Helldivers 2, one of 2025’s most popular co-op games, challenges players to level up to unlock powerful Stratagems, tougher missions, and bigger rewards. Many new players find the grind tough. However, smart strategies can help you advance quickly through the ranks. This guide shares the most efficient ways to gain experience points (XP) in Helldivers 2, updated as of August 29, 2025.
Playing missions on higher difficulties boosts XP rewards significantly. For instance, Super Helldive, the toughest setting at difficulty 10, offers the highest XP. However, choose a difficulty level that you can complete successfully. Failed missions slow progress, so balance challenge with skill to maximise gains.
A full squad of four players makes missions easier and more rewarding. Team play increases survival chances and grants bonus XP when everyone extracts alive. Even random matchmaking outperforms solo play. Joining a squad, especially for tougher missions, helps you level up faster and smoothly.
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— All Out Gaming (@AllOutGamingX) August 29, 2025Short missions, such as Eradication and Defence, and quick objective runs deliver high XP in less time compared to longer tasks. When these align with Major Orders, rewards increase further. Prioritising these missions allows you to farm XP efficiently without spending hours on complex objectives.
Target Illuminate Missions
The Illuminate faction offers some of the fastest XP farming opportunities. These missions, especially on higher difficulties, are often easier to clear than Bug or Automaton battles. As a result, they provide a reliable way to gain XP quickly, making them a top choice for levelling.
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— IGN España (@IGN_es) August 29, 2025Completing mission objectives and extracting successfully is key to earning XP. Chasing enemies or optional loot can waste time and increase the risk of failure. By focusing on objectives, you ensure steady progress toward the level cap of 150, which requires consistent effort but becomes achievable with these strategies.
Levelling up in Helldivers 2 unlocks advanced Stratagems and access to tougher missions, enhancing gameplay. With over 10 million players in 2025, per Steam data, efficient levelling gives you an edge. These strategies, drawn from community insights and updates from Arrowhead Game Studios, help you succeed more quickly.
