04.09.2025, 08:15
The Orbital Laser is one of the flashiest and most devastating stratagems in Helldivers 2. It can melt through hordes of enemies and even shred armored targets if used correctly. But like many high-powered tools in the game, it requires good timing, positioning, and squad coordination to truly shine. If you want to get the most out of this stratagem, here are some tips that can help.
Understand the Orbital Laser’s Strengths
The Orbital Laser is best described as a sweeping beam of destruction from above. It automatically tracks targets within its area, making it excellent for clearing bug swarms or dismantling Automaton squads. Its greatest strength lies in its sustained damage, which allows it to stay effective over a wide area compared to single-strike stratagems like the Orbital Strike.
However, it does have limitations. The laser doesn’t immediately strike the moment you call it in—it takes a few seconds to deploy. This delay means you should anticipate enemy movements and use it to control chokepoints or disrupt incoming reinforcements.
Timing Is Everything
One of the most common mistakes with the Orbital Laser is deploying it too late. By the time enemies have already overrun your squad, the laser might not arrive in time to save you. Instead, use it proactively. If you see a bug breach opening or Automaton drop pods inbound, call the laser early to intercept them.
You can also use it to stall enemy advances while you complete mission objectives. Since the laser sweeps across targets, it’s particularly effective at buying time during uplink activations or extraction sequences.
Positioning and Area Denial
Think of the Orbital Laser as more than just a weapon—it’s also a zoning tool. If you call it near objectives or choke points, enemies are forced to walk into certain death. This makes it a great choice when defending terminals or setting up a perimeter around extraction zones.
Be careful, though—the laser doesn’t discriminate. If your teammates walk into its path, they’ll take the same punishment as your enemies. Communicate with your squad before dropping it, and make sure everyone knows where the beam will sweep.
Pairing With Other Stratagems
The Orbital Laser works best when combined with other tools. For example, you can slow enemies with mines or stun grenades so they stay in the laser’s line of fire longer. Pairing it with support weapons like the Railgun or Recoilless Rifle can also cover armored targets that might outlast the beam.
If you’re running a squad, try coordinating stratagem calls. One player can deploy the Orbital Laser to handle groups, while another uses an Orbital Precision Strike or Eagle Strafing Run for cleanup.
Resource Management
The Orbital Laser is a costly stratagem, so you’ll want to think about when to deploy it. If you’re trying to stockpile resources for upgrades, make sure to balance its use with your squad’s overall strategy. Many players grind missions to collect materials, and knowing when to call in heavy support can save you from costly mission failures.
For those looking to expand their arsenal, resources matter. Whether you aim to buy Helldivers 2 super credits for premium unlocks or buy Helldivers 2 samples to speed up progression, the Orbital Laser remains one of the most satisfying ways to make your missions smoother.
The Orbital Laser isn’t just a flashy stratagem—it’s a versatile tool that can turn the tide of battle when used wisely. Anticipate enemy movements, deploy it early, and communicate with your team to maximize its destructive potential. With smart timing and positioning, this beam from above can make the difference between being overrun and pulling off a flawless extraction.
Understand the Orbital Laser’s Strengths
The Orbital Laser is best described as a sweeping beam of destruction from above. It automatically tracks targets within its area, making it excellent for clearing bug swarms or dismantling Automaton squads. Its greatest strength lies in its sustained damage, which allows it to stay effective over a wide area compared to single-strike stratagems like the Orbital Strike.
However, it does have limitations. The laser doesn’t immediately strike the moment you call it in—it takes a few seconds to deploy. This delay means you should anticipate enemy movements and use it to control chokepoints or disrupt incoming reinforcements.
Timing Is Everything
One of the most common mistakes with the Orbital Laser is deploying it too late. By the time enemies have already overrun your squad, the laser might not arrive in time to save you. Instead, use it proactively. If you see a bug breach opening or Automaton drop pods inbound, call the laser early to intercept them.
You can also use it to stall enemy advances while you complete mission objectives. Since the laser sweeps across targets, it’s particularly effective at buying time during uplink activations or extraction sequences.
Positioning and Area Denial
Think of the Orbital Laser as more than just a weapon—it’s also a zoning tool. If you call it near objectives or choke points, enemies are forced to walk into certain death. This makes it a great choice when defending terminals or setting up a perimeter around extraction zones.
Be careful, though—the laser doesn’t discriminate. If your teammates walk into its path, they’ll take the same punishment as your enemies. Communicate with your squad before dropping it, and make sure everyone knows where the beam will sweep.
Pairing With Other Stratagems
The Orbital Laser works best when combined with other tools. For example, you can slow enemies with mines or stun grenades so they stay in the laser’s line of fire longer. Pairing it with support weapons like the Railgun or Recoilless Rifle can also cover armored targets that might outlast the beam.
If you’re running a squad, try coordinating stratagem calls. One player can deploy the Orbital Laser to handle groups, while another uses an Orbital Precision Strike or Eagle Strafing Run for cleanup.
Resource Management
The Orbital Laser is a costly stratagem, so you’ll want to think about when to deploy it. If you’re trying to stockpile resources for upgrades, make sure to balance its use with your squad’s overall strategy. Many players grind missions to collect materials, and knowing when to call in heavy support can save you from costly mission failures.
For those looking to expand their arsenal, resources matter. Whether you aim to buy Helldivers 2 super credits for premium unlocks or buy Helldivers 2 samples to speed up progression, the Orbital Laser remains one of the most satisfying ways to make your missions smoother.
The Orbital Laser isn’t just a flashy stratagem—it’s a versatile tool that can turn the tide of battle when used wisely. Anticipate enemy movements, deploy it early, and communicate with your team to maximize its destructive potential. With smart timing and positioning, this beam from above can make the difference between being overrun and pulling off a flawless extraction.