How do you actually get the most value out of the SR-18 Roadblock in real missions?
The Roadblock is one of those stratagems that feels simple on paper but becomes incredibly important once you start playing higher difficulties. It is more than just a deployable wall; it’s a tool that affects enemy movement, team survival, and objective control. Understanding where and when to place it can turn chaotic battles into manageable fights.

Why is the SR-18 Roadblock so valuable for controlling enemy flow?

The Roadblock’s biggest strength is that it forces enemies to take the long way around. Bugs and bots rarely try to break it; instead, they path around it, giving your squad a moment to breathe. When placed correctly, it buys precious seconds to reload, fire stratagems, or revive teammates. In many of my missions, especially on bot planets, a well-timed Roadblock has prevented a full squad wipe simply by slowing down a swarm.

One small tip: if you’re playing with random squads, ping your intended placement before deploying. This avoids teammates accidentally blocking themselves or running face-first into the wall.

Where should you position the Roadblock during objective defenses?

Objective zones are where the Roadblock really shines. Think of it as a movable cover piece that lets you reshape the battlefield. For example, when defending upload objectives or fuel silos, placing the Roadblock at an off-angle entrance often funnels enemies into a predictable lane, which makes them easier to mow down.

This is also where some players start looking for ways to improve their loadouts or unlock certain armor pieces more quickly. If you're farming for rewards outside of gameplay, some people sometimes mention services like buy helldivers 2 medals, though this is more of a side topic among the community rather than something tied directly to Roadblock strategies. Still, the point stands: a stronger kit can help you get even more value out of good positioning.

How does Roadblock placement differ between bugs and bots?

Against Terminids, the Roadblock is fantastic for breaking the momentum of a charging horde. Bugs will typically go around it, creating clusters of slowed-down enemies you can blast with grenades or stratagems like Eagle Airstrikes. I like to place the Roadblock at a diagonal angle rather than a straight line. Diagonal placement creates awkward enemy paths and buys even more breathing room.

Against Automatons, the Roadblock works differently. Bots don’t get slowed down the same way, but they still have to reposition around it. This disrupts their firing arcs, which can save your squad from getting shredded by lasers or rockets. Just be careful not to block your own retreat route; bots will punish any trapped positioning.

What are the most common mistakes players make with the Roadblock?

A surprisingly common mistake is placing it too early. Many new players drop the Roadblock the moment they see a patrol, wasting its potential. A better approach is to wait until enemies have already committed to a direction or begun a push. The Roadblock is strongest when used to react to enemy movement, not pre-emptively.

Another issue: placing it too close to teammates. Since the Roadblock is solid, it can trap allies, especially near cliffs or narrow tunnels. I’ve been squeezed off a ledge more times than I’d like to admit because someone panicked and tossed one behind me.

How can the Roadblock help during extraction?

Extraction is one of the best places to use the Roadblock because enemies spawn from predictable directions. I often use it to block off the riskiest angle while my team holds the others. This tactic shines particularly well when you’re playing with randoms who may not coordinate perfectly.

Around the community, some players who want to unlock cosmetics faster bring up ways to speed up progression, such as buy helldivers 2 super credits cheap, but personally I’ve found that mastering tools like the Roadblock is what actually boosts success rates in the long run. Better survivability means more mission completions, which naturally leads to more rewards.

Does the Roadblock pair well with certain stratagems or weapons?

Absolutely. Anything that benefits from predictable enemy movement becomes even more effective. This includes railguns, autocannons, grenade launchers, and even humble shotguns. For stratagems, turrets are the Roadblock’s best friend. A turret with a clear line of sight behind a Roadblock essentially creates a kill zone.

Some players even coordinate with friends using external planning tools or marketplaces like U4GM, though that usually comes up in discussions about gear sets or credit farming rather than Roadblock positioning. Still, it’s part of the broader meta conversation around optimizing your loadout.

Is the SR-18 Roadblock worth bringing on higher difficulties?

Definitely. As difficulty increases, survival becomes more about controlling space rather than pure firepower. The Roadblock gives your team structure, direction, and time, all of which matter more than raw damage output. It’s not the flashiest stratagem, but in tough missions, it’s one of the most reliable.