Helldivers 2sends you onto planets to fight the Galactic War against two nemesis factions. While each faction has a unique combat style and approach, a better-equipped diver will surpass all odds and survive.

You can always equip the best weapons in the game to get an edge in combat. However, using a Shield build gives you extra damage protection against ranged attacks, which is useful, especially while fighting Automatons. Your diver does not get indestructible, but taking in more damage becomes achievable. This guide breaks down all the stratagems, gear, and playstyle for the Shield build in the game.

A player calling best shield stratagems in the field of Helldivers 2

The Best Stratagems For A Shield Build

Equipping the Ballistic Shield Backpack stratagem is given for the Shield build. However, you still get to fill three more slots withthe best stratagems, synergizing with the overall setup.

Thepurpose of the Shield build is not to become a tank but to lead the squad, take more ranged damage,and give the rest of the team a chance to strike. While enemies aggro you as you run in the front, your squadmates open fire behind you and wipe out waves much more easily.

Ballistic Shield Backpack Stratagem menu in Helldivers 2

Ballistic Shield Backpack

SH-20 Ballistic Shield Backpackis the only indestructible Shield you may usein the game. When you equip the Shield, the diver holds it in the left hand.Assault Rifles and shotguns will be disabledby default when youequip the Shield withthe left hand.

Aiming down the sight on the right-handed weapon will allow the diver toassume a fortified posture: Shield at the front protecting the diver, and the gun on the right firing from the Shield’s cover.

M-105 Stalwart weapon buy screen in Helldivers 2

You canunequip the Shield, and the diver will place it on its back. You should always do this while being chased down by Automatons. Allranged fire will have a high chance of striking the Shield and ricochetinginstead of damaging your character in the game.

M-105 Stalwart

TheShield build is very effective in close-quarter combat. You take the aggro, and the enemies will come rushing you. This lets you quickly strike the light to medium armor enemiesby using very high RPMweapons such asM-105 Stalwart.

You can always increase ordecrease the overall RPM of the M-105 Stalwart by holding down the Reload button. This will give you the option to switch the flashlight on or off and toggle the RPM of the gun from three presets.

Eagle 500 Kg Bomb stratagem screen in Helldivers 2

Eagle 500Kg Bomb

The Shield build will not protect you from the explosion of an Eagle 500Kg Bomb. Since the bomb has a small radius and does massive explosion damage,you can distract bugs and botsandescape in the last few seconds after callingEagle 500Kg Bomb.

You must utilize this offensive stratagem when there is too much crowd to control. Multiple Automaton dropships sending down bots become a common sight on higher difficulties.In swarming situations like these, the Eagle 500Kg Bomb shows its might.

Eagle Strafing Run purchase screen in Helldivers 2

Eagle Strafing Run

Theprimary goal is to distract light and medium-armored enemies away from squadmatesto the Shield build user. Sometimes, the situation gets out of hand, and you must rely on the Eagle Strafing Run stratagem to wipe the floor from bugs or bots.

Thebest part ofEagle Strafing Runis that it immediately starts firing on enemies as soon as you throw the stratagem. The zero-second call-in time turns the tide in your favor.

SMG-37 Defender primary weapon for Terminid Build in Helldivers 2

The Best Weapon Choices

With theShield in your left hand, all Assault Rifles and Shotguns will be disabledfor carrying in the right hand. That is because, by default, these are two-handed weapons, and you may only carry a one-handed primary or secondary weapon with the Shield equipped.

SMG-37 Defender

TheSMG-37 Defenderis by far thebest primary weaponselectionto run with the Shield build. It is aone-handed weapon, so your diver will equip it automatically while holding the shield.

The light armor penetrating is the highlight feature of this gun. This means you can shred small to medium-sized bugs or bots pretty fast using this SMG-37 Defender.

P-19 Redeemer Secondary weapon showcase in Helldivers 2

The SMG weapon has a green laser for enhanced aiming and less bullet spread. You should also toggle the flashlight on for this gun, as it helps with exploration during the dark.

P-19 Redeemer

TheP-19 Redeemercomes with a very high rate offire with little bullet spread. This is bad for taking out targets at medium to long range but is excellent for close-range combat. With an1100 fire rate, this SMG shreds small targets in a few bullets and medium ones in half the magazine.

You shouldnever use the P-19 Redeemer as your go-to weapon. The gun comes with limited magazines, and due to a higher rate of fire, magazines will run out quickly. Instead, use this SMG for landing killing blows only.

G-12 High Explosive Grenade stats in Helldivers 2

Grenade: G-12

TheG-12 High Explosiveis the perfect grenadeselection for the Shield build in the game.It has a three-and-a-half-second fuse time, which means you can throw it at your feet and still get some time to run off and escape the blast zone.

The best-case usage of a G-12 High Explosive grenade is when you are swarmed by bots from multiple sides. You canthrow it on your feet and make a run for it, killing most targets that attack you from close.

FS-23 Battle Master Heavy Armor showcase in Helldivers 2

Best Armor: FS-23 Battle Master

With the Shield in the left hand and G-12 High Explosive in the other, your suicidal diver is incomplete without theFS-23 Battle Master Armor. ThisArmor’s passive, Fortified, gives you 50 percent resistance from explosive damage. So, even if you cannot escape the exploding grenade on your feet, there is a high chance you will survive the blast.

FS-24 Battle Master is the best pick for the Shield build, as the Armor can be picked from the get-go in the game. The144 higher Armor Rating gives your diver extra protection, which is what you need for the Shield build user.

Stamina Enhancement Booster screen in the Booster tab of Helldivers 2-1

The Armor Rating is currently not working as intended. Developers also confirmed this in the description ofPatch 1.000.12.

Booster Selection: Stamina Enhancement

Equipping the Heavy Armor in the game comes with the drawback of reduced run speed and stamina. This can be compensated to a certain degree by selecting theStamina EnhancementBooster during the loadout selection.

ThisBooster favors all squad members with increased stamina capacity and recovery.

While playing the Eradicate Misson types, selecting the Stamina Enhancement Booster is not desirable, as the map is very limited. This Booster is effective only on large-sized maps.

Best Shield Build Playstyle

Without the proper Shield build playstyle, the uses of Shield and relative stratagems will be ineffective in combat. Playing the role is also important as the loadout you select remains locked with you throughout the mission.

You must always equip the Shield in your left hand when you assaultan area. This will block most of the ranged attacks coming from the front.Use the Eagle Strafing Gun when approaching enemies; pilotswill reduce the numbers for you by firing the Gatling gun from the air.

Place the shield on your back while being chasedby a lethal bot army. Maintain a certain distance and then time your throw so that the Eagle 500 Kg Bomb explodes at an optimal spot to kill as many enemies as possible.

If your offensive stratagems are on cooldown,use Stalwart and shred bots and bugsinto pieces. Most of the crowd control is easily achievable using this gun.