Helldivers 2 throws you into dark caves, night operations, and hostile terrain where visibility is often your worst enemy. Thankfully, almost every primary and secondary weapon in the game comes equipped with a flashlight. Learning how to control this simple but vital tool can make the difference between spotting threats early and walking blindly into danger.
How to Turn On and Off the Flashlight in Helldivers 2
The flashlight isn’t a separate gear item—you access it directly through your weapon controls.
- On PC: Hold down the R key (reload button).
- On PlayStation: Hold down Square.
When you hold the reload button, a small toggle menu appears. If your weapon has a flashlight, you’ll see three options:
- Auto – The default setting, flashlight activates only when aiming down sights.
- On – Flashlight stays on at all times.
- Off – Flashlight is completely disabled.
Note: The toggle menu won’t open if you’re already aiming down sights.
Aiming with Your Flashlight
If your flashlight is set to Auto or On, aiming down sights with L2 not only improves accuracy but also directs your flashlight beam. This makes it especially useful in Terminid tunnels and other low-light zones.
See also: How to Beat Hive Lords in Helldivers 2 – Best Loadouts, Weaknesses & Strategies
A recent update made the flashlight beam noticeably brighter, improving its usefulness during underground missions and night operations. With this change, players can see enemies and terrain details much earlier than before.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Flashlight
While the flashlight helps you survive dark environments, it also changes how enemies interact with you. This section of the Helldivers 2 flashlight guide highlights the trade-offs.
When to Keep the Flashlight On
- In pitch-black caves or Terminid tunnels.
- During squad coordination when visibility is poor.
- To spot enemies before they ambush you.
When to Turn the Flashlight Off
- To avoid alerting enemies, since shining the beam on them reveals your position.
- If stealth is your priority.
- During daytime operations when extra light isn’t needed.
Some weapons support the Laser Sight with Flashlight attachment. This underbarrel option combines the accuracy boost of a laser sight with a flashlight beam. It’s bulkier and reduces weapon ergonomics slightly, but the added utility is worth considering for night or cave missions.
See also: How to Beat Dragon Roaches in Helldivers 2 – Spawn Locations, Weak Points & Best Weapons
Quick Tips
- Keep your flashlight on Auto by default—it balances visibility with stealth.
- Switch to On only when exploring pitch-black areas.
- Remember that your flashlight helps you see enemies, but also helps enemies see you.
- Communicate with your squad—multiple flashlights can light up large areas, but also make the team more visible.
The flashlight in Helldivers 2 is more than just a quality-of-life feature. It’s a tactical tool that influences stealth, visibility, and survival. Mastering when and how to use it ensures you’re never caught off guard in the dark. Play Now!
