Helldivers 2: Does It Have A Tutorial?

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic world of Helldivers 2 and wondering if there's a tutorial to guide you through the initial mayhem? Well, you're not alone! Many new recruits are eager to understand the basics before being dropped onto bug-infested planets or clashing with heavily armed automatons. Let's break down whether Helldivers 2 offers a tutorial and what you can expect when you first boot up the game.

Initial Onboarding Experience

Helldivers 2 doesn't exactly throw you into the deep end without a life jacket, but it also doesn't hold your hand every step of the way. The game features an introductory sequence that serves as a basic orientation. This initial experience is designed to get you familiar with the core mechanics without overwhelming you with every single detail upfront. Think of it as a crash course in 'How to Spread Managed Democracy', Helldivers style.

Key Elements Covered

• Movement and Combat: You'll get a feel for how your Helldiver moves, shoots, and interacts with the environment. This includes basic weapon handling and aiming.
• Stratagems: One of the most crucial aspects of Helldivers 2 is understanding Stratagems. The tutorial introduces you to calling down these vital support abilities, which range from orbital strikes to supply drops and defensive emplacements. Mastering Stratagems is key to surviving the toughest missions.
• Objective Types: You'll encounter a simplified version of the mission objectives you'll face in the full game. This gives you a taste of what to expect, such as eliminating targets, defending areas, or retrieving valuable assets.
• Teamwork Basics: Although you might be playing solo during the initial tutorial, the game subtly introduces the importance of teamwork. It emphasizes how coordinating with teammates can make even the most daunting tasks manageable. Helldivers 2 is built around cooperative play, and this is a foundational concept.

What the Tutorial Doesn't Cover

While the initial onboarding is helpful, it intentionally leaves some aspects for you to discover on your own. This is part of the Helldivers experience – learning through trial, error, and the occasional hilarious mishap.

• Advanced Combat Techniques: Don't expect to become a combat master overnight. The tutorial touches on basic shooting and movement but doesn't delve into advanced tactics like diving, using cover effectively, or mastering different weapon types. These are things you'll learn through experience.
• Enemy Weaknesses and Behaviors: The tutorial introduces you to a few basic enemy types, but it doesn't provide an exhaustive guide to every foe you'll encounter. Understanding enemy behaviors and weaknesses is a crucial part of Helldivers 2, and this knowledge is best gained through repeated engagements.
• Stratagem Combinations and Synergies: While you'll learn how to call down Stratagems, the tutorial doesn't explain the best combinations or synergies between them. Experimenting with different Stratagem loadouts and discovering effective combinations is part of the fun.
• Ship Management and Upgrades: Your ship serves as your base of operations and is essential for upgrading your Helldiver's capabilities. The tutorial doesn't cover ship management or how to unlock new upgrades; you'll need to explore the ship's interface and complete missions to earn resources for upgrades.

Learning Through Experience

Helldivers 2 embraces the concept of 'learning by doing'. The game encourages you to experiment, adapt, and figure things out as you go. This approach can be both challenging and rewarding, as you'll gradually improve your skills and knowledge through repeated missions.

Tips for New Helldivers

1. Start with Lower Difficulty Missions: Don't be afraid to start on the easier difficulty settings. This will allow you to get comfortable with the game mechanics without facing overwhelming odds. As you improve, you can gradually increase the difficulty to earn better rewards and face more challenging enemies.
2. Experiment with Different Weapons and Stratagems: Helldivers 2 offers a wide variety of weapons and Stratagems, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with different loadouts to find what works best for your playstyle and the mission at hand.
3. Communicate with Your Team: Teamwork is essential in Helldivers 2. Use voice chat or the game's communication tools to coordinate with your teammates, share information, and develop strategies. Effective communication can make the difference between success and failure.
4. Watch Gameplay Videos and Read Guides: There are many helpful resources available online, including gameplay videos and guides created by experienced players. These resources can provide valuable insights into advanced tactics, enemy weaknesses, and effective Stratagem combinations.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Fail: Failure is a natural part of the Helldivers 2 experience. Don't get discouraged by setbacks; instead, learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities to improve. Every mission, whether successful or not, provides valuable experience.

Community Resources

One of the greatest assets for any new Helldiver is the community. The Helldivers 2 community is active, supportive, and full of experienced players willing to share their knowledge. Here are some resources you can tap into:

Official Discord Server

The official Helldivers 2 Discord server is a hub for players to connect, share tips, and find teammates. You can ask questions, participate in discussions, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates.

Reddit and Forums

Subreddits like r/Helldivers and other gaming forums are great places to find detailed guides, strategies, and discussions about the game. You can search for specific topics or ask questions to get help from experienced players.

YouTube and Twitch

Many content creators on YouTube and Twitch are dedicated to Helldivers 2. You can find gameplay videos, tutorials, and live streams that offer valuable insights into the game. Watching experienced players can help you learn new tactics and strategies.

Conclusion

While Helldivers 2 doesn't provide an extensive, hand-holding tutorial, it offers an initial onboarding experience that covers the essential mechanics. The game encourages learning through experimentation and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on community support. So, dive in, spread Managed Democracy, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. The Helldivers community is here to help you become a seasoned veteran in no time! Good luck, Helldiver, and may your Stratagems always land on target!