liberating a planet or eradicating a particular enemy threat. Successfully contributing to a Major Order can net you a significant Medal reward, often in the hundreds! These are time-sensitive, so prioritize them when they're available. Participating in Major Orders is not only a great way to earn Medals but also to contribute to the overall war effort and feel like a part of something bigger. Remember, every bug you squash and every bot you dismantle brings Super Earth closer to victory!

Maximizing Medal Gains: Tips and Strategies

Okay, so you know how to earn Medals, but let's talk about how to earn them faster and more efficiently. These tips and strategies will help you optimize your Medal grind and unlock those sweet Warbond rewards in no time.

• Difficulty Matters: As mentioned earlier, higher difficulty levels offer significantly better Medal rewards. While it might be tempting to stick to lower difficulties for an easy win, you'll earn Medals much faster by pushing yourself and your team to tackle higher challenges. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a difficulty level that balances risk and reward for your squad. Remember, communication and coordination are crucial when playing on higher difficulties. Make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, and don't be afraid to adjust your strategy on the fly.
• Complete All Objectives: Each mission typically has a main objective and several optional objectives. Always strive to complete all of them. Optional objectives often provide bonus Medals, Requisition Slips, and Samples, making them well worth the effort. Before starting a mission, take a look at the map and identify all the objectives. Plan your route and prioritize the objectives that offer the most rewards. Teamwork is essential here, as some objectives may require multiple players to complete.
• Teamwork is Dreamwork: Helldivers 2 is designed to be a cooperative experience. Playing with a coordinated team is far more efficient and enjoyable than going solo. Communicate with your teammates, coordinate your stratagems, and support each other in combat. A well-coordinated team can tackle even the most challenging missions with ease, maximizing your Medal earnings in the process. Use voice chat or text chat to communicate effectively with your team. Share information about enemy locations, objective progress, and any potential threats. Remember, you're all in this together, so work together to achieve victory!
• Optimize Your Loadout: Experiment with different weapons, armor, and stratagems to find a loadout that suits your playstyle and the mission objectives. Some weapons are more effective against certain enemy types, while some stratagems can provide valuable support to your team. Before starting a mission, consider the types of enemies you'll be facing and the challenges you'll encounter. Choose a loadout that will give you the best chance of success. Don't be afraid to switch things up if your initial loadout isn't working out.
• Focus on Efficiency: Time is money, or in this case, time is Medals. The faster you can complete missions, the more Medals you'll earn per hour. Avoid unnecessary risks and focus on completing objectives as quickly and efficiently as possible. Plan your route carefully and prioritize the objectives that offer the most rewards. Use stratagems to quickly eliminate enemies and clear obstacles. Don't waste time exploring areas that don't have any objectives or resources.

Are There Medal Glitches or Exploits?

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: glitches and exploits. In any game with a progression system, players will inevitably search for ways to bypass the intended mechanics and gain rewards more easily. However, it's important to note that exploiting glitches or using unauthorized third-party software is generally frowned upon and can even lead to account bans. While there might be temporary glitches that allow players to earn Medals faster than intended, these are usually patched quickly by the developers. Relying on glitches is not a sustainable strategy for earning Medals in the long run. Instead, focus on mastering the game's mechanics and using the strategies outlined above to maximize your Medal gains.

Furthermore, using glitches or exploits can ruin the fun for yourself and other players. Helldivers 2 is designed to be a challenging and rewarding experience, and bypassing the intended mechanics can diminish the sense of accomplishment. Additionally, using unauthorized third-party software can expose your computer to security risks, such as viruses and malware. It's simply not worth the risk. So, steer clear of any shady tactics and focus on playing the game legitimately. You'll earn Medals at a steady pace, and you'll have a much more enjoyable experience in the process. Remember, the glory of Super Earth is earned through hard work and dedication, not through cheating!

Warbond Prioritization: What to Unlock First?

So, you're raking in the Medals, but what should you spend them on? The Warbond is packed with enticing goodies, but some items are more impactful than others. Here's a general guideline on what to prioritize:

• Weapons: New weapons are always a good investment. They offer different playstyles and can be more effective against certain enemy types. Experiment with different weapons to find ones that suit your preferences and the mission objectives. The AR-23 Liberator is a solid starting weapon, but consider unlocking the SG-225 Breaker shotgun early on for its devastating close-range power. As you progress, unlock weapons like the Diligence or the Scorcher for more specialized roles.
• Armor: New armor sets can provide valuable protection and passive bonuses. Look for armor that complements your playstyle and the mission objectives. Armor with increased grenade capacity can be useful for clearing out hordes of enemies, while armor with reduced recoil can improve your accuracy with certain weapons. Don't underestimate the value of passive bonuses, as they can significantly enhance your survivability and effectiveness.
• Stratagems: While stratagems are unlocked with Requisition Slips, it's worth mentioning that they are crucial for success in Helldivers 2. Focus on unlocking stratagems that provide valuable support to your team, such as the Orbital Laser, the Eagle Airstrike, and the Supply Pod. These stratagems can turn the tide of battle and make even the most challenging missions manageable.
• Cosmetics: While cosmetics don't provide any gameplay advantages, they allow you to customize your Helldiver and stand out on the battlefield. If you have Medals to spare, feel free to unlock some cosmetic items that you like. After all, looking good is half the battle!

Ultimately, the best way to prioritize your Warbond unlocks is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try out different weapons, armor, and stratagems to see what suits your playstyle and the mission objectives. And remember, teamwork is key! Coordinate with your team to choose unlocks that complement each other and provide a well-rounded squad.

Final Thoughts

Earning Medals in Helldivers 2 is all about playing smart, working as a team, and pushing yourself to tackle higher challenges. There are no magic cheats to instantly unlock everything, but by following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your Medal gains and unlock those sweet Warbond rewards in no time. So, gear up, Helldiver, and get out there and spread some managed democracy! Remember, the fate of Super Earth rests on your shoulders. Now go forth and earn those Medals!