Introduction

Boosters play a crucial role in Helldivers 2, especially with the introduction of several new boosters and the restriction of only 4 available slots. This guide provides an overview of the different boosters, discusses example loadouts for various mission types, and proposes potential reworks to improve the system.

Table of Boosters

Boosters in more detail

1. Health Pod Optimization
   • Effect: Helldivers emerge from the Hellpod fully stocked on Ammo, Grenades, and Stims.
   • Usage: This booster is essential as it increases survivability by providing necessary resources right from the start. It’s particularly useful during reinforcement loops and resource management. Recommended as a ship upgrade for consistent availability.
2. Vitality Enhancement
   • Effect: Increases max HP by 30% and reduces limb injury risk.
   • Usage: Crucial for saving reinforcements by enhancing survivability. Prevents being easily downed by strong enemies and helps mitigate unlucky situations.
3. UAV Recon Booster
   • Effect: Increases radar range by 50% for all Helldivers.
   • Usage: Primarily useful for spotting Points of Interest (POIs) during super credit/medal farming on lower difficulties.
4. Stamina Enhancement
   • Effect: Boosts sprint duration by 30% and stamina regeneration by 66%.
   • Usage: Vital for quick escapes and navigating open areas under threat. Especially beneficial for heavy armor users.
5. Muscle Enhancement
   • Effect: Reduces movement slow in adverse terrain.
   • Usage: Previously top-tier for bug missions, its importance has diminished after patches reduced the impact of slow effects. Still valuable for traversing snowy and icy planets.
6. Increased Reinforcement Budget
   • Effect: Adds one extra reinforcement per Helldiver (up to 5 in a full party).
   • Usage: Useful in worst-case scenarios, though other boosters that enhance survivability might prevent the need for extra reinforcements. Niche uses in specific missions like Eradicate.
7. Flexible Reinforcement Budget
   • Effect: Reduces reinforcement replenishment time by 10%.
   • Usage: Generally ineffective as it only becomes relevant when reinforcements are depleted. Not recommended.
8. Localization Confusion Booster
   • Effect: Increases cooldown for Bug Breaches and Bot Drops by ~10%.
   • Usage: Provides extra time to deal with waves, although its effectiveness has been slightly reduced by recent patches.
9. Expert Extraction Pilot
   • Effect: Decreases extraction time by 15%.
   • Usage: Typically unhelpful as reducing extraction time does not significantly impact mission success. Can be counterproductive in Blitz missions.
10. Motivational Shocks
    • Effect: Reduces slow duration by ~25%.
    • Usage: Useful for bug missions to aid in escapes, though other boosters like Experimental Infusion are generally more effective.
11. Experimental Infusion
    • Effect: Stims provide +15% movement speed and damage reduction for ~10 seconds.
    • Usage: Excellent for sprinting through dangerous areas and surviving heavy attacks. Highly recommended for enhancing mobility and defense.

Loadouts

1. General Allrounder: Health Pod Optimization, Vitality Enhancement, Stamina Enhancement, Experimental Infusion
   • Alternative:
     • Health Pod Optimization, Vitality Enhancement, Stamina Enhancement, Localization Confusion
     • Health Pod Optimization, Vitality Enhancement, Stamina Enhancement, Motivational Shocks (bugs only)
2. Snow Planets: Health Pod Optimization, Vitality Enhancement, Stamina Enhancement, Muscle Enhancement
3. Orbital Barrage Eradicate: Health Pod Optimization, Vitality Enhancement, Experimental Infusion, Increased Reinforcement Budget
4. Super Credit/Medal Farm: UAV Recon Booster, Stamina Enhancement, Muscle Enhancement, Experimental Infusion

Example Loadouts