Helldivers 2: Extra Padding explained

Helldivers 2 features several stratagems and weapons to take into combat but Extra Passing is an additional stat that can give you a bit of extra defense in certain situations. So, here’s everything we know about Extra Padding including its practical effects in the game.

Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers 2 is packed full of weapons, and stratagems to unlock as you progress by taking on missions, defeating waves of enemies, and climbing up the various difficulty levels. You’ll be able to expand your arsenal as you level up and gain more resources in the co-op shooter.

One thing that’s available right from the start of Helldivers 2 however is Extra Passing, a passive stat that delivers an extra layer of protection for players heading into hostile missions. It comes automatically embedded in the standard body armor that’s available at the beginning of the game but what specific defenses does it provide?

If you’re curious about exactly what Extra Padding does in Helldivers 2, we’ve got everything you need to know about it right here, including what situations it’s most helpful in and the utility it has.

What is Extra Padding in Helldivers 2?

Extra Padding is a passive stat that comes with the default body armor in Helldivers 2. By design, it’s Arrowhead Game Studios’ nod to the perilous life of a Helldiver. The trait is initially perceived as a protective measure against the myriad threats encountered across alien worlds. 

Yet, as players and fans have explored, the reality of Extra Padding’s utility is more nuanced. Testing and community feedback have revealed that Extra Padding indeed offers a specific combat buff, particularly against explosive damage. 

Trials with different armor sets have demonstrated that armor equipped with Extra Padding absorbs significantly less damage from grenades and landmines compared to those without. This revelation highlights Extra Padding’s role in enhancing a Helldiver’s survivability in the face of explosive threats.

Contrary to initial skepticism suggesting that Extra Padding might merely be a jest by the developers—a commentary on the expendable nature of Helldivers—the stat indeed has a practical application. While it doesn’t grant invulnerability against direct hits from explosive devices, its presence can be the difference between life and death when navigating minefields or dodging grenades.

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