Helldivers 2offers a chaotic but strategic gameplay that thrives on teamwork and explosions. However, there is much more to the experience than meets the eye. While players can master the basics in a dozen hours or so, they can easily overlook several hidden mechanics and features. These are not justbeginner tips inHelldivers 2. They are gameplay elements that are easy to miss. From surprising ways to interact with the environment to using emotes to spread managed democracy, here are 10 things players probably did not know they could do inHelldivers 2.

10Players Can Shoot Behind While Running

Requires One-Handed Weapons

Many players do not know they canshoot behind themselves while running awayinHelldivers 2. This is only possible with one-handed weapons and is a highly useful technique to effectively kite enemies while staying on the move.

The StA-11 SMG is an excellent weapon for kiting and shredding enemies inHelldivers 2. It was added for free via theKillzone 2crossover event.

Helldivers 2 - Shoot Behind

9Saluting Raises the Flag Quicker

When raising the flag of Super Earth, performing the Salute emote inHelldivers 2helps complete the Spread Democracy mission objective faster. The more the saluting players, the quicker the flag flies up. So, call down sentries to set up a defense, and have all four playerssalute the flag for as long as possible.

8The HUD Can Be Hidden

Take Clean Screenshots

Helldivers 2features adefault hotkey to hide the HUDfor improved immersion. Hence, players can toggle their HUD in real time to take clean, beautiful screenshots without installing any mods. HitMouse 5 on PCor change the keybind from the gameplay settings.

7Going Prone in Shallow Waters Causes Drowning

Professional Swimming Tip

Everyone knows swimming too long in deep waters can cause players to drown inHelldivers 2. However, players can also die if they go prone in small pools of water. When engaging enemies near coastlines, remember to not stay prone for too long in shallow waters.

6Pings Can Be Countered

Give Negative Pings to Another Player’s Ping

Pinging enemies and objectives inHelldivers 2improves team coordination. However, players might not know they can disagree with other players' pings by giving them a thumbs down. Hold down the ping button over another ping to give a negative, updating the entire team. Following that, players can issue a new ping to counter the initial order.

5Headless Brood Commanders Stop Chasing If Meleed

Let Them Bleed Out in Peace

Brood Commanders and Warriors gain increased movement speed after losing their heads, charging players in a berserk state before bleeding out in a few seconds. Instead of wasting precious ammunition to finish them off, especially when facing a hoard, use a melee attack. They will bestunned long enough to bleed to death, stopping them from chasing players around and allowing players to focus on other enemies in peace.

4Crouching/Proning Reduces Explosion Damage

Hit the Deck to Stop Dying From Rockets

Something else players probably did not know was possible inHelldivers 2was mitigating explosive damage by going prone, crouching, or diving.

Whenfighting the Automatons, make it a habit to crouch or prone while shooting. This not only increases accuracy for high fire-rate weapons like the Machine Gun and Stalwart, but alsoreduces the chance of dying in a single rocket explosion. The same rule applies to friendly Eagle Airstrikes or Orbital Strikes.

Helldivers 2 - Salute the Flag

3Get +100 Super Credits for Free

The Legends Are True

Whenfarming Super Credits inHelldivers 2, players have anextremely rare chance of looting +100 SCinstead of the usual +10 SC. This is possible even on level 1 - Trivial difficulty missions and is not a bug or glitch. Every time players come across a Super Credits loot pile, the game rolls a die to determine whether to give +10 or +100 SC. Hence, players can spam Trivial missions to increase the chance of looting more Super Credits.

Similarly, +1000 Requisitions and +30 Medals are also possible.

Helldivers 2 - No HUD

2Smoke Pods Can Launch Players in the Air

Botanic Propulsion Effects

Some planets inHelldivers 2have these pods-like plants that expel smoke. Running into them causes them to explode to create a cloud of smoke, which is perfect for breaking the enemy’s light of sight. However, if players stand on these smoke pods and melee or shoot them, they will be launched into the air. This can be a lifesaver for escaping a tough fight or breaking free from a swarm of enemies.

1Mid-Air Emotes Reduce Fall Damage

Ask for Hugs While Falling

The next time players are launched into the air due to a massive explosion, make sure touse an emotebefore hitting the ground. Thishelps reduce fall damageand ensures players do not die on impact. This is probably oneHelldivers 2fact that all players must know is possible, especially against the Automatons where rocket barrages have players flying all over the map.

Helldivers 2 - Drowning

Helldivers 2 - Comms Ping

Helldivers 2 - Alpha Commander

Helldivers 2 - Proned

Helldivers 2 - 100 SC

Helldivers 2 - Exploding Smoke Plants

Helldivers 2 - Falling