How Can You Tell if a Mission Has a SEAF Artillery Site?

Before heading into a mission, it’s important to know if a SEAF Artillery site is present. In general, the game provides a straightforward indicator:

During loadout selection, a SEAF Artillery stratagem appears as a standard issue option only if the mission map contains a SEAF Artillery site.

If this stratagem is missing from the loadout menu, then no artillery site is present on the mission map.

Most players also use the mission briefing hotzones to predict secondary objectives. Memorizing these hotzones can help narrow down the location of undiscovered objectives, since SEAF Artillery sites are not highlighted on the minimap. Using topographical scans confirms whether a site is artillery-specific or another objective type.

How Many Shells Are There, and How Should They Be Managed?

Each SEAF Artillery site contains between five (5) and seven (7) shells. Usually, it’s best not to search for extra shells once the required number has been transported near or into the loading chamber. Players often focus on completing the minimum objective efficiently rather than carrying every single shell.

The order and type of shells loaded into the artillery are preserved when calling the stratagem. This means Helldivers should plan which shells to use first and remember their loading sequence. The currently selected shell is displayed in the stratagem menu during use, allowing players to coordinate effectively.

When Can SEAF Artillery Be Used?

In practice, SEAF Artillery can be activated under several conditions:

Within the area of effect (AoE) of active Stratagem Jammers

During Ion Storms

When the mission timer reaches zero

The shells function similarly to other orbital weapons like the Eagle Bomb and NUX-223 Hellbomb:

High-Yield Explosives can destroy Detector Towers and Stratagem Jammers.

Mini-Nukes are effective against Gunship Facilities, Fuel Reserves, and Orbital Cannons.

Understanding these parallels helps most players anticipate the effects of artillery strikes and plan coordinated attacks with teammates.

How Topography Helps in Identifying Artillery Sites

Topographical images are often used to spot SEAF Artillery sites. Common indicators include:

Buildings or houses near the site

Storage rinks or pits for shell reserves

Sites located inside cities or urban areas

Experienced players often rely on these visual cues to avoid wasting time searching in irrelevant areas.

Historical Tips: Moving Shells Efficiently

Prior to February 4th, 2025 (patch 01.002.101), Helldivers could use “basketball” and “throwing” techniques to move shells faster:

Dropping and picking up shells repeatedly allowed for small sprint bursts, improving transport speed.

Throwing shells while switching to a primary weapon let them travel farther without manual lifting.

Modern updates replaced this with safer mechanics described in patch notes. Now, Helldivers can jog while carrying two-handed items, such as barrels and SEAF Artillery rounds, following in-game safe lifting guidelines. Most players find this method more consistent and less risky than older techniques.

Practical Considerations for Using SEAF Artillery

When using artillery in missions, keep in mind:

Prioritize the necessary number of shells rather than overcollecting.

Remember shell types and order for efficient use.

Coordinate with teammates if multiple artillery points are active.

Observe the environment using topographical maps to identify targets effectively.

Additionally, some players use external resources to obtain cheap Helldivers 2 medals, which can make stratagem options more accessible for practice and experimentation.

SEAF Artillery Patch Changes Worth Noting

Over time, SEAF Artillery has received multiple updates:

Patch 1.000.200 (2024-04-02): Fire damage for Napalm increased by 50% per tick; shell tips standardized.

Patch 1.000.400 (2024-06-13): Artillery is no longer blocked by Stratagem Jammers or Ion Storms; available after the mission timer ends.

Patch 1.001.104 (2024-10-15): Projectile and explosive damage adjusted.

Patch 1.001.201 (2024-10-29): Fixed an issue with picking up shells while holding a grenade.

Patch 1.003.000 (2025-05-13): Burn damage from shells increased from 50 to 100.

These changes have made artillery more reliable and versatile, and most players adapt strategies accordingly.

SEAF Artillery in Helldivers 2 is a powerful but situational tool. By carefully observing mission indicators, managing shell types, and using topographical cues, players can make the most out of each artillery deployment. Coordination, planning, and awareness of patch updates ensure that missions are completed efficiently and safely.

For must players, integrating these practices with general mission strategies leads to consistent success.