In the world of PvE gaming, the array of enemies significantly shapes a player’s experience, and Helldivers 2 excels in this aspect. Arrowhead’s much-acclaimed title features three distinct enemy factions, enhancing replayability and immersion through a diverse selection of foes. Players are tasked with battling against the swarming insect-like terminids, the relentless Automatons, and the newly introduced Illuminate, who resemble creatures from H.G. Wells’ chilling tales. Despite their intimidating presence, the danger levels among these adversaries vary considerably.
The Automatons represent a fresh faction within Helldivers 2’s narrative landscape. Even though they might seem to echo the cyborg adversaries from the previous installment, this new breed is equipped with distinctive strategies that keep experienced players on high alert. Their threat level ranges widely: some are mere cannon fodder, while others possess the firepower to overwhelm less coordinated teams. This article aims to categorize and rank Automaton enemies based on their difficulty levels in combat.
S-Tier Automaton Enemies
- Factory Striders
- Gunships
Factory Strider
As one of the earliest hostile units introduced in Helldivers 2, Factory Striders remain among the most formidable enemies players face. These armored giants are designed to absorb significant damage, with the resilience to withstand even orbital rail cannon fire. Their heavy armoring makes them the toughest Automaton unit in terms of hit points. Moreover, their offensive arsenal—featuring a powerful back cannon and gatling lasers—ensures they can deliver devastating attacks, further compounded by the four devastating units they deploy upon engagement.
To counter these intimidating foes, players must employ specialized tactics. Sustained gunfire targeted at the cannon and lasering systems can eventually dismantle them. It’s crucial to utilize armor-piercing rounds aimed at their weak points, such as the eyes and underbellies. High-impact weapons like 500kg bombs and 380mm barrages are effective for softening their defenses but won’t finish them off easily. Swiftly disabling their deploying drop-ship can prevent them from causing havoc on the battlefield. Precise loadout adjustments are imperative for tackling these titans upon landing.
Gunships
While Gunships aren’t as resilient as Factory Striders, they dominate the skies with unmatched air superiority, posing a unique threat compared to other factions. Despite their large size, they are quick and heavily fortified. Taking them down requires not only robust weaponry but also keen marksmanship.
Caution is crucial when encountering these aerial enemies, as they can effortlessly overwhelm Helldivers who miscalculate their positioning. These aircraft can pin players seeking cover, making strategic movement essential. Continuous fire on their cockpit or thrusters will ultimately neutralize them, as will targeting the gunship manufacturing facilities scattered across the battlefield.
A-Tier Automaton Enemies
- Hulks
- Tanks
Hulks
Hulks come in various forms, including Scorcher, Bruiser, and Obliterator types. The fundamental strategy to counter them is consistent: attack their red glowing heat sink while remaining out of range of their formidable weaponry. As heavily armored and bipedal foes, hulks serve as highly mobile tanks equipped to inflict severe damage.
Direct shots to the heat sink or the small forward-facing “eye”can be especially effective, with anti-tank weapons like EAT rockets and commando units enhancing effectiveness. Interestingly, thermite grenades, once mediocre, are now a vital tool, capable of delivering immediate destruction when attached to a Hulk or Tank, compelling players to manage their stock wisely.
Tanks
Tanks conclude the A-Tier ranking, featuring variants such as Annihilator, Shredder, and Barrager. The Annihilator operates akin to real-world tanks, boasting a long cannon, while the Shredder forgoes artillery in favor of rapid-fire machine guns, and the Barrager carries missiles for versatile strike capabilities.
As distance increases, tanks become increasingly threatening; players should approach these units to exploit their slow aiming speed. Tanks, much like hulks, reveal a significant weak point at their backs—the exposed heat sink. Their slow movement and flat designs make them ideal targets for precision strikes, including orbital bombardments and 500kg bombs, which can eliminate any tank variant with a single successful hit.
B-Tier Automaton Enemies
- Devastators
- Berserkers
Devastators
In the early stages of Helldivers 2, devastators—especially rocket variants—were formidable foes, often placing them in the A Tier due to their overwhelming numbers and capability to incapacitate players with ease. Although they have since been nerfed, they still pose a significant threat on the battlefield.
To effectively combat devastators, players should choose between heavy armor-piercing firepower or sharp shooting. Those with steady hands can incapacitate enemies by targeting their limbs or heads, while autocannons strike a balance between accuracy and power, facilitating effective takedowns.
Berserkers
Sporting skull-like faces and chainsaw hands, berserkers resemble a nightmare straight from a heavy metal album. They signal a shift in enemy tactics, opting for mob approaches instead of heavy defense, making their presence particularly threatening. Engaging them often means facing waves of these aggressive foes, which compensates for their less robust armor.
When facing berserkers, concentrate fire on their arms and legs to disarm or disable them, facilitating clean-up after the initial assault. Various stratagems and support weapons can be extraordinarily effective against these relentless attackers.
C-Tier Automaton Enemies
- Scout Striders
- Troopers
Scout Striders
Scout Striders have consistently presented minimal threat levels, even with modifications in the Escalation of Freedom update. These units feature enhanced armor and dual rocket launchers mounted on slender legs, yet they remain sluggish, making them easily dodged by most players.
Although their rockets can inflict notable damage, their slow speed helps mitigate potential threats on the battlefield. Moreover, despite improvements in frontal armor, their sides and legs have become new weak points, further facilitating player success in combat.
Troopers
The basic Automaton Troopers rank at the bottom tier, serving as the most common foot soldiers in any operation. They possess weak weaponry and are almost entirely unarmored, making them simple targets for Helldivers. These units primarily create significant impact when deployed in large groups, potentially hindering player movement while stronger enemies deliver critical damage.
Among the troopers, the automaton commissars stand out, known for wielding energy swords and flare guns to summon reinforcements. It is advisable for squads to prioritize these units to avoid larger enemy formations, as their true danger lies not in their direct attack but in their capability to call in backup.
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