E/MG-101 HMG Emplacement Guide for Helldivers 2

[CrystalViper]

If you’ve reached Level 10 and are looking at the Bridge stratagems, the E/MG-101 HMG Emplacement is a classic defensive tool. Many players wonder if it’s worth the 10,000 Requisition Slips and a stratagem slot. This guide breaks down how it actually performs in the field, based on common use and player experience.

How does the HMG Emplacement actually work?
You call it down like any other stratagem. After a 7.75-second call-in (which can be reduced with upgrades), a Hellpod delivers a static, twin-barreled machine gun on a rotating mount. A player must manually enter it to operate. It has 300 rounds per gun, fired simultaneously, and lasts until it is destroyed or runs out of ammo—it cannot be reloaded or repaired. Once empty or broken, you must call in a new one, subject to the stratagem’s cooldown.

What is it good at killing?
This is its main strength. The emplacement fires rounds with Heavy Armor Penetration. In practice, this means it shreds through the armor of most medium enemies (like Berserkers and Hunter patrols) instantly. More importantly, it can significantly damage heavy targets. It can break the armor on Charger legs, chip away at Hulks, and even contribute to bringing down Bile Titans if you can aim at their head or other weak points. For clearing out waves of smaller enemies or providing sustained fire on a big target’s weak spot, it’s exceptionally effective.

What are its biggest drawbacks?
The emplacement has two major limitations. First, its rotation speed is very slow, even after patches improved it. Turning 180 degrees to face a threat from behind takes a frustratingly long time. Second, the gunner is exposed. While the emplacement itself can block some light fire, any powerful attack—like a Charger charge, a Bile Titan spit, or cannon fire from heavy vehicles—will destroy the emplacement and likely kill the operator. You are a stationary, high-value target.

Where and when should I deploy it?
Placement is everything. Most players agree it’s best used in static defense missions (like "Hold the area" objectives on Evacuation missions) or at fixed points of interest. The ideal placement is covering a choke point or a predictable approach lane, so the gun rarely needs to turn. Avoid placing it in open fields. Since it persists until destroyed, a common tactic is to drop one at a defensive point early in a mission. This starts its long cooldown (180 seconds base) immediately, allowing you to potentially call a second one before the fight intensifies. For players looking to equip a strong defense without spending too many resources, finding budget-friendly Helldivers 2 items on U4N can be a good strategy to get the right gear for your playstyle.

How do ship upgrades affect it?
Two Engineering Bay modules are crucial. The Rapid Launch System removes the call-in time entirely, letting you deploy it instantly in an emergency. Synthetic Supplementation reduces its cooldown by 10%. From the Bridge, Morale Augmentation gives a further 5% cooldown reduction. With all upgrades, the cooldown drops to about 154 seconds, making it much more reliable for prolonged defenses.

Should I take it over the handheld HMG support weapon?
They serve different roles. The handheld HMG is for mobility, allowing you to advance while laying down heavy fire. The emplacement is for holding a position. The emplacement version generally has a higher damage output and doesn’t require a backpack, but at the total cost of your mobility. Most players bring the emplacement when they know they have to defend a point; they take the support weapon for more mobile operations.

Any final tactical tips?

Team Communication is Key: Let your team know where you’re setting up so they can funnel enemies into your field of fire and protect your flanks.

Don’t Get Tunnel Vision: It’s easy to focus on the target in front of you. Constantly check your minimap for enemies approaching from outside your firing arc.

Abandon Ship: If a Charger or Bile Titan is bearing down directly on the emplacement, get out and run. The emplacement will be destroyed, but you can live to call another.

Stacking: Multiple emplacements can cover different angles at the same spot. If you have a dedicated team, two emplacements covering a 180-degree arc can create a nearly impenetrable kill zone.

In general, the HMG Emplacement is a powerful but situational tool. It excels in the right defensive setup but can be a death trap if used carelessly. Mastering when and where to deploy it is a hallmark of an experienced Helldiver coordinating a solid defense.

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