Helldivers 2 is all about teamwork, strategy, and a little bit of luck. One of the most rewarding parts of the game is hunting for those elusive treasures that can give you an edge in missions. If you’re looking to get rare items in Helldivers 2, there are a few strategies I’ve picked up after countless hours in the field. Here’s a breakdown to help you maximize your chances.

Understand What Makes an Item Rare

Before diving into tips, it’s worth noting that “rare” in Helldivers 2 doesn’t just mean powerful—it often refers to items that are hard to find or require special conditions to unlock. These can include unique weapons, elite armor, or special gear modules. Knowing which items you want is half the battle; chasing everything blindly can be frustrating and inefficient.

Focus on High-Risk Missions

From my experience, the rarer the reward, the higher the mission difficulty. If your squad is ready for a challenge, opt for missions with tougher enemies or higher threat levels. These missions often drop rare items, but you’ll need to coordinate closely with your team. Don’t go in solo unless you enjoy seeing your loot disappear in a sea of alien fire.

Pro tip: Pay attention to mission modifiers. Some side objectives, like rescuing survivors or disabling alien tech, can trigger special loot drops that you won’t get otherwise.

Complete Daily and Weekly Challenges

Helldivers 2 offers challenges that rotate daily or weekly. These often reward players with unique materials or gear. While the grind can feel repetitive, completing these challenges consistently is one of the most reliable ways to get rare items in Helldivers 2 without relying entirely on luck.

Loot Smart, Not Just Fast

When looting, don’t just rush to the nearest crate. Some rare items appear in hidden caches or require you to eliminate a specific type of enemy first. Learning enemy spawn patterns and mission layouts makes a huge difference. I’ve spent entire missions just exploring side rooms and corridors, and more often than not, that’s where the best items are hiding.

Quick tip: Keep an eye out for glowing crates or unusual containers—they often signal something special inside.

Trade and Squad Cooperation

If you’re part of a squad, trading is a surprisingly effective way to acquire rare gear. Sometimes a teammate will get a drop you’ve been hunting for, and a fair trade can save you hours of grinding. Communicate openly about what you need, and be ready to offer something valuable in return.

Upgrade Your Luck

Helldivers 2 has a few in-game mechanics that can indirectly improve your chances of finding rare items. Some loadouts, perks, or equipment modules boost loot quality or spawn rates. Experiment with different builds to see which ones consistently yield better drops. I personally favor builds that combine survivability with loot-boosting perks—it keeps me alive longer and increases my chances of rare finds.

Stay Persistent but Smart

Finally, the key to success is persistence. Rare items aren’t meant to be handed out easily—they’re rewards for dedication, skill, and sometimes a bit of patience. Track what missions have given you the best results and focus on those. Keep a small checklist of items you’re hunting for—it helps avoid frustration and keeps your play sessions productive.

Hunting for the best gear in Helldivers 2 is as much about strategy as it is about luck. By focusing on high-risk missions, completing challenges, smart looting, and collaborating with your squad, you’ll gradually build up a collection of rare items that can make your gameplay more exciting and rewarding. Following these tips should help any player steadily get rare items in Helldivers 2 without burning out.