How to Play Helldivers 2 Using a Keyboard | A Hands-On Guide for PC Pl

If you recently picked up Helldivers 2 on your PC, let me tell you, mastering the keyboard is your first step toward becoming a true hero of Super Earth.

Most players might instinctively grab a controller, but I chose the keyboard route and haven’t looked back since. And trust me, once you get comfortable with the keys, the battlefield feels more like a playground than a warzone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to play Helldivers 2 using a keyboard, from default controls to smart keyboard changes that could seriously up your game.

Why Use a Keyboard in Helldivers 2?

Why use a keyboard in Helldivers 2? Honestly, when the battlefield gets wild, and it will, having a keyboard and mouse gives you the edge.

I found that aiming with a mouse is just more accurate, especially when things go sideways fast. Also, with the keyboard, I can customize my controls exactly how I want and hit multiple keys at once without messing up.

It’s not just about preference, it’s about precision, speed, and full control. If you're going with the keyboard setup, trust me, you're not compromising, you're stepping up.

Getting Started: Default Keyboard Controls

Let’s start with the basics — the stuff you need to survive your first few minutes on the battlefield. These are the default keyboard controls Helldivers 2 hands you right out of the gate.

Basic Movement

W, A, S, D – Move in all directions
Shift (Hold) – Sprint when you need to make a run for it
Spacebar – Jump or mantle over terrain
Ctrl – Dive to dodge incoming chaos

Once you get comfortable with moving around (and diving for your life), you're ready to start shooting back.

Combat Essentials

This is where the fun (and the panic) begins. Here’s how you hold your ground when things get intense:

Left Mouse Button – Primary Fire
Right Mouse Button – Aim down sights
R – Reload your weapon
V – Melee attack for up-close surprises
F – Throw a grenade (use wisely!)
G – Use your support weapon
E – Quick stim to heal yourself

Tip: You will forget to reload at the worst possible time. I learned that the hard way. Make it a habit to tap R after every fight, even if you're not sure you need to.

Strategic Moves (Stratagems)

Stratagems are your lifeline when the swarm feels endless — from airstrikes to supply drops, these can turn the tide.

Z – Open Stratagem Input
A / D – Scroll through your available Stratagems
Then quickly input the directional combo (like Down, Down, Up, Left) to call it in

This is where muscle memory kicks in. You’ll be entering these combos while dodging bullets and yelling at your squad, so practice until it’s second nature.

When you can drop a turret mid-firefight without thinking, you’ll feel like a true Helldiver.

Interaction and Revive

E – Interact with objectives / revive allies
Q – Mark a target or switch aim mode
Tab – Open Map
C – Crouch or Slide
B – Ping location (super helpful in co-op)

How I Improved My Gameplay With Custom Keybinds?

The default controls got me through the tutorial, but once the missions got crazier, I knew I needed something smoother.

I made a few changes to match my reflexes, and honestly? It made a night-and-day difference.

If you’re feeling off-balance or too slow during fights, tweaking your keybinds could seriously level up your game.

Stratagem Activation to Alt – Way easier to hit under pressure than reaching for Z
Toggle Sprint instead of Hold – No more sore pinky after long sessions
Jump to E, Interact to F – Reviving and jumping felt smoother this way
Quick Stim on my mouse’s thumb button – Instant heal without thinking — total lifesaver

Go to Settings → Mouse & Keyboard and create a custom profile just for Helldivers 2. That way, you can test different layouts without messing up your other games and always roll back if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Helldivers 2

Let me save you some frustration because trust me, I’ve been there. Here are the early mistakes I made that nearly got me (and my squad) wiped more times than I care to admit:

Forgetting to Dive - Ctrl isn’t just a fancy movement tool, it’s your emergency eject button. Dive through grenades, laser beams, enemy charges… whatever’s flying your way. If you’re not diving, you’re dying.

Fumbling Stratagem Combos - You do not want to be stuck inputting a combo while a bug is chewing on your leg. Learn the combos for your favorite Stratagems and drill them until they’re muscle memory. It’ll save your life more than once.

Ignoring Customization - Don’t just settle for the default keybinds. Your fingers know what feels right, listen to them. Adjust your controls until they flow naturally, because in Helldivers 2, even half a second of hesitation can mean a game over.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about using a keyboard and mouse in Helldivers 2, here’s my honest take: Yes, but only if you’re all in.

The precision you get with mouse aiming is unmatched, and once you’ve fine-tuned your keybinds, it feels like every action is just a flick or tap away.

Sure, it might feel awkward at first, it did for me, but give it a few play sessions and your hands will start doing things automatically.

Also Read: How Do I Play Clash of Clans on My PC?