The Orbital Smoke Strike in Helldivers 2 is a tactical stratagem designed to disrupt enemy visibility on the battlefield. It deploys a large, thick smoke screen from orbit, which can conceal movements and strategic maneuvers from hostile forces.
Usage and Functionality
- Call-In Method: The stratagem can be called in with a rapid 1-second deployment time.
- Uses: It offers unlimited uses, allowing Helldivers to create smoke screens as needed throughout their mission.
- Cooldown: The stratagem has a cooldown of 100 seconds, requiring some strategic planning for repeated use.
Tactical Advantages
- Concealment: Provides a visual barrier that can be used to obscure troop movements, retreats, or offensive advances.
- Enemy Disorientation: Impedes enemy sight lines, making it harder for them to target Helldivers accurately.
Operational Limitations
- Non-Damaging: The smoke does not deal damage, so it must be used in conjunction with other offensive strategies for maximum effectiveness.
- Limited Duration: The screen will eventually dissipate, so its protective benefits are temporary.
Stratagem Traits
- Explosive: Classified as such due to the initial dispersion method, which involves an explosive release of the smoke canisters.
- Orbital: This trait signifies that the smoke screen is deployed from an orbital platform, showcasing the advanced support capabilities available to Helldivers.
Strategic Deployment
Orbital Smoke Strike is most effective in open areas where the smoke can spread widely to cover Helldivers’ actions. It’s ideal for creating safe zones for reviving fallen comrades, completing objectives under cover, or staging an ambush against approaching enemy forces.
