If you’ve been diving into Helldivers 2, you’ve probably noticed just how devastating the Orbital Laser can be. This high-powered stratagem is perfect for clearing large swarms of enemies or dealing massive damage to tough targets. However, with great power comes great responsibility—and using the Orbital Laser recklessly can quickly turn a tactical advantage into a disaster. Here’s a guide on how to use it safely and effectively.
1. Understand the Targeting Mechanic
The first step to safe usage is knowing how the Orbital Laser targets. It requires a clear line of sight, and once deployed, it has a short delay before impact. Always double-check your surroundings, as friendly fire is fully enabled. Avoid deploying the laser near teammates or objectives to prevent accidental wipes.
2. Coordinate With Your Team
Communication is key. Make sure your squad knows when and where you’re planning to strike. A coordinated approach allows you to maximize damage while keeping everyone out of harm’s way. Some players even mark zones visually in-game to indicate safe drop points.
3. Use It in Controlled Environments
The Orbital Laser is most effective in controlled spaces, such as narrow corridors or enemy chokepoints. Open fields can be risky, as stray enemies—or teammates—can wander into the blast radius. Timing and positioning are critical, especially during missions with mixed enemy types.
4. Manage Cooldowns Wisely
Because the Orbital Laser is a powerful tool, it comes with a significant cooldown. Avoid spamming it and plan your usage around key moments in a mission. Pairing it with crowd-control weapons or abilities can help you secure kills more efficiently and reduce the risk of wasting a shot.
5. Take Advantage of Helldivers 2 Shop and Resources
If you’re looking to upgrade your loadouts or gain extra resources for strategic tools like the Orbital Laser, the Helldivers 2 shop offers options to enhance your arsenal. Some players even choose to buy Helldivers 2 super credits to accelerate unlocking advanced stratagems, giving them more opportunities to practice safe laser use.
6. Learn From Experience
Finally, like most mechanics in Helldivers 2, mastering the Orbital Laser takes practice. Start with smaller enemy groups, and gradually move on to more complex scenarios. Observing the blast radius and timing will make it second nature, reducing the risk to both you and your teammates.
Using the Orbital Laser can be a game-changer if applied correctly. Keep safety in mind, coordinate with your team, and use resources wisely to make every strike count. U4GM recommends practicing in controlled environments until you feel confident—after all, precision beats power when it comes to survival.