Helldivers 2 is shaping up to be a tactical thrill, and one of the most fun aspects of the game is experimenting with different armor abilities. With a variety of abilities to choose from, it’s important to know which ones truly make a difference in combat and which are more situational. As someone who’s spent countless hours diving into alien territory, I’ve put together a ranking of all the armor abilities, from the ones that rarely save your life to those that feel like essential tools in any mission.

10. Flash Camouflage

Flash Camouflage sounds cool on paper—you temporarily vanish from enemies’ eyes—but in practice, it’s mostly useful for very specific sneaky moments. Timing it perfectly can be tricky, and if you’re caught mid-activation, it’s basically useless. I’d recommend it only if you like playing stealthy and want to experiment with evading large groups of enemies.

9. Jetpack Boost

The Jetpack Boost gives you a short burst of vertical movement. It’s fun for getting over obstacles or reaching higher ground, but it doesn’t provide any defensive benefit. I personally use it to avoid environmental hazards rather than enemies, and if you’re looking for pure combat utility, it’s one of the weaker options.

8. Kinetic Shield

Kinetic Shield can absorb a small amount of incoming damage, but its cooldown is relatively long. It’s handy in a pinch, but because it won’t save you from heavy hits, you’re often left relying on reflexes and positioning more than the ability itself. If you do decide to pick it, try to pair it with teammates who can help cover you while it recharges.

7. Medkit Generator

A solid support option, the Medkit Generator slowly heals nearby teammates. It’s situational—really strong in co-op missions but negligible in solo play. If you frequently find yourself in the middle of firefights with friends, it’s a nice safety net. By the way, if you’re short on resources, some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock these abilities faster instead of grinding every match.

6. Ammo Replenisher

The Ammo Replenisher keeps your gun loaded during extended fights. For players who love spamming heavy fire or suppressing large waves of enemies, this ability is a real lifesaver. Just remember, it doesn’t protect you from damage, so pairing it with more defensive abilities or armor mods is smart.

5. Energy Overload

Energy Overload boosts your damage output for a short time, making it ideal for taking down bosses or elite units. I like to combine this with heavy weapons for maximum effect. It’s not always needed, but in missions with high-priority targets, it’s excellent.

4. Shock Absorbers

Shock Absorbers reduce fall damage and knockback effects. If you’ve played Helldivers 2 for any length of time, you know how easy it is to get launched into the wrong direction by explosions or terrain hazards. Personally, I consider this ability underrated because it prevents those frustrating deaths that aren’t really your fault.

3. Adaptive Armor

Adaptive Armor automatically adjusts your resistance based on the type of damage received. It’s flexible and makes you less vulnerable in chaotic situations. I always recommend it for players who jump into the thick of battle without thinking twice.

2. Tactical Cloak

Tactical Cloak lets you stay invisible for longer and makes attacking from stealth far more viable. This ability shines in missions where positioning and timing are critical. Using it effectively can turn a risky encounter into a clean sweep.

1. Reinforced Plating

Reinforced Plating tops the list for a reason—it simply makes you tougher. Damage reduction across the board means you survive longer in heavy firefights, and it works in practically every scenario. In my experience, this ability is almost always worth equipping, no matter your playstyle.

FAQ

Q1: How do I unlock armor abilities in Helldivers 2? A1: Armor abilities are unlocked by leveling up your profile or completing specific missions. Some may also require in-game currency like medals.

Q2: Can I buy Helldivers 2 medals for faster progression? A2: Yes, players often buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock abilities and items faster without grinding.

Q3: Can I use armor abilities on all classes? A3: Most abilities are universal, but a few class-specific perks exist. Check the ability description before equipping.

Q4: Do armor abilities have cooldowns? A4: Yes, nearly every ability has a cooldown or limited duration, so timing and strategy are key.

Q5: Can I buy Helldivers 2 medals on PS5? A5: Yes, there’s a dedicated option to buy Helldivers 2 medals PS5 through the in-game store.

Q6: Are armor abilities permanent once unlocked? A6: Yes, once you unlock an ability, it remains available for future missions.

Q7: Are any abilities more effective in co-op than solo play? A7: Abilities like Medkit Generator and Ammo Replenisher shine in co-op scenarios but are less impactful when playing alone.

Q8: Can I switch armor abilities mid-mission? A8: No, you can only change abilities between missions, so planning ahead is crucial.