When diving into the chaos of Helldivers 2, your choice of armor can make the difference between surviving a swarm and being dragged down in seconds. Armor sets aren’t just cosmetic—they directly influence mobility, survivability, and overall playstyle. For new players especially, figuring out which set to equip first can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of the best early choices and how to maximize their impact.
Understanding Armor Types
Armor in Helldivers 2 generally falls into three categories: light, medium, and heavy. Each offers trade-offs:
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Light Armor: Great for mobility and stamina recovery but less protective.
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Medium Armor: Balanced protection and speed, making it a reliable all-rounder.
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Heavy Armor: Best defense but slower movement, better suited for coordinated squads.
Knowing your preferred role—whether rushing objectives or holding choke points—helps determine what to prioritize.
Best Armor to Equip First
For beginners, medium armor sets are the safest starting point. They provide enough protection to withstand mistakes while keeping stamina management flexible. This makes them ideal when you’re still adjusting to combat pacing.
If you often play solo or like flexibility, start with light armor to dodge incoming fire and reposition quickly. On the other hand, if your squad needs a frontline tank, heavy armor should be your first pick, but be prepared for slower reaction times.
Progression and Upgrades
Armor progression ties into your resource management. When deciding where to spend, prioritize upgrading an armor set that matches your role rather than spreading upgrades too thin. This ensures you always feel stronger as missions scale up.
Some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 items early on to speed up their loadout progression. While this isn’t necessary, it can help you secure armor upgrades that fit your squad composition faster. Likewise, keeping an eye on a cheap Helldivers 2 super credits store can be useful if you’re trying to optimize your spending.
Tips for Choosing Armor Efficiently
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Adapt to your squad: Don’t all stack heavy armor—balanced roles make missions smoother.
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Experiment often: Try different sets in shorter missions to see what feels natural.
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Think ahead: Some armor perks scale better in late-game missions, so plan your upgrades with progression in mind.
Your first armor set in Helldivers 2 sets the tone for how you’ll experience the game. Medium armor offers the most versatility early on, but experimenting with light and heavy sets will help you refine your playstyle. Whether you’re saving resources or looking at ways to speed up progression, being strategic with your armor choice ensures your squad always has the edge.