Holding objectives in Helldivers 2 can be one of the most intense and chaotic parts of any mission. When you’re down to your last magazine, your teammates are bleeding out, and enemies keep coming in waves, staying alive feels nearly impossible. As a veteran Helldiver who has played across multiple campaigns and difficulties, I’ve learned how to keep a cool head and hold ground even when ammo is scarce. These five survival tips can help you stay in the fight and protect your objectives when bullets are running low.
1. Conserve Ammo With Controlled Bursts
One of the earliest lessons I learned in Helldivers 2 was that panic firing is a guaranteed way to waste your last few rounds. Instead of holding the trigger, use short, controlled bursts. Aim for critical spots on enemies—especially the head or weak points—whenever possible. This habit has saved me more times than I can count, especially when facing off against Automatons or Terminids with limited supplies.
When I was defending a launch pad with only 20 bullets left, controlled shooting helped me buy enough time until a resupply beacon could be called in. Discipline makes the difference between surviving and restarting.
2. Use Stratagems Wisely
Your Stratagems are your best allies when ammo is running dry. I recommend always bringing at least one support Stratagem like the Resupply Pack or an orbital bombardment to help deal damage when your weapons can’t. Prioritize high-impact Stratagems that require minimal setup.
Personally, I never go into a mission without the Resupply or Mortar Sentry Stratagem. Even if I don’t use them early, they become game-changers in moments of desperation. Timing their deployment correctly has helped my squad hold critical uplink zones with almost no ammo left.
3. Melee When You Must
In a recent mission on a higher difficulty, our squad ran out of ammo during a bug nest defense. All we had left were our bayonets and fists. Surprisingly, melee attacks—while risky—can be effective for crowd control when you’re cornered.
The key is positioning and timing. Don’t blindly charge in. Let enemies come to you one at a time, and use your melee when they’re close. It won’t replace your rifle, but it might give you the few extra seconds you need to call in support or escape.
4. Leverage Environmental Hazards
One overlooked survival method is using the map to your advantage. Many objective areas have natural hazards like lava flows, cliffs, and explosive barrels. If you’re out of ammo, kite enemies into these hazards.
In one of my Helldivers 2 matches, we were out of everything—ammo, Stratagems, and hope. I led a group of bugs toward an active lava fissure and used it to wipe out a swarm. It wasn’t glorious, but it worked.
5. Communicate and Coordinate With Your Team
When ammo is low, communication becomes your lifeline. Let your team know your status and coordinate efforts to share resources and protect objectives. If someone has extra ammo, ask for a drop. If a Stratagem is incoming, provide cover while it’s being used.
Some of my most successful objective defenses happened not because we were well-equipped, but because we worked together seamlessly. I recall a time when we were all down to pistols. By rotating who held the front and who reloaded or revived others, we held out for a full two minutes against waves of Automatons—barely surviving until extraction.
Surviving with minimal ammo in Helldivers 2 is not just about what you carry—it’s about how you play. Situational awareness, discipline, and team coordination often matter more than firepower. Remember, your mission is bigger than any one Helldiver. Adapt, endure, and push forward.
And if you’re looking to maximize your experience, gear, and progression, Helldivers 2 Super Credits for PC buy now is a great way to unlock elite equipment that can help you prepare for low-ammo situations and more. Stay prepared, stay tactical, and dive hard.
