Facing the Automatons: Strategies and Tactics in Helldivers 2

Understanding the Robotic Menace

The galaxy calls, and the fight for managed democracy rages on! In the heart of this interstellar conflict lies a relentless robotic enemy, the Automatons. In Helldivers 2, these metallic foes present a significant threat to Super Earth’s freedom, demanding skillful tactics, well-chosen weaponry, and unwavering teamwork. This guide will delve deep into the Automaton threat, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to survive and thrive against this robotic menace. Prepare yourselves, Helldivers, for the fight of your lives!

Before charging into battle, it’s crucial to understand the enemy. The Automatons are a highly organized, technologically advanced faction. Their primary goal? To eradicate everything that breathes freedom, particularly, the ideals of Super Earth. They are ruthless, efficient, and relentlessly pursue their objectives. Their forces are not merely a collection of robots; they are a complex, coordinated fighting force, constantly adapting to your tactics.

Their war machine is a testament to engineering prowess. From the basic, easily-dispatched units to the heavily armored juggernauts, each type of Automaton has a specific role and a particular method of attack. Understanding their behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses is paramount to your survival.

Enemy Types and Their Tactical Significance

The Automatons boast a diverse roster of units, each designed to pose a unique challenge to Helldivers. Knowing what you are up against is half the battle. Let’s examine some of the most common enemy types you will encounter, learning their attributes so you can destroy them with ease.

The Scavengers

These are the ubiquitous footsoldiers, the cannon fodder of the Automatons. While individually weak, their numbers can overwhelm unprepared Helldivers. They often swarm players, employing short-range weapons, overwhelming the unprepared, and keeping them from completing their goals. The key is to quickly neutralize them with fast-firing weapons, grenades, or well-placed area-of-effect attacks.

The Raiders

Stepping up in size and strength, Raiders pose a more immediate threat. They often bear melee weapons, closing the distance quickly to engage in close combat. Raiders are more resilient than Scavengers, but their attacks can still be predicted and dodged. Focusing fire on them is crucial, utilizing weapons that offer decent damage output and allow you to fight them from a distance.

The Devastators

Heavily armored and equipped with devastating weaponry, Devastators are a serious threat. Their primary weapons deliver rapid fire, often able to cripple or kill Helldivers in seconds. They feature substantial armor plating, necessitating the use of weapons with high armor penetration. Always prioritize taking them down immediately, before they have a chance to unleash their fury.

The Hulks

These are the apex predators of the Automatons. Hulks are behemoths, encased in thick armor and armed with powerful, energy-based weapons. Hulks are slow but extremely dangerous, able to soak up incredible amounts of punishment while dealing high damage. They require concentrated fire from heavy weapons and often the strategic application of stratagems to eliminate them. Prioritize their destruction, as they are incredibly devastating.

Beyond these core units, you’ll encounter other threats, from armored walkers to devastating artillery. Being aware of the battlefield, the mission objectives, and the potential enemy combinations is essential for survival.

Environments and Mission Types

The environments in which you fight the Automatons vary wildly. From open plains to dense forests, each environment offers a different set of challenges. Open areas provide fewer places to take cover, making you vulnerable to ranged attacks, but allowing you to see and prepare for oncoming threats. Dense forests offer more cover but can restrict your line of sight, making it easier for enemies to ambush you.

The mission types, as well, play a vital role in the overall strategy. Some missions focus on retrieving data, while others involve destroying enemy bases. Each mission type will present unique challenges and will require adjusting your strategies to match the objectives. Knowing the landscape and the objective will help you greatly.

Strategic Tips and Tactical Mastery

Surviving against the Automatons hinges on strategic planning and tactical execution. It’s not just about point-and-shoot; it’s about utilizing the right tools, communicating effectively, and making smart decisions under pressure.

Loadout Selection

Choosing the right equipment is critical for success. The optimal loadout will change based on the mission objectives and the expected enemy types.

Weapons

When facing the Automatons, consider the following:

Armor Penetration: Prioritize weapons that can pierce enemy armor. This is especially crucial for dealing with Devastators and Hulks. Some great choices are the Railgun (when used correctly), the Spear, or other weapons.

Area-of-Effect: Crowd control is critical when facing large numbers of Scavengers or Raiders. Weapons like the Grenade Launcher or the Arc Thrower can clear out hordes of enemies quickly.

Effective Range: Consider the effective range of your weapon. Some weapons excel at close range, while others are more effective at medium to long range.

Stratagems

Orbital Strikes: These are powerful area-of-effect attacks that can wipe out large groups of enemies or deal significant damage to armored units. Consider using the 380mm HE Barrage or the Orbital Laser.

Eagle Strikes: Provide versatile support, from bombing runs to strafing runs, dealing massive damage.

Support Weapons: Bring in a heavy weapons, like the Machine Gun or the Autocannon, for more firepower and armor penetration.

Sentries: Support your team with static defensive fire. The Gatling Sentry is effective against hordes, while the Mortar Sentry can provide cover and offensive capabilities.

Choose armor that complements your playstyle. Consider armor with high armor ratings for survivability or armor with special perks that will help you to evade.

Teamwork and Communication

Helldivers 2 is a co-op game at its core. Teamwork is crucial for success against the Automatons. Here’s how to improve your teamwork:

Coordinate Attacks: Plan your attacks and focus fire on priority targets.

Cover Your Teammates: Watch your teammates’ backs and provide covering fire.

Share Ammunition and Supplies: Help each other out by sharing ammunition and stratagem recharges.

Communicate Effectively: Utilize voice chat or the ping system to communicate enemy locations, objectives, and strategy changes.

Positioning and Movement

Mastering positioning and movement is crucial.

Utilize Cover: Take advantage of any available cover, such as rocks, buildings, or terrain.

Manage Space: Avoid getting cornered or surrounded. Keep moving and repositioning.

Maintain Awareness: Always know your surroundings. Keep an eye on enemy movement and potential threats.

Objective Prioritization

Prioritizing objectives is critical.

Complete Objectives Quickly: Focus on completing the mission objectives efficiently.

Understand Timelines: Know how quickly objectives must be completed to avoid being overwhelmed.

Managing Resources

Resources are finite.

Conserve Ammunition: Practice accurate shooting and avoid wasting bullets.

Use Stratagems Wisely: Don’t throw stratagems away, use them when they’re truly needed.

Share Resources: Help each other out by dropping ammo and supply drops.

Advanced Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to refine your approach.

Anti-Armor Techniques

Weapon Selection: Select weapons with high armor penetration capabilities to deal with armored units.

Weak Point Targeting: Learn the weak points of the armored enemies, such as the vents on the Hulks.

Stratagem Synergies: Combine stratagems, such as orbital strikes and eagle strikes, to take down armored units quickly.

Crowd Control

Area-of-Effect Weapons: Use area-of-effect weapons, such as the Grenade Launcher, to eliminate large groups of enemies.

Strategic Positioning: Utilize chokepoints to funnel enemies and make them easier to eliminate.

Strategic Use of Cover: Draw enemies to an area that can be covered by your team.

Extraction Strategies

Clear the Area: Clear out the extraction zone before the Pelican arrives.

Defend the Landing Zone: Create a defensive perimeter to protect the extraction point.

Communicate: Clearly communicate enemy positions and incoming threats.

Dealing with Specific Challenges

Higher-Difficulty Missions

Prioritize Targets: Prioritize and focus on killing the most dangerous enemies first.

Coordinate Stratagems: Coordinate stratagem use to maximize their effectiveness.

Adapt to Challenges: Be flexible and adapt your strategies based on the situation.

Dealing with “Horde” Situations

Area-of-Effect Weapons: Employ area-of-effect weapons to thin out enemy numbers.

Strategic Positioning: Use cover and chokepoints to manage the horde.

Conserve Ammo: Use weapons with high ammo efficiency.

Handling Armored Enemies

Weak Point Targeting: Aim for the weak points.

Heavy Weapons: Employ weapons with high armor penetration.

Stratagem Support: Use orbital strikes, eagle strikes, and other stratagems.

Tips for the New Helldivers

Practice and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons, stratagems, and tactics.

Learn From Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes and learn from them.

Don’t Be Afraid to Die: Death is a common experience in Helldivers 2. Embrace it and keep improving.

Learn the Maps: Familiarize yourself with the map layouts and terrain. This will allow you to make effective use of cover, find choke points, and better understand where enemies are coming from.

Spread Democracy! Remember, your actions have consequences! Keep the fight going!

Conclusion

The Automatons of Helldivers 2 are a formidable foe, demanding strategy, skill, and teamwork. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, mastering tactical techniques, and embracing the co-operative nature of the game, you can increase your chances of survival. Remember, the fight for freedom requires resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to the cause. So gear up, Helldiver. Democracy needs you!

Future Content

The battles against the Automatons are constantly evolving, and it is safe to assume that new enemy types, missions, and strategic elements will be introduced. Stay alert, Helldivers, and keep spreading the message of liberty and justice. The future of Super Earth depends on it!