Why do early missions feel slow for new players, and what can you do to speed things up after getting a small boost of resources? When you first jump into Helldivers 2, the early missions can feel rough. Gear is limited, stratagems aren’t fully unlocked, and every mistake seems bigger because you don’t have many tools to fix it. A lot of players look for small ways to accelerate the early grind, and that’s totally normal. So how do you make those first few hours smoother once you have some extra flexibility?

Below, I’ll walk through practical, beginner-friendly tips for speeding up your early missions, including how to use your resources wisely. These ideas come from my own experience leveling multiple accounts and helping friends get started.

Is it worth getting a small credit boost early on?

For many new players, grabbing a small bundle of Super Credits can help remove the “slow start” feeling. If you decide to buy helldivers 2 super credits, you don’t have to spend a lot; even a small amount can unlock a few useful items in the Warbond that smooth out your early gear path. The important thing is not to blow all your credits immediately. Think of them as a tool to reach good loadouts faster, not a way to skip the game.

One thing I personally like about saving a tiny stash of early credits is that it lets you unlock something meaningful the moment you feel stuck. Maybe you’re fighting Automatons and your damage feels low. Maybe bugs keep overwhelming you. Having credits for a targeted upgrade lets you adapt instead of suffering through poor gear.

What should new players unlock first to make missions easier?

The early Warbonds are full of gear, but not all items are equally helpful for brand-new Divers. So what’s worth focusing on?

Here are a few upgrades that give you the most immediate return:

A reliable primary weapon Early on, your default guns work fine, but unlocking a weapon with better stability or armor penetration makes a huge difference. You don’t need a top-tier rifle; you just need something consistent. If you’ve picked up some credits through helldivers 2 super credits for sale bundles, this is one of the safest places to spend them since your gun affects every mission.

Better grenades or utility items Grenades that do consistent damage or utility tools you can rely on can turn a chaotic fight into something you can handle. Many new players don’t realize how much these small tools matter.

Armor with a useful passive You don’t need high-tier armor right away. But something with a stamina buff or damage resistance helps you survive mistakes, which is exactly what newer players need.

These upgrades aren’t about power fantasies; they’re about comfort. When your gear feels good, you learn the game faster and have fewer frustrating wipes.

How do you spend early resources without wasting them?

A common issue I see is players dumping all their resources into random unlocks and ending up with a mix of gear that doesn’t really help them. Early on, you want to avoid buying everything just because it looks cool.

Here’s a simple rule new players can follow:

Pick one stratagem path, one weapon path, and one utility path This keeps your loadout focused. It also means you’re never stuck in a mission with mismatched gear. You can still experiment later, but early structure saves you from wasting both credits and medals.

If you’re using a marketplace such as U4GM to keep track of bundles or compare prices for in-game items, remember: your goal isn’t to grab everything at once. Your goal is to build a balanced, survivable early kit.

What mission types give the best early progress?

Not all missions reward beginners equally. If your gear is still growing, it’s better to stick to mission types that give quick progress without punishing mistakes.

Here are a few of the best early mission types:

Eradication missions These are short, fast, and straightforward. Great for learning movement and shooting.

Bug-control missions Bugs can overwhelm you, but they’re predictable. Perfect for practicing positioning.

Automaton scouting missions If you want to level your aim, these missions help a lot since you fight ranged enemies.

Focus on missions that teach you something, not missions that simply punish you. As your gear improves, you can take on more demanding content without feeling stressed.

How do stratagem choices affect your early mission success?

Stratagems are the heart of Helldivers 2 gameplay, and using the right ones early on can make even a low-level squad feel strong.

Here are simple combos that help new players win early fights:

Defensive combo Orbital Gatling + Shield Generator This helps you survive swarms and gives beginners more breathing room.

Anti-armor combo Recoilless Rifle + Supply Pack Great for early Automaton missions. It teaches teamwork as well.

Crowd-control combo Eagle Cluster Bombs + Sentry Turret This combo helps you handle spreading enemy groups without getting surrounded.

Learning just one or two strong combos makes early missions much easier. You don’t need everything unlocked; you just need something reliable.

Should you upgrade loadouts immediately or pace yourself?

Many beginners rush to fill all their equipment slots with new gear. But early on, pacing matters more than variety.

Ask yourself this question: Does this upgrade fix a problem I’m having right now?

If the answer is no, save your resources. Early missions aren’t about having fancy gear; they’re about learning positioning, threat priority, and timing. Upgrades help, but only if they solve the problems you’re actually facing.

What if you’re still struggling even with early upgrades?

It happens, and it’s normal. Helldivers 2 is chaotic and punishing by design.

Here are small adjustments that instantly help most new players:

Stick closer to your squad Wandering solo is fun until the game decides to drop a patrol on your head.

Use stratagems earlier, not later Waiting until panic hits makes your tools less effective.

Keep moving during fights Standing still is the fastest way to get swarmed, even with good gear.

Practice calling in stratagem codes quickly Speed matters more than you think.

These habits make a bigger difference than any purchase ever could.

Final Thoughts: How do you build a smooth early-game ramp?

Boosting your early missions isn’t about buying everything or rushing straight to high-level content. It’s about mixing a few smart upgrades with good habits and mission choices. If you decide to pick up a few extra resources, keep your spending focused and intentional. With the right mindset and a solid starting loadout, your first hours become much smoother and way more fun.

Fresh Release: Helldivers 2 – LAS-5 Scythe Weapon Guide