Helldivers 2: Earning Medals Fast - Tips And Tricks

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic world of Helldivers 2, huh? Awesome! But let's be real, those medals are like the golden tickets to unlocking the sweet gear and stratagems that'll turn you from a greenhorn recruit into a true liberator of Super Earth. And who doesn’t want to rain down orbital lasers and call in walking mechs sooner rather than later? The grind can feel real, but don't worry, fellow Helldiver, this guide is packed with tips and tricks to maximize your medal earnings and get you geared up in no time. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Medals in Helldivers 2

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's break down what medals actually are in Helldivers 2 and why you should care. Medals are essentially the game's premium currency, used to unlock items in the Warbond system. Think of Warbonds as battle passes filled with a variety of goodies, from new weapons and armor to emotes and cosmetic items. You'll need a steady supply of medals if you want to progress through these Warbonds and get your hands on all the cool stuff they offer. Unlike Requisition Slips, which are earned and spent on Stratagems, Medals are used to unlock items inside of the Warbonds.

Now, why is this important? Well, the equipment you unlock with medals can significantly impact your effectiveness on the battlefield. A new set of armor might give you increased protection against certain types of damage, while a different primary weapon could offer a unique playstyle that better suits your preferences. Stratagems can turn the tide of a battle, from calling in powerful airstrikes to deploying defensive turrets. By investing in the right gear, you'll be able to tackle tougher missions, support your team more effectively, and ultimately contribute more to the war effort. Consider that the better the equipment, the easier you can play the game. Furthermore, you'll look cooler, which is arguably the most important thing.

Primary Ways to Earn Medals

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. How do you actually earn these coveted medals? There are a few primary methods, each with its own pros and cons. Knowing these will help you optimize your gameplay loop for maximum medal acquisition. Here’s what you should focus on:

• Completing Missions: This is your bread and butter. Each successful mission rewards you with a set amount of medals, typically ranging from 1 to 3 depending on the difficulty and length of the mission chain. Focus on completing Operations which are comprised of multiple missions, which can net you even more medals. The faster you complete missions, the more medals you can earn in a given time frame.
• Major Orders: Keep an eye out for Major Orders! These are large-scale community objectives that, when completed, reward all participating players with a significant chunk of medals. These are time-sensitive, so make sure to prioritize them when they pop up. The rewards are usually well worth the effort.
• Finding Medals During Missions: This is where exploration comes into play. Scattered throughout the mission maps, you'll find bunkers, crashed ships, and other points of interest that often contain medal caches. These caches usually contain a small number of medals (1-3), but they add up over time. Make sure to thoroughly explore each map and keep an eye out for these hidden treasures.
• Daily Orders: These are smaller, personal objectives that refresh daily. They might task you with killing a certain number of enemies, using a specific Stratagem, or completing a particular type of mission. Completing Daily Orders usually rewards you with a handful of medals, making them a quick and easy way to boost your earnings.

Optimizing Your Medal Grind: Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the primary ways to earn medals, let's dive into some specific strategies and tips to optimize your grind. These tricks will help you earn medals faster and more efficiently, so you can unlock that sweet new gear without spending countless hours repeating the same missions.

1. Difficulty Matters, But Not Too Much

Helldivers 2 offers a range of difficulty levels, and it's tempting to crank it up to the max in hopes of earning more medals. However, that's not always the most efficient approach. While higher difficulties do offer slightly increased medal rewards, they also come with significantly increased risks and longer mission times. If you're constantly failing missions or struggling to complete them quickly, you'll actually end up earning fewer medals in the long run.

Instead, focus on finding a difficulty level that you can consistently complete quickly and efficiently. This might mean sticking to medium or challenging difficulties, at least until you've upgraded your gear and Stratagems. The goal is to maximize your completion rate and minimize your mission time, which will ultimately lead to more medals per hour. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you're challenged but not overwhelmed.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Helldivers 2 is a cooperative game at its core, and playing with a coordinated team is crucial for maximizing your medal earnings. A well-coordinated team can complete missions faster, more efficiently, and with fewer casualties. This translates to more medals earned in less time.

Communicate with your teammates, coordinate your Stratagems, and work together to clear objectives. Revive downed teammates, share resources, and support each other in combat. A team that works together is a team that earns together. Playing with randoms can be a mixed bag, so consider finding a regular group to play with. This will allow you to develop strategies, learn each other's playstyles, and ultimately become a more effective fighting force.

3. Explore Every Nook and Cranny

As mentioned earlier, medals are often hidden throughout the mission maps in caches and containers. Make sure to thoroughly explore each map and keep an eye out for these hidden treasures. Check behind buildings, inside bunkers, and around crashed ships. You never know where you might find a stash of medals.

Designate one player on your team as the designated explorer. This player can focus on searching for hidden caches while the rest of the team focuses on completing objectives. This ensures that you're not missing out on any potential medal opportunities. Also, listen carefully! The medal containers often emit a distinct sound, which can help you locate them even if they're hidden from view.

4. Focus on Quick and Efficient Missions

Some missions are simply more efficient for medal grinding than others. Look for missions that are relatively short, straightforward, and easy to complete. Defend missions, for example, can be completed quickly with a well-coordinated team. Eradication missions, where you simply have to kill a certain number of enemies, can also be a good option.

Avoid missions that are overly complex, time-consuming, or require a lot of backtracking. These missions might offer slightly higher medal rewards, but they're often not worth the extra time and effort. The goal is to maximize your medal earnings per hour, so focus on missions that you can complete quickly and consistently.

5. Optimize Your Loadout

Your choice of weapons, armor, and Stratagems can significantly impact your effectiveness on the battlefield. Experiment with different loadouts and find what works best for you and your team. Consider your team's composition and choose loadouts that complement each other.

For example, if your team is lacking in crowd control, you might want to equip a weapon or Stratagem that excels at clearing out hordes of enemies. If your team is struggling to deal with heavily armored targets, you might want to bring along a weapon or Stratagem that can penetrate armor. The right loadout can make a huge difference in your mission success rate and speed, which ultimately translates to more medals earned.

6. Complete Those Daily Orders!

Don't forget about those Daily Orders! These are quick and easy objectives that can reward you with a handful of medals each day. Make sure to check your Daily Orders regularly and complete them whenever possible. They're a great way to supplement your medal earnings and get a little extra progress towards unlocking that next Warbond item.

Even if you're not planning on playing for a long period of time, it's worth logging in just to complete your Daily Orders. They only take a few minutes to complete and can provide a significant boost to your medal income over time.

Final Thoughts

Earning medals in Helldivers 2 can feel like a grind, but by following these tips and tricks, you can significantly speed up the process. Remember to focus on completing missions efficiently, exploring each map thoroughly, and coordinating with your team. Optimize your loadout, complete your Daily Orders, and keep an eye out for Major Orders. With a little bit of effort and strategy, you'll be swimming in medals in no time, unlocking all the awesome gear and Stratagems that Helldivers 2 has to offer. Now get out there, Helldiver, and spread some managed democracy! For Super Earth!