What is the Reinforce Stratagem?

The Reinforce Stratagem is a standard-issue tool available to all players in Helldivers 2, regardless of rank. Its main function is simple: it brings fallen teammates back into the fight, provided you still have reinforcement tickets.

The stratagem is activated using the following code sequence:

Arrow Up, Arrow Down, Arrow Right, Arrow Left, Arrow Up

When correctly input after a teammate dies, a reinforcement pod will descend, and the fallen player can resume playing.

How Reinforcement Tickets Work

Each player has five reinforcement tickets per mission, which can be used to revive themselves or others. In a full four-player squad, this means a maximum of 20 tickets are available.

Some key points about tickets:

If all squad members die but tickets remain, everyone will reinforce simultaneously, limited by available tickets.

Once tickets are depleted, a limited number of reinforcements can still occur on a timer, but full squad wipe without tickets will fail the mission if the main objective is incomplete.

If the mission’s main objective is already completed, even a full squad wipe is considered a success.

Reinforcement is disabled if the mission timer runs out or if stratagem jammers are active.

In practice, most players monitor their reinforcement tickets closely. Using them early in risky sections can save time and prevent mission failures.

Tactical Uses for Reinforcement

While the primary purpose of the Reinforce Stratagem is revival, it can be surprisingly versatile in combat:

Offensive weapon: Reinforcement pods can be steered and dropped on enemies, damaging even heavily armored targets like Bile Titans, Chargers, Annihilator Tanks, and Automaton Fabricators.

Area control: Dropping reinforcements near fallen teammates can secure the area and allow for quick looting or recovery of dropped samples.

Team positioning: In split squads, calling reinforcement near a fallen comrade can help regroup and maintain combat efficiency.

However, there are important limitations:

Pods only affect the area around the beacon where they’re called.

They squash both enemies and allies, so caution is needed in crowded situations.

Reinforce will not work during Ion Storms or near stratagem jammers, making survival planning essential.

Reinforcements cannot be preemptively called to save yourself; the pod will be invalidated if no one has died yet.

Most experienced players treat the Reinforce Stratagem not just as a lifesaver but also as a tactical tool. Using it creatively in combat scenarios can turn the tide of difficult missions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many new players in Helldivers 2 make predictable mistakes with Reinforce:

Calling reinforcement too early: Doing so without a dead teammate wastes the stratagem.

Ignoring ticket limits: Using all tickets early can leave your squad stranded during critical moments.

Reinforcing in unsafe locations: Dropping a pod in the middle of heavy fire can immediately kill the revived player.

Solo reinforcement attempts: Reinforce requires at least one teammate alive. Solo players cannot use it.

By understanding these pitfalls, most players can improve their survivability and squad efficiency.

Extra Tips for Helldivers 2 Players

Always keep an eye on reinforcement ticket counts and adjust tactics accordingly.

Use the pod creatively against enemies in choke points to combine revival and offense.

Consider squad positioning before calling in a reinforcement to maximize safety and tactical advantage.

Remember that helldivers 2 items such as healing packs and armor can complement reinforcement strategies by keeping players alive longer until a pod is available.

Most missions can be completed without wiping the squad if these strategies are followed, but preparation and awareness are key.

The Reinforce Stratagem in Helldivers 2 is more than just a life-saving tool—it’s a flexible tactical option that can be leveraged both defensively and offensively. Understanding ticket limits, tactical placement, and the environment ensures your squad stays operational even in the most dangerous scenarios. Careful use of reinforcement, combined with standard survival tactics, will help you and your squad finish missions more reliably.