Helldivers 2: A Complete Guide to Using the Hellbomb Stratagem

[TurboArrow]

As you progress in Helldivers 2, you’ll encounter heavily fortified objectives that standard weapons can’t scratch. That’s where the NUX-223 Hellbomb comes in. It’s not a Stratagem you choose on your ship, but one provided by command when the mission specifically requires it. Understanding how it works in practice can mean the difference between a successful extraction and a chaotic team wipe.

What is the Hellbomb and When Do You Get It?

The Hellbomb is a standard-issue demolition charge, automatically available to your team during missions that require destroying large enemy structures. You don't need to unlock it. If your main or optional objective is to destroy a Command Bunker, Fuel Reserve, Spore Spewer, or similar hardened target, the Hellbomb Stratagem will be in your rotation. In general, if you see the objective marker on a massive, immovable object, you can expect to have access to it.

How Do You Actually Use the Hellbomb in a Mission?

The process is straightforward but requires coordination under pressure. First, you call it in like any other Stratagem using its code. Most players find the code easy to remember by breaking it into three motions: Down-Up-Left, Down-Up-Right, Down-Up. Once the Hellbomb pod lands, you must manually arm it by interacting with the control panel and inputting the code displayed on-screen. This is a crucial step—an unarmed Hellbomb is just a metal crate.

After arming, a 90-second countdown begins. This is your signal to retreat. The blast radius is a massive 25 meters, and the damage is uniformly lethal across that entire area; there is no safe "edge" of the explosion for a Helldiver. It’s advised to place the bomb in a covered position, if possible, to block enemy fire and ensure a safer escape route after activation. Be warned: if the armed bomb is shot by any weapon, it will detonate immediately. This makes defending it during the countdown, or carefully placing it out of enemy lines of fire, a key tactical consideration.

When is the Hellbomb the Only Option?

This is a critical point for efficiency. While the Hellbomb is provided for many structure objectives, most of them—like Bunkers or Spore Spewers—can be destroyed more quickly with other tools. A well-placed 500kg Eagle bomb or a series of Orbital Lasers often gets the job done faster and from a safer distance. The Hellbomb, in these cases, is essentially a reliable plan B if your team is out of supporting Stratagems or needs a guaranteed solution on the ground.

However, for four specific structure types—Fuel Reserves, Gunship Facilities, Orbital Cannons, and Monoliths—the Hellbomb (or its damaged variant found in the field) is usually mandatory. These targets have an extremely high "Demolition Force" requirement. Only the inner 17-meter radius of the Hellbomb’s explosion, or the blast from a very rare SEAF Artillery Mini-Nuke shell, carries enough force to destroy them. Other explosions might damage them but won’t complete the objective.

What Are Some Pro-Tips from Common Player Experience?

Most seasoned Helldivers develop a few habits around Hellbomb usage. First, if you have multiple objectives clustered close together, use the minimap. It shows a circular indicator (orange for primary, blue for optional) showing the destruction radius needed to clear all targets. Dropping your Hellbomb in the center of this circle is the most efficient way to clear the area.

Second, keep an eye out for Damaged Hellbombs in the field. They appear as Minor Places of Interest or sometimes just as silent, unmarked wrecks. These can be armed with the same code and are functionally identical, saving you a Stratagem call-in. This is incredibly useful on higher difficulties where Stratagem slots are precious.

Finally, communication is key. Always mark a Hellbomb, whether you’ve called it in or found one damaged. This triggers a specific "Hellbomb" voice line from your character, clearly alerting your team to its presence and status. This prevents accidental teamkills from someone shooting an armed bomb and coordinates the defense during the countdown. It's worth noting that while managing resources is part of the game, players should be cautious of third-party sites offering helldivers 2 super credits for sale, as these can pose risks and are unrelated to the core tactical gameplay.

What’s the Bottom Line on Strategy?

The Hellbomb is a powerful, context-specific tool. Don’t default to it immediately if you have other options for softer structures. Save it for the hardened targets that require it, or use it as a last resort. Its long arming sequence and huge friendly-fire danger mean it works best with a team that is prepared: one person arming while others secure the perimeter and watch for flankers. A successful Hellbomb detonation is a lesson in teamwork, timing, and tactical positioning, embodying the coordinated chaos that makes Helldivers 2 missions so uniquely challenging and rewarding.