In the chaotic battlefields of Helldivers 2, you're not always alone. Alongside fellow players, you'll often encounter SEAF (Super Earth Armed Forces) Soldiers. Knowing how they operate can significantly impact your mission success and your wallet. This guide breaks down their role based on common player experiences.

What are SEAF Soldiers, and what is their purpose?

SEAF Soldiers are the standard infantry of Super Earth. They are AI-controlled allies that patrol the maps, primarily in defense-oriented missions or around Mega Cities. Their core purpose is to engage enemy patrols and disrupt smaller encampments, providing a passive, persistent resistance force on the ground. Most players view them as a background element that can occasionally draw fire or soften up targets, but they are not a replacement for a squad of human Helldivers.

What do they look like, and what can they withstand?

They are easily identifiable by their light blue combat fatigues and tactical armor, giving them the common community nickname "blueberries." This uniform provides light armor protection, meaning they can survive a few hits from small arms fire but will quickly fall to heavier weapons or focused fire. Their visible profile is intentional; in a universe where enemies use thermal and advanced scanning, camouflage is less effective than high-visibility for reducing friendly fire among human forces.

How do SEAF Soldiers behave in combat?In general, SEAF Soldiers move in small fire-teams and will proactively engage enemies they encounter. Their behavior is straightforward:

• Riflemen form the bulk of the forces, using AR-23 Liberators in controlled bursts and throwing G-6 Frag grenades at groups or structures.

• Rocket Soldiers carry a single-use EAT-17 launcher. They will fire it at high-value targets like Fleshmobs or Harvesters before reverting to rifleman duties.

• Radiomen are currently purely cosmetic, carrying a radio backpack with no gameplay function.

They are surprisingly competent against basic enemy patrols and can sometimes clear minor objectives independently. However, they lack the strategic awareness of a player and will not retreat from overwhelming force or avoid environmental hazards.

How can I interact with or command them?

You have limited command over SEAF Soldiers using your communication wheel. The "Follow Me" command will make a nearby squad attach to you, while "Hold" will make them defend a position. You can also use the Casual Salute or Lockstep emote to get their attention. They will salute back or salute a planted Super Earth flag. It's worth noting that a persistent topic in community forums is the discussion around helldivers 2 items for sale, but it's crucial to remember that in-game allies like SEAF Soldiers cannot be bought or customized; they are a fixed part of the game's ecosystem. Your interaction with them is purely tactical.

What are the key risks and downsides to having them around?

The biggest risk is friendly fire, which goes both ways. Their AI does not avoid your stratagems or line of fire. Accidentally killing SEAF Soldiers will deduct 25 Requisition Slips each from your mission payout. This penalty adds up quickly if you use area-of-effect weapons like airstrikes, orbitals, or mines near them. Furthermore, they can and will shoot you if you walk directly into their line of fire. Most players learn to give them a wide berth during intense fights. Be especially careful with Tesla Towers, as SEAF Soldiers seem unaware of their danger zone.

Are there any hidden mechanics or penalties?

Yes. The game tracks consecutive friendly kills. If you kill a combination of 9 SEAF Soldiers and/or civilians (not including sentries or drones), you will be marked a traitor and executed by an orbital bombardment from your own Super Destroyer. This is a hard reset on your behavior for that mission. Additionally, while they can die to enemy fire without penalty to you, any SEAF Soldier that accidentally kills a Helldiver (e.g., you run into their grenade) cannot be retaliated against. Killing them for revenge will still incur the standard -25 Requisition penalty.

In practice, most players treat SEAF Soldiers as a mildly helpful environmental feature. They can divert some enemy attention and occasionally secure a minor objective, but relying on them is not advised. The savvy Helldiver uses their commands sparingly, keeps dangerous stratagems clear of their positions, and always watches their crossfire when blueberries are on the front line.