New C4 Stratagem Guide in Helldivers 2
The C4 stratagem, introduced in the Redacted Regiment Warbond, has quickly become one of the most polarizing additions to Helldivers 2. Some players bounced off it almost immediately, calling it awkward, underpowered, or redundant. That reaction is understandable—but also premature.
C4 is not a simple “throw and forget” explosive. It’s a hybrid tool that rewards positioning, timing, and game knowledge. Before writing it off, it’s worth understanding what C4 actually does, how it performs against enemies and objectives, and where Arrowhead could realistically improve it.
This article breaks down time-to-kill performance, practical usage tips, enemy-specific strategies, and constructive feedback for making C4 better without breaking the game.
What C4 Actually Is in Helldivers 2
C4 functions as a hybrid between Dynamite’s explosive radius and Thermite’s direct damage:
• Strong horde clear when detonated at the right moment
• High single-target damage against armored and elite enemies
• Remote detonation gives you full control over timing
It’s also the first non-expendable support weapon, meaning it stays relevant even when you’re carrying one-handed mission objectives. That alone makes it unique within the current stratagem ecosystem.
A Critical Tip Before Anything Else
There’s a frustrating bug many players run into: “If you throw all your C4, resupply, and suddenly can’t throw more, reload your detonator.” This fixes the issue immediately and prevents what feels like a game-breaking lockout.
Enemy Performance: What C4 Can Kill (and How)
Heavy & Elite Enemies
• Chargers – One C4 to the face kills them instantly.
If they’re charging, toss it on the ground and detonate as they pass over it.
• Hulks – Can be killed with a single C4 almost anywhere.
Grouped hulks? One detonation can wipe out three or four at once.
• War Striders – One-shot if you hit the leg or crotch.
Avoid the torso—it takes far longer.
• Harvesters – Hit the joint.
The blue “eye” is technically viable but extremely hard to land. Be aware: C4 can bounce off Harvesters due to a likely bug, especially when shields are involved.
• Impalers – One C4 to a front leg deletes them instantly.
• Bile Titans – Two C4s to the face.
The easiest window is when they’re spewing; they’ll detonate it for you.
Aerial Enemies
• Stingrays – Toss C4 so they intercept it mid-air, then detonate once they’re above you.
• Gunships – Require Servo-Assisted armor to reach throwing distance.
• Leviathans – Servo-Assisted is mandatory.
Expect to use five to six C4 for a kill.
Vehicles & Structures
• Tanks – Guaranteed kills if you hit the back turret or base.
Side hits can work, but are less consistent.
• Factory Striders – Extremely fast time-to-kill.
Two C4 placed correctly:
• Back: rectangle near the bottom
• Undercarriage: any side door
• Torso: middle or lower section
Hive Lords (Boss Tier)
You can kill Hive Lords with C4, but the smarter approach is armor breaking:
• ~7 C4 + 3 Thermites on the same armor piece will break it quickly
• Once armor is broken, do not continue using explosives on that spot
• Hive Lords appear to have 100% explosive resistance on exposed flesh
If you keep using C4, focus on breaking additional armor plates instead.
Objectives & Map Control
• Fabricators, Dropships, Bug Nests – One-shot
(Exception: Bile Titan nests are immune)
• Shaky Hotel & Spewers – Two C4
One C4 plus small-arms fire also works
• Bunkers – Five C4
Pro tip: Preload all bunkers and fabricators, then detonate everything at once. Watching the map instantly complete is incredibly satisfying.
• Stratagem Jammers & Detector Towers – Cannot be destroyed
This is intentional and healthy for mission design, even if some players dislike it.
Advanced Tips & Quirks
• You can shoot C4 to detonate it, though it’s rarely optimal.
• Thermite explosions do not reliably trigger nearby C4—useful for convoy setups.
• Each detonator is uniquely linked to its deployed C4.
You can set traps with one detonator, swap, and use another offensively.
• On “Raise the Flag” missions, C4 can be used stealthily—but don’t be the host.
There’s currently a host-side detection bug that makes enemies overly aware of C4. You can also attach C4 to players (yes, really), but not to backpacks or shields—likely due to missing hitboxes.
Loadout Recommendation (Bots)
Stratagems
• C4
• Commando
• Rocket Sentry
• Flex slot (planet and mission dependent)
Gear
• Servo-Assisted armor (mandatory for aerial targets)
• Thermites with extra grenade armor
You effectively become a walking demolition platform—“Bomb Voyage” levels of destruction.
Constructive Feedback: How C4 Could Be Better
C4 is fun and powerful, but not perfect. Some changes would dramatically improve its feel without breaking the balance:
• Function Swap Consistency
The detonator function should always be on the left input, matching other weapons.
• Resupply Improvements
• Teammate resupplies should refill the backpack fully
• POI ammo boxes should give 2 C4 instead of 1
• Ammo Economy
Reduce how parasitic C4 feels compared to Thermites and Ultimatums.
• Battle Titan Nests
C4 should be able to destroy them. The current limitation feels arbitrary.
• Experimental Idea
Remove the detonator entirely:
• Dispense C4 via backpack button
• Detonate by holding the same button
This would allow C4 to coexist with other support weapons. Not necessary—but undeniably cool.
C4 is S-tier in fun, uniqueness, and playstyle diversity. S-tier does not mean perfect—it means engaging, powerful, and different. Against bugs, it struggles—but that’s a faction design problem, not a C4 problem.
If you value creative gameplay, tactical control, and explosive setups that reward planning instead of raw DPS spam, C4 delivers in a way few stratagems do.
Give it a fair shot. In addition, MMOexp provides players with a wealth of HD2 items, including popular resources that players urgently need such as Helldivers 2 Super Credits, Medals, and Samples. We also offer 24-hour online service and assistance. We wish you a pleasant gaming experience.
MMOexp Helldivers 2 Team