If you’ve played Helldivers 2, you’ve probably noticed the ship’s NPCs that guide, inform, and support you in various ways. One of the most important of these is the Chief Communications Officer, often abbreviated as CCO. In general, most players interact with this character multiple times per session, as they provide crucial information, gear unlocks, and mission updates. Here’s what you need to know about the CCO and how to get the most out of your interactions.

Who is the Chief Communications Officer?

The Chief Communications Officer is an NPC onboard your ship, representing the Super Earth Federation. In Helldivers 1, the CCO was the main point of contact for new gear, Stratagems, and mission-critical updates. In Helldivers 2, this role remains largely the same. They function as the ship’s communications hub, relaying both strategic information and lore that enriches your understanding of the galaxy.

Most players refer to them by their official titles, such as C.O. Steinmark, C.O. Bauer, or C.O. Nilson. While the name may change, the role stays consistent: coordinating communication between the fleet, providing tactical advice, and helping you access new equipment and upgrades.

What Does the CCO Do Onboard?

In general, the CCO commands the ship’s communications systems and oversees your access to gear and information. They manage the Armory console, where you can upgrade weapons, Stratagems, and uniforms. Most players rely on the CCO to ensure they’re prepared before deployment.

Here are the main functions:

Gear and Stratagem Unlocks – The CCO informs you when new equipment is available and gives contextual advice on how to use it in the field. For example, unlocking a new weapon usually comes with a description of its strengths, ideal scenarios, and limitations. Some players also look to the CCO when they want to buy helldivers 2 items to enhance their loadout.

Mission Updates – Before, during, and after missions, the CCO provides feedback. This includes mission completion stats, battlefield advice, and guidance on improving accuracy or efficiency. Players often find these comments practical, helping them plan for upcoming missions.

Lore and Galaxy Knowledge – The CCO is a good source for understanding the universe of Helldivers 2. They share insights about the Galactic Wide Web (GWW), the Alcubierre Drive, Hellpods, and other technologies that affect gameplay. For players who enjoy the lore, these details make missions more immersive.

Warnings and Tactical Advice – Certain enemies, such as Cyborgs and the Illuminate, have unique abilities that interfere with communications or pose specific threats. The CCO usually offers practical advice, such as noting armored backs on Cyborgs or the potential dangers of their heavy cannons. Paying attention to these tips can save your squad in the field.

How Most Players Use the CCO

Most players interact with the CCO in predictable patterns:

Before Missions: Check for new gear or Stratagems, and update your loadout.

During Deployment: Listen to tactical warnings, particularly when facing enemy types that can disrupt communications.

After Missions: Review performance feedback to adjust strategy or equipment choices for the next run.

In general, listening to the CCO can improve mission success rates. Ignoring their advice often leads to preventable losses, especially against complex enemy units like Cyborg GROTESQUES or Illuminate nano-fusion devices.

The CCO and Galactic Communication

One unique aspect of the Chief Communications Officer is their explanation of the GWW. This network allows near-instantaneous communication across vast distances in the galaxy. Most players don’t need to worry about the technical details, but knowing that your communications can be disrupted by enemies is useful. Cyborg devices, for example, can jam Stratagem signals, so coordinating with the CCO before landing is a common strategy.

Practical Tips for Interacting with the CCO

Always Check Gear Unlocks: Even if you aren’t planning to use new equipment immediately, knowing what’s available helps you plan future missions.

Pay Attention to Enemy Warnings: The CCO often highlights enemy capabilities that might not be obvious at first glance.

Use Mission Feedback: After each mission, review the CCO’s commentary on your performance. This can guide improvements in aiming, movement, and team coordination.

Engage With Lore Sparingly: While the CCO shares a lot about Super Earth and the galaxy, focusing on practical advice tends to yield better results during missions.

By using the CCO efficiently, most players find that mission completion rates improve and squad survivability increases.

Why the CCO Matters

The Chief Communications Officer is more than just a lore figure. They serve as a functional interface for the ship’s resources, helping players manage gear, understand threats, and coordinate with other squad members. In practice, skipping interactions with the CCO usually leaves players underprepared for tougher missions. Paying attention to what the CCO says, both in terms of tactical advice and equipment availability, is a key habit for success in Helldivers 2.

In Helldivers 2, the Chief Communications Officer remains a cornerstone of shipboard operations. Most players quickly learn that interacting with the CCO regularly is not optional but essential. From unlocks and upgrades to tactical advice and mission debriefs, this NPC is your guide to navigating both the battlefield and the galaxy at large. Whether you’re managing your loadout, planning for a mission, or just absorbing lore, the CCO’s insights are worth your attention.

For players who want to expand their capabilities quickly, the CCO is also the gateway to buy helldivers 2 items, giving you direct access to the latest gear upgrades in a way that aligns with mission needs and personal strategy.