When facing GATER missions in Helldivers 2, your loadout matters just as much as your aim. Stratagems can turn the tide of a mission, but choosing the wrong ones can leave your squad overwhelmed or even wiped. Having run countless operations against Automatons and Terminids, I’ve learned that some tools just don’t cut it in GATER scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of what not to bring, and why it matters.

Avoid Overly Explosive Stratagems

It’s tempting to bring the biggest booms you can, but GATER missions often have tighter maps with objectives near sensitive areas. Rocket pods, heavy airstrikes, and even some cluster bombs can end up doing more harm than good. You’ll wipe squads, lose objectives, or trigger spawns you weren’t ready for. A safer bet is precision tools like the Orbital Laser or Eagle Strafing Run, which keep the damage focused.

Don’t Overcommit to Anti-Armor

Yes, GATER missions can spawn armored enemies, but bringing three anti-tank options is overkill. The Expendable Anti-Tank or Railgun covers most of what you need. Loading up on multiple heavy launchers wastes slots that could’ve gone to utility picks like supply packs, resupplies, or defensive turrets. Balance is key, and overpreparing for one enemy type can leave you exposed to swarms.

Skip Stratagems That Slow the Squad

Some stratagems look powerful on paper but bog down your team. Heavy emplacement turrets, for example, can lock you into static defense when GATER missions usually demand mobility. Likewise, calling in slow-striking bombardments can break your squad’s rhythm. The best squads stay moving, covering objectives without getting pinned by their own tools.

Focus on Utility and Sustain Instead

Instead of weighing down your loadout with risky or redundant stratagems, lean into support. Supply packs, shield generators, and quick-response ordnance keep squads alive longer. Players who invest smartly in their loadouts often supplement this with resources — for example, some turn to buy Helldivers 2 super credits to unlock more flexibility. Having a wider pool of helldivers 2 items for sale means you can adapt to missions more effectively, whether you’re rolling with friends or random squads.

Choosing the right stratagems in Helldivers 2 is about more than raw firepower — it’s about making your squad’s life easier. GATER missions punish mistakes, and bringing unsafe or redundant tools is one of the fastest ways to fail. Keep your loadout lean, focus on precision and sustain, and your success rate will climb. For players looking to expand their arsenal faster, U4GM remains a well-known name in the community when it comes to resources and loadout options.