Helldivers 2 Devastators: A Complete Guide to Defeating These Armored Foes

Introduction

Helldivers 2 throws players into a chaotic intergalactic war against relentless alien threats. While bugs and bots both present unique challenges, the Automatons often feel like a wall of steel and firepower. Among their ranks, the Devastator stands as a common yet formidable foe. These heavily armored enemies can easily overwhelm unprepared Helldivers, turning a promising mission into a desperate retreat. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to effectively combat Devastators, turning the tide of battle and ensuring victory for Super Earth. Learning to efficiently handle these mechanical monstrosities is key to progressing through higher difficulty levels and liberating planets from the Automaton menace. So buckle up, Helldivers, because we’re diving deep into the art of Devastator destruction! Devastators can quickly wipe out a team if proper strategy is not employed, and this article is a guide to help all new and experienced players alike take down these frustrating foes.

What are Devastators? (Enemy Overview)

Devastators are easily recognizable on the battlefield. They lumber forward on two legs, encased in thick metallic armor. Their posture is vaguely humanoid, but their robotic nature is unmistakable. They come in several variants, each posing a unique threat: the basic Devastator, the Rocket Devastator, and the Shield Devastator. Recognizing these differences is the first step to successful engagement.

The basic Devastator is armed with a rapid-firing machine gun, capable of shredding through unarmored Helldivers with ease. Rocket Devastators, as the name suggests, carry devastating rocket launchers on their backs. These rockets deal massive splash damage and can one-shot even heavily armored players if they are not careful. Shield Devastators are the most defensively oriented, equipped with large energy shields that block most frontal attacks.

Devastators typically advance in a slow, methodical manner, relying on their heavy armor and firepower to overwhelm the enemy. They will actively seek cover and attempt to flank Helldivers when possible. Their attack patterns are relatively straightforward, but their sheer resilience makes them a constant threat. The machine guns fired by Devastators can quickly suppress and pin down players, leaving them vulnerable to rocket fire or other enemy attacks. Their durability combined with their aggressive firepower makes them an awful combination that requires an attentive Helldiver to quickly deal with.

Weak Points and Vulnerabilities

Despite their impressive armor, Devastators are not invincible. Understanding their weak points is crucial for dealing maximum damage and conserving ammunition. Generally, the back of a Devastator is its most vulnerable area. The armor plating is thinner in this region, allowing for more effective penetration. The head is also a viable target, although it can be difficult to hit consistently due to the Devastator’s movement and the chaos of battle.

However, each Devastator type has specific vulnerabilities. For Rocket Devastators, the rocket launcher on their back is a prime target. Destroying the launcher will prevent them from firing rockets, significantly reducing their threat level. Focus fire on this weak point is essential. Shield Devastators require a different approach. Their shields are impenetrable from the front, so flanking maneuvers are necessary. Armor-piercing weapons can also bypass the shield, allowing you to target the Devastator directly. It’s imperative to always focus on the weak point to take down these foes quickly to not be overwhelmed by incoming fire.

Targeting weak points not only deals more damage but also conserves valuable ammunition and reduces the risk of overheating your weapons. Precision and accuracy are key to efficiently eliminating Devastators.

Best Weapons and Stratagems Against Devastators

Selecting the right weapons and stratagems is paramount for success against Devastators. Certain weapons excel at penetrating armor, while others provide crucial support and utility.

When it comes to primary weapons, the Breaker shotgun is an excellent choice for close-quarters combat. Its high damage output and decent armor penetration make it effective against Devastators, especially when targeting their weak points. The Railgun is another solid option, particularly for skilled players who can consistently land shots on the head or back. The Autocannon is a versatile weapon that can deal significant damage to both armored and unarmored targets. Its high rate of fire makes it effective for suppressing Devastators and preventing them from advancing. These weapons help to provide the necessary firepower that a team might need to defeat such a formidable foe.

Stratagems offer a wide range of offensive and defensive options. Anti-tank stratagems like the Railcannon Strike and Orbital Laser are devastating against Devastators, capable of instantly eliminating them. The Recoilless Rifle and EAT-17 are also effective anti-armor options, providing high damage output at a longer range. Area-of-effect stratagems like Eagle Airstrikes and Orbital Barrages can be used to clear out groups of Devastators, but caution is advised, as they can easily hit teammates. Support stratagems like the Supply Backpack and Shield Generator Pack can significantly improve survivability, allowing you to withstand the Devastator’s attacks and stay in the fight longer. Knowing which strategems will do the most amount of damage to the automaton menace will drastically improve your chance of survival.

The synergy between weapons and stratagems is crucial. For example, using the Railgun to weaken a Devastator’s armor, followed by an Eagle Airstrike, can quickly eliminate the threat. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle and team composition. If you are taking on the Automaton faction it is important to build a loadout to maximize damage that is being output towards them.

Tactics and Strategies for Fighting Devastators

Effective tactics and strategies are essential for surviving encounters with Devastators. These robotically engineered enemies can be difficult to deal with if you are not properly positioned or if you do not have a plan.

Always prioritize cover and movement. Avoid standing in the open, as Devastators can quickly shred through your armor with their machine guns. Use terrain to your advantage, creating chokepoints and limiting their line of sight. Maintaining distance is also important, as it allows you to react to their attacks and avoid being caught in their splash damage.

Teamwork is paramount. Coordinate attacks to quickly eliminate Devastators. Designate roles for players, such as anti-armor specialists, crowd control, and support. Clear and concise communication is crucial for coordinating attacks and avoiding friendly fire. Work as a team to make sure that there is enough firepower directed at the devastators so that they can be taken down as quickly as possible.

Solo players will need to rely on kiting and using terrain to their advantage. Prioritize targets, focusing on the most dangerous Devastators first. Manage your cooldowns carefully, ensuring that you always have a stratagem ready to use in a pinch.

When dealing with multiple Devastators, prioritize targets based on their threat level. Focus on eliminating Rocket Devastators first, as their rockets pose the greatest danger. Use crowd control stratagems or weapons to slow down or stun groups of Devastators, giving you time to focus fire on individual targets. If you can kite devastators to open areas they are much easier to hit with stratagems and take down as a whole group.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of success against Devastators. This will save you precious lives and resources in the field when on a mission with your squad.

Do not use ineffective weapons. Weapons with low armor penetration are useless against Devastators. Ignoring weak points is another common mistake. Always target the back, head, or specific vulnerabilities of each Devastator type. Standing in the open is a surefire way to get killed quickly. Always seek cover and use movement to your advantage. Ignoring other enemies can also lead to disaster. Always be aware of your surroundings and prioritize targets based on their threat level. Wasting stratagems on insignificant targets is a common mistake. Save your stratagems for dealing with high-priority threats like Devastators. Finally, never underestimate Devastators. They are powerful enemies that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

For seasoned Helldivers, there are several advanced tips and tricks that can further improve your effectiveness against Devastators.

Utilize environmental hazards to your advantage. Exploding barrels and other environmental features can deal significant damage to Devastators. Exploit Devastator artificial intelligence by luring them into traps or creating chokepoints. Mastering advanced movement techniques, such as sliding and diving, can help you evade Devastator attacks and reposition yourself effectively. If you are dealing with a rocket devastator that is firing rockets at your position it is important to keep on the move because the rockets will hit exactly where you are standing and can take down even the most seasoned Helldiver.

Conclusion

Defeating Devastators in Helldivers 2 requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and teamwork. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, selecting the right weapons and stratagems, and employing effective tactics, you can turn the tide of battle and emerge victorious. Remember to practice and adapt to different situations. Experiment with different loadouts and strategies to find what works best for you. Learning to effectively combat Devastators is essential for progressing through higher difficulty levels and liberating planets from the Automaton menace. The better that you and your team can work together, the more of the Automaton forces you will be able to take down. Hopefully this guide has been helpful for your future missions.

Ultimately, mastering the fight against Devastators significantly enhances the Helldivers 2 experience. It allows you to tackle challenging missions, unlock valuable rewards, and contribute to the overall war effort. So, Helldivers, gear up, strategize, and dive headfirst into the fight! Super Earth is counting on you!