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Discover everything you need to know about the best Orbital Stratagem Tier List in Helldivers 2 and what makes them the best and worst.
Orbital Stratagems are powerful offensive tools that allow players to call in devastating attacks to eliminate foes and control the battlefield. Each Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2 plays a specific role from crowd control to eliminating high-priority targets. Increase the effectiveness of these Stratagems by unlocking and equipping various ship modules. The game offers several Orbital Stratagem that can grant you unique bonuses and benefits on the battlefield. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best and worst Orbital Stratagem and which are strong against different types of enemies.
Helldivers 2 Orbital Stratagem Overview
The Orbital Precision strike is a precision, explosive shot fired from the Super Destroyer’s ATLAS Cannon. The Orbital Strike was administered by the bread and butter of the Super Earth Fleet the Super Destroyer class ship. They delivered powerful payloads and munitions from the air to the ground. Call of Duty fans may know these from the iconic mission where you can command one. You can boost their power and utility through the upgrades on the ship. These Stratagems in Helldivers 2 are deployed from the Super Destroyer which can be seen if the player looks up in the sky. These Stratagems are activated by inputting specific directional codes during missions.
Best Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2
Orbital Laser, Orbital Railcannon Strike, and Orbital Airburst Strike are the best Orbital Stratagems in Helldivers 2 due to their unique benefits. These Stratagems can deal much damage and can dominate enemies with their single usage. They are suitable for taking out larger and more heavily armed enemies. They are useful for both Terminids and Automatons. You can even enhance the effectiveness of Orbital Stratagems by investing in Ship Modules like XXL Weapons Bay, Expanded Weapons Bay, Pit Crew Hazard Pay, and Liquid-Ventilated Cockpit.
Helldivers 2 Best Orbital Stratagem Tier List
Here is our Orbital Stratagem tier list for all the Helldivers 2 players out there. Keep in mind that if your favorite Stratagem is not available in our tier list, then Orbital Stratagem has some major drawbacks that you must be aware of. This tier list will help you to equip the best Orbital Stratagem weapon while fighting in combat while your weapons are not shining.
| Tier | Orbital Stratagem |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Orbital Laser, Orbital Railcannon Strike |
| A-Tier | Orbital Airburst Strike, Orbital Gas Strike |
| B-Tier | Orbital Precision Strike, Orbital Gatling Barrage, Orbital Walking Barrage |
| C-Tier | Orbital 380MM HE Barrage, Orbital 120MM HE Barrage |
| D-Tier | Orbital Smoke Strike, Orbital EMS Strike |
S-Tier Best Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2
Orbital Laser
- Call-In Time: 1 second
- Uses: Unlimited: 3
- Cooldown Time: 300 seconds
The Destroyer’s laser cannon will sweep over the designated area, vaporizing all targets within the effective radius. This is the king of beams and the role of this tool in your kit is that of the problem solver. It’s essentially an almost instantly deploying giant laser of destruction that tracks the closest targets prioritizing the larger ones. It penetrates all armor and is the only Orbital Stratagem that has a usage cap with three uses only.
It will also target and destroy automatons, and fabricators as well as terminate bug holes. Orbital Laster has the power to weaken open up and kill any targets given enough time. However, it is indeed pretty poor against bile titans. Use its amazing power to obliterate large groups of enemies, Automaton bases, or tough single targets. It can clear enemies swiftly making it a top pick. The Orbital Laser fires a sustained laser that auto-locks on the target.
Orbital Railcannon Strike
- Call-In Time: 0 second
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 210 seconds
A high-velocity railcannon round fired at the largest target in close proximity to the beacon. Targeting is automatic. This is one the most used if not the most used Orbital Stratagem in the game. After dropping the beacon, the ship deploys a targeting laser that quickly tracks the largest target in the area for a few moments. Before firing a super Destroyer-sized rail gun shot at the target. If you’re lucky enough, this can one shot even by Titan, hulks, and charges. The amount of damage it delivers depends on where the impact is for the shot. It depends on not only the direction your target is facing but also the orientation of Destroyer in the atmosphere above you.
Orbital Railcannon Strike is the favorite Stratagem because it’s a guaranteed hit like the Eagle Rocket Pods. It can also take down bug holes, and fabricators if it targets them or a unit close enough. When it comes to aesthetics it’s on a weaker side. There are not many special effects due to it being a rail gun, so it rates lower than the rest. It can sometimes miss your intended target, making this a big downside. Orbital Railcannon Strike can one-shot the most formidable enemies and deal with heavy hitters. However, it is not reliable at one-shotting the bile titan.
A-Tier Best Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2
Orbital Airburst Strike
- Call-In Time: 1 second
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 120 seconds
A projectile which explodes while airborne, creating a deadly rain of shrapnel. Not effective against heavy armor. It launches three sequential flack-like attacks that obliterate small to medium targets within a large area. Gatling and Airburst are extremely similar as they both deliver the same munitions over the same area. The difference is obviously the air burst is well a burst rather than a sustained fire. This makes the air burst much easier to land on a target and the larger coverage means more damage potential.
Orbital Airburst Strike is obviously traded in for an extra 40-second cooldown in comparison to the Gatling. This can also kill bug holes though it doesn’t seem consistent and it will not destroy fabricators. It looks pretty epic when it booms down. However, its effectiveness is undeniable which makes it a solid choice for clearing bug breaches. Orbital Airburst Strike excels in thinning enemy ranks and is best suited for Terminids. This deadly Stratgem fires 3 barrages with a 3 seconds delay in between shots.
Orbital Gas Strike
- Call-In Time: 1 second
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 75 seconds
A projectile that releases a cloud of corrosive gas, harmful to both organic and robotic lifeforms. This deploys well a cloud of gas in a decently sized area dealing damage over time to the targets. Inflicted within. Orbital Gas Strike is one of the most underrated Orbital Stratagem on the list. This is absolutely excellent for terminant as it will eliminate most threats from a book breach with ease. With its low cooldown of just over a minute with the upgrade, you will have this ready almost every time you face one of those.
On the side of automatons, it’s decent at clearing smaller targets and good for medium targets. Orbital Gas Strikes can destroy bug holes and fabricators. The Gas Strike will destroy structures if you hit it on the target. You just need to make sure you throw it right at the door. The green explosion and haze it creates look pretty cool as well. However, its damage output and the duration of the gas cloud are underwhelming.
B-Tier Best Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2
Orbital Precision Strike
- Call-In Time: 0 second
- Uses: Unlimited: 4
- Cooldown Time: 15 seconds
A single precision shot from the Destroyer’s “ATLAS” cannon. The super destroyer fires a single 380mm that can deal a huge amount of damage. You need to lead your aim to ensure your target is hit by the center of impact for the most damage. Orbital Precision Strike can kill bile titans f you’re lucky and will take out any lesser units within a decent area. It can also destroy bug holes, fabricators, and any structures.
With its low cooldown, it can actually be a very decent one to pick up in the harder difficulties. This makes this Stratagem more consistent and easier to use effectively. The 380mm explosion looks absolutely amazing and dominates the enemies on the battlefield. However, it takes forever to hit with its extra call-in time. The Orbital Precision Strike is a fantastic choice for targeted elimination of harder enemies across both factions.
Orbital Gatling Barrage
- Call-In Time: 1 second
- Uses: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 80 seconds
A barrage of high explosive rounds, fired from Destroyer’s high speed rotary autocannons. This Stratagem utilizes the rather large Gatling cannons on the super Destroyer. It bombards a small fixed area with four to five salvos of eight impacts. The size of rounds is between 25 to 40mm for real-life reference. This does a good job of clearing any small to medium targets caught in the attack zone. Orbital Gatling Barrage can do a respectable amount of damage to larger targets if they’re caught by multiple impacts like weakening and opening up charges.
You will have to time it well to catch hulks and charges with more hits. You also have to pray to RNG guards your shots line up with your targets. They totally miss the things you intend to engage in if you have a specific target in mind. Something to bear in mind as well is that it can destroy bug holes but automatons or fabricators. It gives the view of the shower of rounds coming from the sky and impacting the grass. Orbital Gatling Barrage’s performance is overshadowed by more effective options. It is more efficient against lesser foes and boasts a favorable cooldown.
Orbital Walking Barrage
- Call-In Time: 2 seconds
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 240 seconds
A linear artillery barrage which moves at intervals, driving the enemy out from cover while allowing an advance. This is essentially 3~4 salvos of free 380mm precision strikes. Orbital Walking Barrage has absolutely huge damage potential across a very large area. Unlike the other two Barrages, the Walking Barrage strikes a vaguely predictable area. It launches each salvo a step back from each other in a line. This makes it slightly safer to use around your team as you can anticipate where the salvos are likely to land.
Whenever you have a large number of enemies moving toward your position, this is perfect if you drop it relatively close to yourself. Orbital Walking Barrage is also good for large bases as well as each round having the same damage potential as the precision strike. This Walking Barrage excels in clearing paths and securing objectives with its explosion. It has the ability to disrupt enemies but it lacks effectiveness against towers.
C-Tier Best Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2
Orbital 380MM HE Barrage
- Call-In Time: 5 seconds
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 240 seconds
A prolonged barrage, wreaking extended destruction over a large area. Communication with teammates is advised. It launches five to six salvos of three rounds making it launch two more than the Walking Barrage. However, it launches them randomly here across a large fixed area. While the damage potential is huge, it is a complete gamble if you get any value from this Stratagem. The unpredictability of the strikes also makes it really good at deleting your fellow divers from existence if misused. Your best bet is to throw this into large bases or areas of enemies before your team is able to engage the location. Orbital 380MM HE Barrage is best against automatons, where it truly shines due to its extended duration. This is more effective against heavier enemies if you land a direct hit.
Orbital 120MM HE Barrage
- Call-In Time: 4 seconds
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 240 seconds
A precision artillery salvo over a small area, perfect for taking out concentrated enemy units. Orbital 120MM HE Barrage has the exact same amount of salvos as the 380 except it’s delivered in a smaller area. Each impact does less damage a hit but is generally a little more consistent at actually delivering its damage as compared to 380MM HE Barrage. It also fires each salvo much faster meaning you’re less likely to have your target exit the impact area.
It’s still plagued by inconsistency as it only kills 12 of the roughly 37 enemies, mostly small units. It can be good against both bots and bugs if you find an area that it can use to the best of its ability. The impact will also destroy bug holes and fabricators. This is a situational pick due to its unpredictable nature and risk of friendly fire. Orbital 120MM HE Barrage provides area-targeted solutions to enemy encampments mainly against bots.
D-Tier Best Orbital Stratagem in Helldivers 2
Orbital Smoke Strike
- Call-In Time: 1 second
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 100 seconds
Creates a large, thick smoke screen to block targets’ line of sight. This is likely the least used Orbital Stratagem of the bunch due to how niche it is. It deploys smoke in an area delivered by three rounds. This isn’t quite as good as the Eagle Smoke bomb. The angle of delivery for the Eagle is consistent and predictable being perpendicular to you. The Orbital Smoke Strike angle depends on where the super destroyer is in the sky which can result in unfavorable delivery sometimes.
Against bugs, smoke isn’t amazing but against bots, it can be very nice for disengagements. It’s not as cool as the gas but it’s similar. Orbital Smoke Strike gives the less strategic advantage, delayed by a long cooldown and poor utility in combat. It provides cover from enemy fire so it is best suited against Automatons.
Orbital EMS Strike
- Call-In Time: 1 second
- Uses: Unlimited: Unlimited
- Cooldown Time: 75 seconds
A compliance weapon’ to modify enemy behavior. The projectile temporarily stuns all targets within the strike radius. This is essentially a large stun field that stops all in its tracks including charges. Orbital EMS Strike keeps them there for a total of about 18 seconds. This is definitely another niche strike that we see many players didn’t take but it can be an absolute lifesaver. This is useful when you’re being chased down or overwhelmed by a large group of enemies.
When you don’t have the tools to deal with them properly it can give you and your squad time to reposition or disengage, making it effective when facing automatons. It pauses the range threat that the enemies pose and it looks pretty awesome once in impact. This is a top choice for crowd engagements due to its effectiveness and offer strategic control in intense battles. Orbital EMS Strike completely immobilizes enemies that are caught in the radius of the blast. It works well with the EMS Mortar Sentry if stun effects are required.
FAQs about Helldivers 2: Best Orbital Stratagem Tier List
What are Orbital Stratagems in Helldivers 2?
The Orbital Precision strike is a precision, explosive shot fired from the Super Destroyer’s ATLAS Cannon. They delivered powerful payloads and munitions from the air to the ground. These Stratagems are activated by inputting specific directional codes during missions.
How do I deploy an Eagle Stratagem?
To deploy an Eagle Stratagem in Helldivers, hold down the “left control” key on your keyboard. Enter the code for the desired Orbital Stratagem using the WASD keys. Open the Stratagem menu by holding down the control key. Hold the control key to select your desired orbital strike using the directional keys.
What is the best Eagle Stratagem?
Orbital Laser, Orbital Railcannon Strike, and Orbital Airburst Strike are the best Orbital Stratagems in Helldivers 2 due to their unique benefits. They can deal much damage and can dominate enemies with their single usage. They are suitable for taking out larger and more heavily armed enemies.
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