In Helldivers 2, surviving the galaxy's toughest missions often comes down to one critical factor—damage output. Whether you're blasting bugs or dismantling automatons, upgrading your gear effectively can mean the difference between mission success and an early extraction. Below are 20 tried-and-tested strategies to help you get the most out of your items and boost your overall damage potential.

1. Prioritize Weapon Mods That Amplify Base Damage

Basic as it sounds, the fastest route to more firepower is upgrading your primary weapons with mods that increase base damage. Don’t spread your resources too thin—focus on your go-to weapons first.

2. Max Out Armor That Boosts Weapon Efficiency

Some armor pieces provide passive buffs to recoil, reload speed, or projectile penetration. Prioritize upgrades to those that synergize with your damage-dealing weapons.

3. Upgrade Stratagems for Faster Deployment

Faster stratagem call-ins mean more firepower when you need it most. Improving your stratagem efficiency leads to quicker airstrikes, turrets, or supply drops—key tools for sustained damage.

4. Use Super Credits to Unlock High-Damage Gear

Some of the most potent weapons in the game require helldivers 2 Super Credits to unlock. Save and spend them wisely to access weapons that pack a punch in both PvE and PvP missions.

5. Focus on Critical Hit Multipliers

Certain upgrades enhance your chance to land critical hits or improve the multiplier itself. These small changes can drastically raise your DPS, especially against tougher enemies.

6. Invest in Explosive Upgrades

Grenades and rocket launchers scale well with damage boosts. If your squad runs support roles, make sure someone’s carrying upgraded explosives to handle groups and armored foes.

7. Boost Weapon Stability

Recoil reduction might not sound like a damage upgrade, but improved accuracy means more bullets hitting their target, effectively increasing your damage per magazine.

8. Select Items That Reduce Cooldowns

Shorter cooldowns for damage-focused gear, like turrets or airstrikes, give you more chances to deal area damage. Prioritize cooldown-focused upgrades for longer missions.

9. Upgrade Ammo Efficiency

Less reloading, more shooting. Look for attachments and upgrades that increase your magazine size or decrease reload times.

10. Buy Helldivers 2 Medals to Fast-Track Progress

If you're short on time but need quick access to weapon upgrades or better gear, many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals through trusted marketplaces. This can accelerate your damage-boosting journey without the grind.

11. Enhance Secondary Weapons

Don’t underestimate your pistol or backup gun. With the right upgrades, they can serve as reliable damage-dealing tools in clutch situations.

12. Coordinate Squad Loadouts

Damage isn’t just personal—it’s team-based. Communicate with your squad to cover all damage types (ballistic, explosive, flame, etc.) and tailor upgrades accordingly.

13. Use U4GM Insights for Optimized Loadouts

Many experienced players share build strategies on platforms like U4GM. Checking out recommended item combinations can give you ideas on how to maximize your damage effectively.

14. Unlock Passive Buff Items

Helldivers 2 includes items that passively boost damage or buff other gear. These are worth investing in early, as their impact compounds over time.

15. Specialize for Enemy Types

Bug armor, automaton shielding, and Illuminate trickery all require different damage approaches. Customize and upgrade gear based on your mission’s enemy type.

16. Upgrade Turrets for Area Control

Turrets can hold choke points and deal massive sustained damage. Upgrading their damage, fire rate, or ammo capacity makes them lethal tools in high-pressure zones.

17. Combine Perks with Weapon Effects

Some weapons deal fire, poison, or explosive damage. Pairing them with perks that boost these effects will compound the damage output significantly.

18. Target Weak Points With Precision Gear

Scopes, sights, and certain attachments help you target enemy weak spots more consistently. Upgrade them to make each shot count.

19. Equip Damage Buff Stim Packs

Consumables like stimulants or combat boosts can temporarily spike your damage output. Make sure they're upgraded for maximum effect during boss waves or extraction fights.

20. Upgrade Throwables With AOE Buffs

Fragmentation grenades, incendiaries, and EMP charges can all be enhanced with range or damage upgrades. These are perfect for clearing groups and disrupting enemies.

Upgrading effectively in Helldivers 2 isn't just about throwing resources at your favorite weapon—it's about optimizing your full loadout, from stratagems to gear perks. Keep an eye on your Super Credits, consider when it makes sense to buy Helldivers 2 medals, and check communities like U4GM for evolving strategies. With smart upgrades and a tactical mindset, you’ll be dealing top-tier damage across every planet you deploy to.