Helldivers 2: The Devastator Guide – Tactics, Loadouts, and How to Crush the Cyborg Threat

Introduction

The Helldivers universe is a constant barrage of alien threats, and few are as menacing, or as mechanically inclined, as the Devastator. These heavily armored cyborg units pose a significant challenge to even the most seasoned Helldivers. Liberating planets and spreading managed democracy requires eliminating any and all threats, and the Devastator Cyborg unit is definitely on that list. As you brave the front lines, understanding how to engage and defeat the Devastator efficiently is critical to succeeding in the galactic war, as their firepower and resilience can easily overwhelm unprepared squads.

Helldivers is a cooperative, third-person shooter where you and your squad fight to spread democracy to the galaxy, eliminating alien threats and completing objectives on various planets. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, the game emphasizes teamwork, strategic thinking, and the use of powerful Stratagems – orbital strikes, support weapons, and deployable defenses – to overcome overwhelming odds. The Cyborgs, a faction known for their robotic enhancements and brutal efficiency, are one of the key antagonists. This is where the Devastator comes in, a heavily armored unit designed to suppress and eliminate Helldiver squads.

This guide will provide Helldivers with the knowledge and tactics needed to effectively combat the Devastator and contribute to the liberation of Super Earth. Prepare for a deep dive into the Devastator’s capabilities, weaknesses, and the best strategies for turning these metal monstrosities into scrap.

Understanding the Enemy: Devastator Breakdown

The Devastator is an imposing figure on the battlefield. Imagine a heavily armored humanoid robot, clad in thick plating that protects its vital components. These units typically wield devastating weaponry, such as rapid-firing machine guns or shoulder-mounted rocket launchers. The visual cues are important: their imposing size and the menacing glow of their optics serve as a clear signal to prioritize them as a threat. They exude an undeniable aura of destructive potential, making them instantly recognizable even amidst the chaos of battle.

As a member of the Cyborg faction, the Devastator embodies the faction’s core philosophy: the relentless pursuit of technological superiority and the eradication of organic life. Cyborg units generally are heavily armored, favoring ranged combat and overwhelming firepower. They are often deployed in large numbers, making coordinated attacks essential to avoid being overrun.

There are a number of Devastator variants to keep an eye out for. While the standard machine gun-wielding Devastator is common, you’ll also encounter the Rocket Devastator, armed with explosive projectiles that can quickly decimate a squad taking cover. Another variation is the Shielded Devastator, which is equipped with an energy shield that provides additional protection from frontal attacks. Ignoring these nuances can quickly lead to mission failure, so be wary of any unit approaching the Helldiver squad.

Understanding the Devastator’s attack patterns is vital to surviving an encounter. They tend to move deliberately, using their armor to absorb damage while suppressing Helldivers with sustained fire. Their behavior is generally aggressive, prioritizing targets that pose the most immediate threat. They often work in conjunction with other Cyborg units, such as smaller drones and heavily armored tanks, creating a coordinated assault that demands a strategic response. Pay close attention to their posture and movements: a sudden stop followed by a rocket launch is a common tell, allowing you to dodge the incoming projectile.

While the Devastator is a formidable enemy, it has its weaknesses. Its heavy armor makes it resistant to small arms fire, but it is vulnerable to weapons with high armor penetration. Its slow movement makes it susceptible to flanking maneuvers and area-of-effect attacks. Certain Stratagems, such as the Orbital Laser or Eagle Airstrike, can quickly eliminate Devastators, but positioning and timing are critical. Learning to exploit these weaknesses is essential to turning the tide of battle.

Effective Strategies and Tactics

When engaging Devastators, a few general combat tips can significantly improve your chances of success. Focus fire is crucial: concentrating your squad’s firepower on a single Devastator will bring it down much faster than spreading your attacks across multiple targets. Use cover effectively: the Devastator’s heavy weaponry can quickly shred through exposed Helldivers. Maintaining distance can mitigate some of the risks, as they lack the mobility to quickly close the gap.

Selecting the right weaponry can also make a significant difference. Weapons with high armor penetration, such as the Railgun, are particularly effective against Devastators. The Railgun, when charged, can pierce through their armor, dealing significant damage to their internal components. Explosive weapons, such as the Recoilless Rifle or the Autocannon, can also be effective, especially against groups of Devastators. However, you must ensure you have the Support Backpack equipped in order to properly reload these weapons.

Stratagem choices are critical for dealing with Devastators. The Eagle Airstrike can quickly eliminate a group of Devastators, but proper positioning and timing are essential. The Orbital Laser can cut through even the heaviest armor, but it requires a clear line of sight. Sentry Stratagems, such as the Gatling Sentry or Mortar Sentry, can provide valuable support, suppressing Devastators and diverting their attention. The Tesla Tower can also be useful for crowd control, but it requires careful placement to avoid damaging your squad.

Teamwork is paramount when fighting Devastators. Assigning roles to different players can improve your squad’s efficiency and survivability. One player can draw aggro, using cover and movement to keep the Devastator’s attention. Other players can flank the Devastator, exploiting its slow turning speed and attacking its vulnerable rear. A designated support player can provide covering fire and deploy Stratagems to eliminate the threat.

Dealing with swarms of Devastators requires careful prioritization and crowd control. Focus on eliminating the most immediate threats first, such as Rocket Devastators or Shielded Devastators. Use Stratagems to thin the herd, and coordinate your attacks to avoid being overwhelmed. Remember to communicate with your squad, calling out targets and coordinating your movements. A well-coordinated squad can take down even the largest swarm of Devastators.

Loadout Examples

Here are a few example loadouts specifically designed to deal with Devastators.

The Armor Piercer

Primary Weapon: Railgun

Secondary Weapon: Redeemer

Stratagems: Orbital Railcannon Strike, Eagle Airstrike, Supply Pack, Shield Generator Pack

Armor: Any armor with +Armor Rating or +Explosion Resistance

Explanation: The Railgun is your primary weapon for taking down Devastators, allowing you to punch through their armor and deal significant damage. The Orbital Railcannon Strike provides additional heavy firepower for dealing with particularly tough targets. The Eagle Airstrike can quickly eliminate groups of Devastators, while the Supply Pack ensures you have enough ammunition to sustain your attacks. The Shield Generator Pack provides additional protection, allowing you to withstand the Devastator’s sustained fire.

The Demolisher

Primary Weapon: Autocannon

Secondary Weapon: P-19 Redeemer

Stratagems: Eagle Cluster Bomb, Orbital Gatling Barrage, Autocannon Sentry, Backpack

Armor: Any armor with +Grenades or +Ammo Capacity

Explanation: The Autocannon provides sustained fire and deals significant damage to Devastators. The Eagle Cluster Bomb can clear out groups of enemies, while the Orbital Gatling Barrage provides additional support. The Autocannon Sentry acts as extra fire support. The Backpack is there to allow for reloads of the Autocannon.

The Flanker

Primary Weapon: Slugger Shotgun

Secondary Weapon: P-19 Redeemer

Stratagems: Jump Pack, Smoke Grenades, Eagle Airstrike, Grenade Launcher

Armor: Light Armor with +Speed or +Stamina

Explanation: The Slugger Shotgun is ideal for flanking as it boasts a high damage output. The Jump Pack helps with mobility for quickly moving around the battlefield. Smoke grenades are great for disorienting and confusing the enemy to ensure you flank successfully. The Eagle Airstrike can quickly eliminate groups of Devastators, while the Grenade Launcher can soften them up before you close the distance.

Advanced Tactics

Exploiting the Devastator’s weaknesses is key to victory. While their frontal armor is heavily reinforced, their rear is significantly more vulnerable. Flanking maneuvers can allow you to target this weak point, dealing critical damage. Additionally, their slow turning speed makes them susceptible to being circled, allowing you to continuously attack their rear without being targeted.

Strategic positioning and movement can also give you an edge. Using cover to break line of sight can allow you to reload your weapons and reposition without taking damage. Utilizing elevated positions can provide a clear view of the battlefield and allow you to target Devastators from a safe distance. Remember, the goal is to outsmart them.

The environment can also be a valuable asset in your fight against Devastators. Funneling them into narrow corridors can limit their mobility and make them easier to target. Setting up traps, such as mines or explosives, can thin the herd and create opportunities for coordinated attacks. Using the terrain for cover can provide additional protection and allow you to reposition without being detected.

Conclusion

Successfully combating the Devastator in Helldivers requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and teamwork. Understanding their capabilities, exploiting their weaknesses, and utilizing effective strategies are all essential to turning the tide of battle. By selecting the right weapons and Stratagems, coordinating your attacks, and utilizing the environment to your advantage, you can overcome even the most overwhelming odds. Remember, a well-prepared and coordinated squad can take down even the largest swarm of Devastators and spread freedom to Super Earth.

So, what’s your favorite Stratagem to use against the Devastator? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! Now get out there, Helldiver, and spread some managed democracy! For Super Earth!