In Helldivers 2, medals are one of the most sought-after resources. They unlock cosmetics, stratagems, and other in-game upgrades that let you stand out on the battlefield while staying effective against hostile forces. However, many players quickly notice that collecting medals can be tricky, especially as difficulty scales. This guide breaks down how medal progression works, what challenges to expect, and how to make the grind feel smoother.
Understanding Medal Difficulty
Medals aren’t distributed evenly across all missions. Higher-difficulty missions often come with better medal rewards, but they also require more coordination, stronger builds, and a solid understanding of enemy behavior. Jumping straight into the hardest missions may sound tempting, but it’s rarely efficient if your team isn’t fully prepared.
The system is designed so that medal farming feels tied to risk. On lower difficulties, you’ll gain medals slowly but steadily. On higher ones, you’ll encounter larger payouts, though failing the mission means walking away with almost nothing. Balancing this risk and reward is at the heart of medal progression.
Best Ways to Earn Medals Faster
- Focus on Objective Play – Don’t waste time farming enemies endlessly. Completing primary and secondary objectives ensures consistent medal gains.
- Choose the Right Difficulty Tier – If your squad wipes often on higher tiers, step down a level. A 100 percent success rate on medium difficulty usually outpaces failed high-tier runs.
- Play During Major Orders – When the community is focused on global objectives, medal rewards tend to stack up faster. These events are excellent farming opportunities.
- Squad Coordination Matters – Running with friends or reliable teammates drastically improves completion rates, which directly improves medal income.
- Daily and Weekly Quests – Some of the best medal boosts come from timed challenges. Make sure to complete them before they expire.
Using Your Medals Wisely
Once you’ve built up a stash, the Helldivers 2 medal shop is the main place to spend them. This shop rotates rewards regularly, featuring new cosmetics and gear. Saving medals for specific rotations is often better than spending them immediately. Think about what fits your long-term playstyle rather than blowing medals on the first shiny reward.
Some players also explore alternative routes to accelerate progress, such as looking to buy Helldivers 2 medals. While this may sound appealing for those short on time, remember that the most satisfying part of the game is earning your loadout through skill and teamwork. Farming medals through gameplay not only makes your account stronger but also improves your mastery of the game itself.
Earning medals in Helldivers 2 can feel like a grind, but with the right strategy, it becomes a rewarding loop rather than a frustrating chore. Prioritize objectives, play within your team’s limits, and take advantage of community events. Over time, you’ll find yourself with enough medals to grab the best rewards from the shop without feeling burned out.