If you're looking at the LIFT-850 Jump Pack in your Stratagem list, you might be wondering if it's worth a slot. It’s a unique piece of gear that changes your mobility in fundamental ways. As an experienced Helldiver, I'll break down how it works in practice, its pros and cons, and when you should consider using it.

How Do You Actually Get the Jump Pack?

You unlock the Jump Pack by completing all missions on its designated Illuminate planet. This is typically a medium-difficulty planet, around levels 4 to 6. You don't buy it with Requisition Slips; you earn it by clearing that specific planetary campaign. Once unlocked, its Stratagem code is Up, Up, Down, Up (↑ ↑ ↓ ↑).

What Does the Jump Pack Actually Do?

In simple terms, it replaces your dive and prone abilities with a short, jet-powered hop. You press the dive button, and you launch a short distance forward and into the air. Its primary function is to navigate difficult terrain quickly—jumping over gaps, rivers, low rocks, and chasms that would normally slow you down or require a long detour.

There are important trade-offs. While wearing it, you cannot go prone. This is a significant downside in heavy firefights, as going prone is a key way to reduce incoming damage and stabilize your aim. Most players find this the biggest adjustment when using the pack.

How Do the Upgrades Work?

The pack has two meaningful upgrades:

Mk 2 (1 Research Point): This doubles your fuel capacity. The base pack gives you about 25 jumps; this upgrade gives you about 50. It’s essentially mandatory for any mission where you plan to use the pack extensively.

Mk 3 (3 Research Point): This causes your Hellpod to drop with two packs instead of one. It's useful for team play, allowing you to share the second pack with a squadmate, but is generally considered a lower priority than the fuel upgrade.

Your fuel is displayed as a bar next to your stamina. Every two jumps will show a noticeable drop. Crucially, picking up any ammo box will completely refill your Jump Pack fuel. This makes it sustainable on longer missions as long as you manage ammo drops.

Practical Gameplay Tips and Common Uses

Based on how most players use it, here’s where the Jump Pack shines and where it falters.
Terrain is Your Reason to Bring It: The pack is exceptional on maps with lots of canyons, water, or dense rock formations. It can save minutes of running. On wide-open maps, its value drops considerably.

It’s a Defensive Tool, Too: While you are in the air during a jump, you are completely invulnerable to damage. Experienced players use this to time jumps to avoid artillery barrages, the blast wave from a Hellbomb, or even a teammate's errant Orbital Strike. It can also instantly put out fire if you're burning.

The Prone Problem: You have to be very conscious of your positioning. Without the ability to hit the dirt, you are a more exposed target in open fields. It encourages a more mobile, flanking playstyle rather than holding a static position.

Not a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card: The jump has a fixed, short distance. It won't let you leap over a tall building or clear a massive ravine. The game checks for a valid landing spot, and if the arc is blocked, you'll get a "Cannot jump!" warning. It also won't throw you into bottomless pits—you'll land at the edge—but you can still sprint off after landing if you're not careful.
Snow and Water: It functions very well as a substitute for All-Terrain Boots in snow or shallow water, allowing you to move at normal speed without the slowdown.

Should You Use It?

It’s a situational Stratagem. Most players do not take it on every mission. You bring it when you see the mission terrain calls for it, or if you're running a specific loadout that benefits from high mobility and repositioning. It's less popular on higher difficulties (7-9) where the inability to go prone can be fatal during prolonged stands against swarms. However, for specific objectives like Sabotage or launch pad missions with tricky terrain, it can be a mission-saver.

If you're looking to customize your Helldiver with other gear, you might research the Helldivers 2 super credits price and bundles on U4N to understand what cosmetic items are available for direct purchase versus what you earn through gameplay. Remember, all major gameplay Stratagems like the Jump Pack are earned through gameplay, not purchased with Super Credits.

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