Facing a Bug Hive in Helldivers 2 can be one of the most intense and challenging missions in the game. These underground nests are swarming with hostile enemies, and without the right approach, it’s easy to get overrun. After spending hours grinding through hives with my squad, I’ve gathered some reliable survival strategies that can help you and your team push through even the toughest encounters.

1. Know the Hive Layout

Bug Hives are not random chaos; they follow certain patterns. Expect tight tunnels, choke points, and large chambers filled with spawning enemies. A good squad will assign roles before entering: one player to scout, another to cover choke points, and others to provide support. Understanding where the bugs will come from makes the difference between holding the line and being wiped out.

2. Choose the Right Loadout

Don’t just rush in with your favorite gear. Hives are all about sustained fights. Weapons with area control, such as flamethrowers or explosives, shine here. Bringing a mix of crowd-control tools and armor-piercing options ensures your squad can handle both swarms and armored elites. Checking the Helldivers 2 shop before missions is a good idea if you want to experiment with gear options and find what fits your playstyle best.

3. Manage Resources

Ammo, stims, and stratagems will disappear quickly inside the hive. Always designate a safe fallback point where your squad can regroup and resupply. Call down stratagems wisely; wasting an airstrike in a cramped tunnel won’t be as effective as saving it for a large chamber filled with enemies.

4. Team Coordination Is Everything

Solo heroics rarely work in Bug Hives. Survival depends on communication and covering each other. Assigning someone to guard the rear is critical since enemies love to ambush from behind. Stick together, share resources, and don’t be afraid to retreat if the pressure becomes overwhelming.

5. Long-Term Progression

Bug Hives are also a great place to farm rewards if you can consistently survive them. Players looking to upgrade faster sometimes aim to buy Helldivers 2 medals to speed up progression, but grinding through hives is a natural and rewarding way to build your strength. Combining smart resource use with efficient farming makes your overall campaign progress much smoother.

Bug Hives in Helldivers 2 are designed to test patience, teamwork, and adaptability. If you approach them with preparation and coordination, they transform from nightmare missions into some of the most thrilling moments in the game. Whether you’re experimenting with new gear from the Helldivers 2 shop or strategizing the best ways to maximize your rewards, the key is always the same: survive together, or not at all.