Almost every mission in Helldivers 2 is fun as long as you’re with a squad that plays the objective and doesn’t actively try to kill you. However, that fun can dissipate quickly when it comes to extraction, the simplest part of any mission that often causes the most issues.
Extraction from a mission in Helldivers 2 shouldn’t be difficult, but it is more often than not. You might end up missing the Pelican by one second because you were halfway across the map when the timer started, another player could accidentally kill you with a Stratagem, or you might run out of ammo while defending the extraction point. Thankfully, one player has put together an instruction video on extraction etiquette that should make all of these pain points a thing of the past.
Follow these simple extraction etiquette rules in Helldivers 2 for a good time
Reddit user pinglyadya recently posted a fantastic video on extraction etiquette rules for Helldivers 2 on the game’s subreddit. It details everything you need to know, from when to trigger extraction to the types of Stratagems you should avoid once the Pelican has been called.
I’d like to point out the most helpful rules for good extraction etiquette in Helldivers 2 because they’ve killed me more than once: When to call the extraction, when to enter the Pelican, and how to communicate that you’re ready to leave.
First, you should always ask before calling in the extraction. I know this isn’t always possible, but there are things you can do to mitigate Helldiver losses. For example, ping the extraction point on the map to let others know you’re about to call it in. If you’re on the opposite side of the map, this is a helpful indicator to get a move on if you don’t want to be left behind.
New players really do need this video to tell them when to enter the Pelican. I struggle not to shout and throw my controller every time a player enters the Pelican while I’m knee-deep in Automaton spare parts, distracting the enemy so I can be left behind by those in the relative safety of the Pelican’s hold. You should only enter when you can see others are ready, though I don’t think it matters if you go for a stylish dive. Just don’t call in an Air Strike before you do.
I didn’t realize this was part of extraction etiquette until watching this video, but crouching to show you’re ready to extract is a genius move. It allows every player to show when they’re good to go or if they still need to run off and collect a few samples. It’s also a much more polite way of hinting that everyone should stop blowing Terminid brains out because you need to get back to your Super Destroyer in time for afternoon tea.
As a bonus, I also think that calling in a Resupply Stratagem after triggering the extraction is massively underrated. It is essential to have that spare ammo available for anyone running in with a horde of enemies behind them.
While the Helldivers 2 community remains fairly positive unless Sony tries to make them do something, these extraction etiquette rules will only improve missions. Just because you’re fighting insurmountable numbers of alien scum on the most hostile planets known to humanity doesn’t mean you have to be rude.
