Helldivers 2 gives players access to some of the most satisfying heavy weaponry in co-op shooters, and the Orbital 380MM HE Barrage is one of the most destructive tools in your arsenal. But if you’ve never used it before, you might be wondering: how do you aim this massive weapon without wasting your shots—or worse, accidentally hitting your own team? Let’s break it down in a player-friendly way.

What Makes the 380MM HE Barrage Special?

The first thing to know is that this isn’t your typical gun. Unlike the Minigun or even the M-1000 Maxigun, the 380MM HE Barrage is orbital artillery. That means it hits the ground from above, causing massive area-of-effect damage. If timed and aimed correctly, it can wipe out swarms of enemies in seconds, making it perfect for stopping those “oh no” moments when your team is getting pinned down.

But here’s the catch: its impact zone isn’t instantaneous, and enemies can move. That’s why proper aiming is key. Think of it more like predicting where your enemy will be, not where they are right now.

How Should I Aim It?

The simplest trick is to aim slightly ahead of fast-moving targets. Since there’s a short delay before the barrage hits, dropping it directly on top of a running bug or tank often results in a miss. Instead, imagine where that enemy will be in 2–3 seconds, and aim there.

Another tip is to use the terrain to your advantage. Narrow corridors, chokepoints, or areas where enemies cluster naturally are perfect spots for this weapon. You can even combine it with defensive structures or turrets to maximize efficiency.

For me, one of the fun parts is lining up multiple barrages in succession. It almost feels like playing artillery in a real-time strategy game—but with the added chaos of friendly fire. Just make sure your teammates are clear before calling it down.

What About Friendly Fire?

Yes, the 380MM HE Barrage can—and will—hurt your teammates if you’re not careful. A good habit is to communicate your strikes using quick in-game signals or voice chat. I’ve had more than a few wipeouts because I wasn’t paying attention to a buddy sneaking behind a rock.

If you’re just starting out and want to practice safely, try targeting isolated enemy groups or using it in solo missions first. Once you’re confident with the timing and area coverage, you’ll be able to call it down in the middle of the heaviest fights without a second thought.

Can I Improve My Barrage Efficiency?

Absolutely. One overlooked factor is resource management. Using high-tier equipment like the 380MM HE Barrage consumes a lot of in-game currency. If you want to maximize your firepower without constantly grinding, some players turn to options to buy helldivers 2 super credits through official or trusted platforms. This allows you to stock up on ammunition and gadgets for those big fights without slowing down your progression. Just remember to use them wisely—there’s nothing worse than running out mid-battle.

Should I Pair It With Other Weapons?

Definitely. The Orbital 380MM HE Barrage works best in combination with crowd control and defensive gear. For example, deploying turrets or Mines while enemies are pinned down lets you hit multiple groups with a single barrage. Some players even set up combos with the Eagle Stratagem or Minigun to keep enemies in place, making it easier to predict their position and land perfect strikes.

Personally, I like mixing it with slower, tankier weapons like the ARC-3 Arc Thrower or autocannons. This creates a layered effect where enemies can’t easily escape your orbital attacks.

How Can I Get More Barrages Without Breaking the Bank?

In Helldivers 2, medals are the main way to unlock or upgrade these heavy weapons. If you want to unlock them faster without spending endless hours grinding, some players look for ways to get cheap helldivers 2 medals through official in-game methods or reputable stores. It’s a fast track, and it frees you up to focus on learning how to aim effectively rather than worrying about resource scarcity.

Final Tips From a Player

1. Practice makes perfect: Spend a few missions just learning how long it takes for the barrage to land.

2. Mind your teammates: Orbital artillery is powerful, but it’s also a potential hazard for your squad.

3. Use terrain strategically: Narrow paths and clustered enemy formations are your best friends.

4. Combine with other equipment: Barrage plus crowd control equals devastating combos.

5. Resource management matters: Keep a stockpile of super credits and medals so you’re always ready for the next fight.

With a little practice, the Orbital 380MM HE Barrage becomes one of the most satisfying weapons to use in Helldivers 2. It’s all about prediction, positioning, and timing—plus, there’s nothing like the feeling of clearing a battlefield with one perfectly aimed strike.

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