Helldivers 2 Planetary Hazards: All weather effects explained

Helldivers 2’s Galactic War was already a pretty challenging endeavor but the introduction of Planetary Hazards adds a new dimension to the conflict. Here’s what we know about them.

Helldivers 2 just got its first major content update and it’s a game changer. Players are split on some of the balance changes after the Flamethrower got some love but the Railgun fell behind in the meta.

Outside of some numbers being tweaked for various weapons in Helldivers 2, another massive change has been made to how the game plays. It’s not the highly-anticipated mech suits but it’s still a doozy.

The recent patch introduced Planetary Hazards to Helldivers 2. These are weather effects that have significant gameplay effects that you’ll need to adapt to. Here’s a list of every Planetary Hazard in Helldivers 2 and its effects.

Hey Helldiver, the only Planetary Hazard those bugs should be worried about is you.

Every Planetary Hazard in Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 players will be able to tell what Planetary Hazards are active on a given planet by checking the Effects tab on the Galactic War map. They will be listed under Environmental conditions.

It will behoove Helldivers to make note of active Planetary Hazards so that they can prepare ahead of time and bring Stratagems to mitigate their effects. Below is a compilation of every known Planetary Hazard in Helldivers 2 and their impact.

Blizzards

Blizzards are massive snowstorms that greatly reduce your visibility. They also blanket the battlefield in thick snow that reduces mobility and will be present for the entirety of a mission.

You have a much greater risk of being swarmed when a Blizzard is active because you can’t see enemies approaching from afar and it’s harder to create distance. We suggest employing weapons that work more effectively at close range and bringing some defensive Stratagems to reduce the setbacks.

Fire Tornadoes

While there aren’t any planets with Fire Tornadoes active at the time of writing, it’s a pretty safe bet to assume what their impact will be. Swirling columns of fire that tear through battlefields and set friends and foes alight.

Having not encountered one yet, we’re hard-pressed to think of strategies for planning against them. The best advice we have is to avoid getting caught up in one. We’re assuming you’ll be able to see them from a while away.

Ion Storms will clip the wings of your Eagle.

Ion Storms

Ion Storms will trigger sporadically on planets that they are active on. When you’re caught up in one, it will temporarily block you from calling in Stratagems.

We recommend ensuring you have a solid weapons loadout to make up for any potential lack of Orbital and Eagle support. Traveling with a full team of four Helldivers will also be important as the Reinforcement Stratagem is also impacted by the blackout.

Meteor Storms

If Meteor Storms are active on a planet, big ol’ rocks will fall from the sky at random intervals. These Meteors will cause damage and knock players down but they can also hit enemies.

At present, the best way of avoiding these is by finding some overhead cover and waiting them out. They last for around 45 seconds so keep an eye on that mission timer.

Rain Storms

The only thing that makes Robot Vietnam even more authentic is a monsoon. Much like Blizzards, Rainstorms are active for the duration of a mission and they drastically reduce your visibility.

There don’t seem to be any impacts on movement associated with them, however. It also appears that they don’t reduce the effects of fire-based weapons like the Breaker or Flamethrower.

Tremors

Tremors will trigger at random intervals when active and both players and enemies will be slowed or stunned by earthquakes. A banner will appear on screen stating “Tremors Active” to alert players.

Players can use a Jump Pack to keep themselves off the ground during a Tremor and remain combat-effective.

Ground shakes can’t get you if you’re never on the ground.

Those are all the Planetary Hazards currently impacting Helldivers 2. Get a good grasp on them so they don’t affect your Managed Democracy quota.

For more info on how to be a stalwart champion of the Federation, check out our Helldivers 2 guides.

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