Helldivers 2 brings intense cooperative action to new heights, and one of the most satisfying tools in a player’s arsenal is the Eagle Napalm Strike. This strategic support ability delivers a fiery payload from the skies, capable of clearing out swarms of enemies in a matter of seconds. Timing and placement are crucial, but when used effectively, the Eagle Napalm Strike becomes one of the most powerful area-denial weapons available. Whether you’re battling hordes of Terminids or facing down Automatons, this stratagem can dramatically shift the tide of battle, providing both crowd control and a path forward.
Understanding the Eagle Napalm Strike
The Eagle Napalm Strike is a powerful stratagem in Helldivers 2 that calls down a tactical airstrike from an Eagle aircraft. Instead of delivering explosive damage like traditional bombs, this strike drops a line of incendiary material, igniting the ground and incinerating anything caught within its path. Its primary function is to control territory and delay enemy advancement rather than provide instant kills. It’s especially effective against tightly packed groups and can create impassable barriers of flame.
Key Characteristics
- Type: Stratagem (Offensive Support)
- Delivery Method: Air-dropped napalm strike
- Area of Effect: Long and narrow strip of flame
- Duration: Flames persist for several seconds
- Damage Type: Fire (burn damage over time)
How to Unlock and Equip the Eagle Napalm Strike
To use the Eagle Napalm Strike in Helldivers 2, players must first unlock it from the stratagem list. This typically becomes available after progressing through a few missions or completing specific objectives. Once unlocked, it can be equipped from the Armory menu before launching into a mission. Each stratagem has a unique call-in code that must be entered during gameplay, so it’s useful to memorize or practice the pattern.
Unlocking Requirements
- Progress through early campaign missions
- Earn sufficient requisition points
- Access through the stratagem upgrade tree
Stratagem Code Example
The Eagle Napalm Strike has its own input code. During battle, hold the stratagem button and input the combination on your controller or keyboard. Make sure to stand in a safe area while calling it in, as enemies can interrupt or kill you mid-sequence.
When to Use the Eagle Napalm Strike
The napalm strike is not always the best option for quick eliminations but shines in situations where space control is key. Use it to block enemy paths, burn down incoming hordes, or create a defensive perimeter while your squad revives or resupplies. Its fire lingers, dealing continuous damage, which is ideal against weaker enemies that rely on swarming tactics.
Best Use Cases
- Swarm Control: Ideal against groups of bugs or light infantry.
- Zone Denial: Use napalm to prevent enemies from flanking or entering an objective area.
- Defensive Retreats: Cover your squad’s exit or buy time to resupply.
- Objective Defense: Ignite entrances or chokepoints to protect vital equipment.
Advantages of Using the Eagle Napalm Strike
Among all the Eagle strike options in Helldivers 2, the napalm version stands out for its long-lasting effect and ability to influence enemy movement. Unlike explosive strikes that deal instant damage, napalm remains active, forcing enemies to reroute or take continuous damage as they cross the flames. This makes it an excellent support tool for controlling the flow of battle and setting traps.
Main Benefits
- Long duration flames for persistent area damage
- Effective against large groups of weaker enemies
- Prevents enemies from quickly advancing into certain zones
- Low risk of friendly fire if timed carefully
Disadvantages and Limitations
Despite its many strengths, the Eagle Napalm Strike has a few drawbacks. It is less effective against armored enemies, such as heavy Automatons or elite units, who can survive the burn or walk through fire unharmed. It also requires precise timing and location awareness; misplacing the strike can waste its potential or even harm allies. The cooldown between uses means it must be deployed strategically.
What to Watch Out For
- Less effective against high-health enemies and mechanical units
- Can obstruct vision due to smoke and flames
- Cooldown limits frequency of use in prolonged fights
- Friendly fire is possible if teammates walk into flames
Combining the Eagle Napalm Strike with Other Stratagems
For even greater battlefield effectiveness, pair the Eagle Napalm Strike with other stratagems. Layering it with mines, turrets, or traditional bombing runs creates synergy that boosts your team’s defense or offense. Napalm can weaken enemies, allowing follow-up attacks to finish them off more easily. It’s also useful for preparing a kill zone before deploying automated turrets or mines.
Suggested Combos
- Napalm + MG Sentry: Use fire to slow enemies, then let the turret handle survivors.
- Napalm + Orbital Barrage: Soften up large groups with fire, then eliminate with explosive precision.
- Napalm + Shield Generator: Hold a position with protection while flames burn down approaching threats.
- Napalm + Anti-Personnel Mines: Guide enemies into traps with fire lanes and explosions.
Tips for Using Napalm Effectively
Mastering the Eagle Napalm Strike takes practice and situational awareness. Here are some tips to get the most out of this fiery stratagem:
- Call it in slightly ahead of enemy movement to ensure they walk into it
- Use terrain to your advantage funnel enemies into narrow zones before using the strike
- Avoid deploying it too close to your team’s current location
- Communicate with your squad before using it to prevent accidental burns
- Use it defensively when waiting for extraction or protecting downed allies
Visual and Audio Feedback
One of the most satisfying aspects of the Eagle Napalm Strike is the audiovisual experience. The roar of the Eagle jet overhead, followed by the searing sound of flames engulfing the terrain, delivers an immersive and powerful moment. Enemies caught in the fire shriek and panic, emphasizing the weapon’s psychological impact as well as its tactical strength.
Keep an eye on visual indicators like the landing zone marker to gauge where the napalm will fall. There’s a brief delay between calling it in and the actual impact, so plan accordingly. If you hear the incoming jet, make sure no teammates are caught in the target zone.
The Eagle Napalm Strike in Helldivers 2 is a strategic asset that excels in crowd control and zone denial. While it may not offer instant explosive power, its lingering flames and ability to shape the battlefield make it a valuable addition to any squad’s stratagem loadout. With proper timing, coordination, and a bit of creative thinking, this fiery airstrike can turn chaotic battles into controlled victories. Use it wisely, and the enemy won’t even know what hit them until they’re already burning.