Helldivers 2 is a difficult game, we all know that. To help tailor your experience, the game comes with ten difficulty tiers, ranging from “Trivial” to the daunting “Super Helldive,” where each level brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Starting from the basic operations of “Trivial,” players must progressively unlock higher difficulty levels by completing full operations.
This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect at each difficulty level, including enemy types, mission objectives, and the rewards for successful completion. Whether you are a Cadet or a seasoned Helldiver, understanding these tiers is crucial for mastering the game and achieving ultimate success in defending Super Earth.
Helldivers 2 Difficulty Levels
Overview
In Helldivers 2, players can choose from 10 different difficulty levels. Everyone starts at difficulty 1, labeled “Trivial,” and must complete an operation at this level to unlock the next difficulty.
For new players, you have to start at “Trivial“. You can’t immediately jump to “Helldive” or another difficulty from the start. Beginning at “Trivial“, each subsequent level requires the completion of a full operation before unlocking the next level.
The only way to “jump” to a higher difficulty is through another Helldiver’s ship. For example, if you join a friend’s ship, and they have “Helldive” unlocked, you can play on said difficulty. Completing an operation in this fashion will unlock the difficulty for you and any prior locked difficulty levels. To help with higher difficulties, make sure to take good Support weapons!
1 – Trivial
Ideal for grasping the fundamental elements of Helldivers 2. Operations feature a single mission.
- Description: Primary Objectives, Enemy Patrols
- Recommended Level: 1-3
- Missions per Operation: 1
- New Enemies:
- Terminids: Scavenger, Bile Spitter, Hunter, Warrior, Brood Commander
- Automatons: Trooper, Marauder, Dropship, Standard Devastator (mission-based)
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 12-16
- Medals: 1
2 – Easy
Slightly more complex than Trivial, incorporating additional essential game mechanics.
- Description: Allied Tactical Objectives, Light Outposts
- Recommended Level: 1-5
- Missions per Operation: 1
- Side Objectives: 1
- New Enemies:
- Automatons: Commissar, Berserker, Standard Devastator
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 15-17
- Medals: 2
3 – Medium
The final beginner tier; significantly more challenging, with tougher, heavily-armored foes.
- Description: Allied Tactical Objectives, Light Outposts
- Recommended Level: 5-10
- Missions per Operation: 2
- Side Objectives: 1
- New Enemies:
- Terminids: Stalker, Hive Guard, Nursing Spewer, Bile Spewer, Charger (mission-based)
- Automatons: Scout Strider, Heavy Devastator, Rocket Devastator, Cannon Tower, Annihilator Tank, Shredder Tank, Hulk (mission-based)
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 18-22
- Medals:
- First Mission: 2
- Second Mission: 4
- XP Multiplier: +25%
4 – Challenging
Marks the start of moderate difficulty, making solo play significantly tougher.
- Description: Enemy Tactical Objectives, Heavy Outposts, Heavily Armored Enemies
- Recommended Level: 10-15
- Missions per Operation: 2
- Side Objectives: 2-3
- New Enemies:
- Terminids: Charger, Bile Titan (mission-based)
- Automatons: Hulk, Factory Strider (mission-based)
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 21-25
- Rare Samples: 12-15
- Medals:
- First Mission: 3
- Second Mission: 5
- XP Multiplier: +50%
5 – Hard
A major increase in difficulty, introducing the largest enemies and operation modifiers.
- Description: Operation Modifiers, Massive Enemies, Heavily Armored Enemies
- Recommended Level: 15-20
- Missions per Operation: 3
- Side Objectives: 2-3
- New Enemies:
- Terminids: Shrieker, Bile Titan, Spore Charger, Impaler
- Automatons: Gunship
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 26-30
- Rare Samples: 18-20
- Medals:
- First Mission: 4
- Second Mission: 6
- Third Mission: 8
- XP Multiplier: +75%
6 – Extreme
Similar to Hard, but with additional tactical objectives, testing your efficiency.
- Description: Tactical Objectives Increase, Massive Enemies, Heavily Armored Enemies
- Recommended Level: 20+
- Missions per Operation: 3
- Side Objectives: 3-4
- New Enemies:
- Automatons: Rocket Tank
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 31-35
- Rare Samples: 21-25
- Medals:
- First Mission: 5
- Second Mission: 7
- Third Mission: 9
- XP Multiplier: +100%
7 – Suicide Mission
Enemies are numerous and relentless; stealth tactics can be beneficial to avoid large fights.
- Description: Tactical Objectives Increase, Massive Enemies, Heavily Armored Enemies
- Recommended Level: 25+
- Missions per Operation: 3
- Side Objectives: 3-4
- New Enemies:
- Automatons: Factory Strider
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 36-40
- Rare Samples: 25-30
- Super Rare Samples: 3
- Medals:
- First Mission: 6
- Second Mission: 8
- Third Mission: 10
- XP Multiplier: +150%
8 – Impossible
Only well-coordinated and experienced teams with optimal builds can survive these operations.
- Description: Increased Enemy Presence, Multiple Operation Modifiers, Heavily Armored Enemies
- Recommended Level: 30+
- Missions per Operation: 3
- Side Objectives: 4-5
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 40
- Rare Samples: 31-35
- Super Rare Samples: 5
- Medals:
- First Mission: 7
- Second Mission: 10
- Third Mission: 12
- XP Multiplier: +200%
9 – Helldive
The ultimate challenge for defending Super Earth, with nonstop enemies and multiple operation modifiers. What nightmares are made of. GFL.
- Description: Increased Enemy Presence, Multiple Operation Modifiers, Heavily Armored Enemies
- Recommended Level: 40+
- Missions per Operation: 3
- Side Objectives: 4-5
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 40
- Rare Samples: 36-40
- Super Rare Samples: 6
- Medals:
- First Mission: 8
- Second Mission: 11
- Third Mission: 14
- XP Multiplier: +250%
10 – Super Helldive
You thought Helldive was a hard difficulty? Super Helldive boasts exclusive enemy outposts (Terminid Mega Nests and Automaton Fortresses), which are extra-large enemy bases loaded with things to kill you. Not to mention, you are constantly swarmed by enemies. The rewards are great, but the threat of impending doom is even greater. Buckle up buttercup.
You can also get a bonus of 4 Rare and 2 Super Rare Samples if you extract the Confidential Data (in Automaton Fortress) or the Mutated Egg (Terminid Mega Nest). Both of these objects behave like the SSD; you can only use one-handed weapons while carrying it.
- Description: Increased Enemy Presence, Multiple Operation Modifiers, Heavily Armored Enemies.
- Recommended Level: 50+
- Missions per Operation: 3
- Side Objectives: 4-5
- Rewards (full completion):
- Common Samples: 40
- Rare Samples: 40
- Super Rare Samples: 7
- Medals:
- First Mission: 9
- Second Mission: 12
- Third Mission: 15
- XP Multiplier: +300%
Tackling the different difficulty levels in Helldivers 2 is all about teamwork and strategy. As you move from “Trivial” to “Super Helldive,” you’ll face tougher enemies and more complex missions, but you’ll also earn better rewards. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned diver, this guide will help you navigate each level. So gear up, team up, and dive in to defend Super Earth. Good luck, Helldivers!
For more Helldivers 2 content, check out our list of the best support weapons!
