Helldivers 2 has more going on under the controller than a typical third person shooter. Shooting is straightforward, but surviving a mission also means diving into cover, entering Stratagem codes under pressure, changing weapons, using a backpack function, marking threats, driving vehicles and communicating with the squad while friendly fire remains active.
The good news is that the default layout is logical once you understand its contextual inputs. Circle handles crouching, prone and diving depending on how you press it. Triangle manages equipment changes. Square reloads and can open the weapon wheel when held. L1 opens the Stratagem list, while R1 doubles as your marking and communication button.
This guide follows the current PlayStation controller bindings shown in the in game Controller menu. Xbox equivalents are included alongside them. Helldivers 2 also supports keyboard and mouse on PC, with configurable bindings, so PC players should use the action names below when checking or changing their own layout.
Basic Movement Controls
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Move | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Look | Right Stick | Right Stick |
| Sprint | Press L3 | Press Left Stick |
| Crouch | Tap Circle | Tap B |
| Prone | Hold Circle | Hold B |
| Dive | Double Tap Circle | Double Tap B |
| Climb | Hold Cross | Hold A |
| Jump Pack | Hold Cross when available | Hold A when available |
| Interact | Cross | A |
Crouching, Going Prone and Diving
Circle or B is one of the most useful buttons in Helldivers 2 because the same input controls three different defensive movements.
Tap it to crouch, hold it to go prone and double tap it to perform a dive.
Use Crouch for Accuracy
Crouching is useful when you want a steadier firing position without giving up too much mobility. It is especially handy when firing weapons with noticeable recoil.
Go Prone before Sustained Fire
Prone gives you a much lower profile and can make recoil easier to manage. It is particularly useful when firing support weapons from a relatively safe position.
Dive before the Hit Lands
Do not think of diving purely as an emergency animation. Diving can get you out of an explosion radius, move you behind cover or create enough distance to survive an incoming melee attack.
Remember That You Can Shoot from the Ground
Landing prone after a dive does not mean the fight has stopped. If the target remains exposed, continue firing before standing back up.
Weapon and Combat Controls
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Aim | Hold L2 | Hold LT |
| Fire | R2 | RT |
| Reload | Tap Square | Tap X |
| Melee | Press R3 | Press Right Stick |
| Interact | Cross | A |
| Change Equipment | Tap Triangle | Tap Y |
| Change Equipment Long Input | Hold Triangle | Hold Y |
| Switch Aim Mode | Press R3 while aiming | Press Right Stick while aiming |
| Open Weapon Wheel | Hold Square | Hold X |
| Use Backpack Function | Assigned D Pad input | Assigned D Pad input |
| Throwable | Assigned D Pad input | Assigned D Pad input |
| Quick Stim | Assigned D Pad input | Assigned D Pad input |
The Controller menu also includes separate bindings for primary, secondary and support weapons, quick throwables and quick weapon wheel directions. Some of these can be left unbound depending on your control configuration.
How to Aim in First Person
Hold L2 or LT to aim, then press R3 or the Right Stick to switch aim mode when the equipped weapon supports it.
This lets you move between the normal third person aiming view and the weapon sight.
Use the Sight for Distant Weak Points
First person aiming is useful when trying to hit small exposed components, enemy heads or vulnerable mechanical sections.
Return to Third Person in Crowds
The wider view makes it easier to see enemies approaching from the sides and gives you better awareness of nearby squad members.
Reloading
Tap Square or X to reload.
Helldivers 2 treats ammunition more seriously than many shooters. Reloading before a magazine is empty can waste the ammunition still left inside that magazine, so avoid constantly topping off after every short burst.
Check before Reloading
If you have enough rounds to finish the immediate threat, use them before replacing the magazine.
Reload behind Cover
Long reload animations can be interrupted by pressure. Break line of sight or let another squad member cover you whenever possible.
Changing Weapons and Equipment
Tap Triangle or Y to change equipment. Holding the same button activates the long equipment change command.
The exact result depends on what you are carrying, which is why the Controller menu describes these actions broadly rather than tying them to one permanent weapon slot.
Use the Weapon Wheel when You Need Certainty
Hold Square or X to open the weapon wheel when you want direct control instead of cycling.
Keep Your Support Weapon in Mind
A support weapon is often the answer to enemies your primary weapon cannot penetrate effectively. Do not waste several magazines on armor when a stronger option is already on your back.
Stratagem Controls
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Open Stratagem List | Hold L1 | Hold LB |
| Enter Stratagem Up | D Pad Up | D Pad Up |
| Enter Stratagem Down | D Pad Down | D Pad Down |
| Enter Stratagem Left | D Pad Left | D Pad Left |
| Enter Stratagem Right | D Pad Right | D Pad Right |
Hold L1 or LB and enter the directional code shown beside the Stratagem you want to call.
Memorize the Stratagems You Use Constantly
Reinforcement, Resupply and your favorite support or offensive Stratagems are worth learning by muscle memory. A second saved while entering a code can matter when the squad is being overwhelmed.
Enter Codes before You Reach the Perfect Throwing Position
When the area is safe enough, prepare the Stratagem first and then move into position with the beacon ready. This reduces the amount of time you spend standing still near the enemy.
Do Not Throw Everything at Your Squad
Friendly fire is always relevant. Check where teammates are moving before placing airstrikes, barrages, mines or turrets.
Map Controls
| Map Action | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Open Map | Tap Touch Pad | View Button |
| Move Map Up | D Pad Up | D Pad Up |
| Move Map Down | D Pad Down | D Pad Down |
| Move Map Left | D Pad Left | D Pad Left |
| Move Map Right | D Pad Right | D Pad Right |
| Zoom In | R1 | RB |
| Zoom Out | L1 | LB |
| Place Marker | Cross | A |
Mark the Next Objective before Moving
A marker gives everyone a shared destination and cuts down on unnecessary wandering between objectives.
Check for Side Objectives
The fastest route to extraction is not always the most rewarding route. If the squad has time and reinforcements available, look for useful optional objectives and points of interest nearby.
Vehicle Controls
| Vehicle Action | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerate | Hold R2 | Hold RT |
| Brake / Reverse | Hold L2 | Hold LT |
| Turn | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Shift Up | R1 | RB |
| Shift Down | L1 | LB |
| Handbrake | Hold Square | Hold X |
| Honk | Hold L3 | Hold Left Stick |
| Exit Vehicle | Cross | A |
| Switch to Next Seat | Circle | B |
Vehicle handling is deliberately more involved than simply holding accelerate. Manual gear controls allow you to manage speed and traction more deliberately.
Slow Down before Tight Terrain
A vehicle that saves thirty seconds on the road can lose far more if it becomes wedged between rocks or terrain.
Use the Handbrake Sparingly
Square or X can help rotate the vehicle sharply, but aggressive use can leave the squad facing the wrong direction or exposed to incoming fire.
Communicate before Leaving Someone Behind
Check seats before accelerating away from an objective. Walking Helldivers are considerably slower than a moving vehicle.
Communication Controls
| Communication Action | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Open Chat | Hold Touch Pad | Hold View Button |
| Mark | Tap R1 | Tap RB |
| Open Communication Wheel | Hold R1 | Hold RB |
| Request Reinforcement when prompted | Cross | A |
| Skip Dialogue | Cross | A |
| Radial Menu Selection | Right Stick | Right Stick |
Mark Enemies before Shooting
A quick mark can tell the squad about a heavy enemy before someone accidentally begins a fight without the correct weapon ready.
Mark Supplies Too
Communication is not only for threats. Mark ammunition, samples, support weapons and useful equipment so the whole squad benefits.
Can You Remap Helldivers 2 Controls?
Yes. The Controller menu provides separate General, Combat and Communication categories and allows individual inputs to be changed or unbound.
This is particularly useful if the default crouch, melee, weapon wheel or communication inputs do not feel comfortable.
Keep Dive Easy to Reach
Whatever layout you choose, diving should remain an input you can perform immediately without moving your thumb away from important controls for too long.
Do Not Create Conflicting Hold Inputs
Several actions distinguish between a tap, hold, long hold and double tap. Test customized bindings in a low difficulty mission before relying on them in a difficult operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dive in Helldivers 2?
Double tap Circle on PlayStation or B on Xbox.
How do you crouch?
Tap Circle or B.
How do you go prone?
Hold Circle or B.
How do you sprint?
Press L3 or the Left Stick while moving.
How do you use a Stratagem?
Hold L1 or LB and enter the directional code with the D Pad.
How do you reload?
Tap Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox.
How do you melee?
Press R3 or the Right Stick.
How do you switch aiming view?
Hold Aim and press R3 or the Right Stick.
How do you open the weapon wheel?
Hold Square or X.
How do you mark enemies?
Tap R1 or RB while looking toward the target.
How do you open the communication wheel?
Hold R1 or RB.
How do you open the map?
Tap the Touch Pad on PlayStation or the View button on Xbox.
Does Helldivers 2 have vehicle controls?
Yes. Vehicles use separate acceleration, braking, gears, handbrake, horn, seat switching and exit controls.
Can controls be remapped?
Yes. The game provides extensive controller rebinding across General, Combat and Communication categories.
Get Comfortable before Raising the Difficulty
The most valuable controls to memorize are not just Aim and Fire. Learn Dive, Stratagem input, Reload, Mark and equipment switching until you can use them without looking away from the fight.
Helldivers 2 gets much easier when these inputs become automatic. You can dive while tracking an enemy, call Reinforcement while retreating, mark armor for a teammate and switch to the right weapon without stopping to think about the controller.
See our Helldivers 2 Tips and Tricks Guide for practical advice on Stratagems, loadouts, objectives, samples, friendly fire, reinforcements and surviving higher difficulties.
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