If you’ve spent time grinding through the tougher missions in Helldivers 2, you know that collecting rare items can feel like fighting an uphill battle—especially when enemies are tougher, objectives are more layered, and extraction gets chaotic. But with the right strategy, you can turn those brutal operations into goldmines for unique gear and resources. Here are 10 practical ways to collect rare items on high-difficulty missions, based on real in-game experience.

1. Prioritize Side Objectives

On harder missions, side objectives often come with better rewards—including rare items. These might involve securing hidden caches, rescuing personnel, or destroying high-value enemy structures. Always check your map and communicate with your team before skipping them.

2. Scout the Map for Hidden Loot Crates

Rare items can sometimes be found in tucked-away corners of the map, especially in outposts or enemy encampments. Before triggering extraction, sweep the area. You’ll often find locked containers or hidden briefcases that yield Super Credits or powerful mods.

3. Use Stratagems That Enhance Scavenging

Some loadouts allow you to detect nearby loot or increase your chances of drops. Equip radar boosters, supply drones, or passive gear that increases item discovery. This small change can greatly improve your chances of spotting elusive crates or collectible items.

4. Run Missions with Friends or a Trusted Squad

Public matchmaking can be hit or miss. Teaming up with friends ensures better coordination and a focused approach to objectives. This is especially useful when you need to split up to cover multiple objectives and maximize loot collection.

5. Replay High-Yield Maps

Certain mission types and biomes are known to have better drop rates for rare items. If you find a mission with rich item spawns, bookmark it and revisit it with new gear. The repetition may be tedious, but the loot can be worth it.

6. Extract Late, Not Early

Unless you’re being overwhelmed, delay extraction to continue exploring the map. The longer you stay and the more enemies you engage, the higher your chance of triggering bonus encounters and loot opportunities—including rare medals and Super Credits.

7. Check Your Loadout for Mobility

Navigating tougher missions means you need speed and stamina to access hard-to-reach zones. Use light armor and speed-boosting perks to make loot runs faster and safer. It might make the difference between escaping with loot or dying empty-handed.

8. Destroy Enemy Strongholds

Enemy camps often contain resource-rich containers. Wiping them out might take coordination and firepower, but they can reward you with rare Helldivers 2 items that you won’t find just by following the main objective path.

9. Use Your Currency Wisely

Not everything needs to be earned the hard way. If you’re short on time or trying to complete a build, you can buy Helldivers 2 medals or invest in Helldivers 2 Super Credits to unlock items directly. Many players choose to supplement their grinding with currency options available through platforms like U4GM, which offer a straightforward way to progress without the repetitive grind.

10. Watch for Limited-Time Missions

Occasionally, the game introduces time-limited missions or special events that significantly increase your odds of finding rare loot. These are often marked differently on the map. Make sure to log in regularly or check community updates so you don’t miss out.

Tackling difficult missions in Helldivers 2 isn’t just about brute force—it’s about efficiency, awareness, and smart planning. Whether you’re going in solo or with a coordinated team, these ten methods can help you collect those elusive rare items that take your builds to the next level. And when you're short on time, remember that platforms like U4GM exist as reliable alternatives for obtaining what you need to stay competitive.