What Are Medals and Why Are They Important?
Medals in Helldivers 2 are essentially your reward for completing missions and achieving specific objectives. They serve as the currency you need to unlock equipment, which in turn helps you tackle more difficult missions. You’ll need a substantial amount of Medals to progress through the tech tree and gain access to better tools for the job.
While you can’t rush through the whole tech tree early on, focusing on Medals is one of the most effective ways to make sure you're always progressing. Let’s break down how you can collect them efficiently.
How Do You Earn Medals in the Early Game?
Medals are earned primarily through missions, but the way you approach them can make a big difference in how much you earn.
Completing Standard Missions
Your primary source of Medals will be standard missions, which you’ll be tackling in the first few hours of the game. These missions will often give you a fixed amount of Medals for completion, and you’ll also earn additional bonuses based on how well you do. For example, if you complete a mission with fewer deaths or complete additional objectives, you’ll earn extra Medals. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Avoid Taking Unnecessary Risks: It might be tempting to push for the hardest difficulty for a greater reward, but if you’re not equipped for it, you could end up wasting time and effort. Take on missions that match your current abilities.
Try to Finish All Objectives: Even if it means taking a bit more time, try to complete all objectives on the map. The extra Medals from objectives can make a significant difference in your earnings.
Focus on Speed but Don’t Rush: While completing a mission quickly can net you some bonus Medals, don’t rush through it recklessly. Take your time to plan and execute. If you rush too much, you might end up dying, which will slow you down and cost you more time than if you had played carefully.
Group Play vs Solo Play
You’ll also earn more Medals if you team up with other players, especially if you tackle higher-difficulty missions. In groups, everyone can contribute more, and completing tougher objectives can lead to higher rewards. However, group play also comes with its own challenges. Other players may not play as efficiently, meaning you’ll spend more time on each mission.
In solo play, the missions might be slower, but you’ll have complete control over how things go. You can focus on making your own path to success without relying on others.
Can You Get Medals Faster by Buying Items?
You may have heard about the possibility of buying items for your character in Helldivers 2, but it’s important to note that buying Medals directly isn't a feature of the game. However, you can buy Helldivers 2 items for cheap through the store, which can give you some convenience or gear upgrades, making it easier to tackle tougher missions. Some items can make your playstyle more efficient, indirectly helping you finish missions faster and earning Medals more efficiently.
While purchasing items can speed up certain aspects of your gameplay, it’s always best to focus on earning Medals through standard gameplay and strategic planning. Keep in mind that the game's progression is designed to reward consistent effort, so items are a tool, not a shortcut.
How to Level Up Faster to Unlock More Medals
Leveling up your character is closely tied to earning Medals. As you progress through levels, you’ll unlock more options for weapons, armor, and equipment. The more you level up, the better gear you can take on tougher missions. Here’s how to level up more quickly:
Focus on High Reward Missions
Some missions give better rewards than others. If you focus on higher-reward missions, you can level up faster. These missions usually involve more difficult challenges, but they also come with a much higher payout. If you're finding yourself stuck on low-level missions, it may be time to level up a bit and try harder missions.
Complete Daily and Weekly Challenges
Don’t forget to check the game’s daily and weekly challenges. These often provide bonus Medals for specific tasks. While they can sometimes be a bit tricky, these challenges offer good incentives to diversify the kinds of missions you’re tackling. You’ll end up completing these challenges anyway, so make sure you don’t miss out on the extra Medals.
Is It Worth Grinding for Medals in the Early Game?
Grinding Medals early on might seem like a grind at first, but it’s an essential part of Helldivers 2. Early in the game, it may feel like you’re stuck with limited options and weak gear. However, if you’re consistent in your approach, you’ll start seeing progress that will make the grind worth it. The key is patience and a smart strategy.
Instead of blindly running missions, take a tactical approach to your gameplay. Focus on areas where you’re most efficient and enjoy playing. There’s no rush to finish everything in one go, and if you plan carefully, you’ll maximize your time spent grinding.
What Should You Spend Your Medals On First?
As you start accumulating Medals, you’ll need to decide what to spend them on. In the early game, it’s important to prioritize the right gear and upgrades that will allow you to take on tougher missions more easily. Here are some smart priorities:
Weapons: Unlocking different types of weapons will give you flexibility in missions. Don’t focus too much on fancy equipment early on, just make sure you have reliable options.
Armor: A good set of armor can significantly improve your survivability, especially when tackling higher difficulty levels. Prioritize armor that boosts your overall health or provides additional tactical advantages.
Support Items: Depending on your playstyle, support items like airstrikes, turrets, or medical kits can turn the tide in difficult missions. These can be useful, especially if you’re playing solo or with random teammates.
Focus on unlocking these essentials before worrying too much about cosmetic items or advanced gear that can be acquired later.
Maximizing your Medals in the early stages of Helldivers 2 comes down to a combination of strategic planning and smart gameplay choices. Focus on completing your missions efficiently, try group play when possible, and be patient with your progression. As you level up and improve your gear, you'll find that collecting Medals becomes a smoother, more rewarding process.
If you’re looking for a shortcut to making your progress a bit easier, you can buy Helldivers 2 items for cheap, which can provide you with the gear needed to tackle tougher missions more quickly. But remember, there’s no substitute for a solid strategy, so focus on earning Medals through gameplay and use items as a complement to your efforts.
