Helldivers 2: Enemy Armor Guide - Weaknesses & Strategies

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Helldivers 2: Enemy Armor Guide - Weaknesses & Strategies

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic, bug-splattering, and robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2, huh? Awesome! But let's face it, Super Earth isn't exactly sending us in with pillow fights. You're gonna be facing down some seriously armored baddies. Understanding enemy armor types and how to effectively counter them is absolutely crucial if you want to survive long enough to spread managed democracy. This guide will break down everything you need to know about enemy armor in Helldivers 2, from the lowly Scavenger to the hulking Bile Titan and the menacing Tanks.

Understanding Armor Types

Alright, let's talk armor. In Helldivers 2, not all bullets are created equal. Some enemies are squishy and go down with a few well-placed shots, while others are walking tanks that require a more… persuasive approach. Knowing what kind of armor you're up against is half the battle.

  • Light Armor: Think of this as the bare minimum protection. Lightly armored enemies are usually the smaller, more numerous threats. Weapons like your standard assault rifle or submachine gun will do just fine against these guys. Focus on accuracy and taking them down quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. These include most of the smaller Terminids and Automatons.
  • Medium Armor: Now we're getting into slightly tougher territory. Medium armor can shrug off some of the smaller arms fire, so you'll need to be a bit more strategic. Aim for weak points, use weapons with higher armor penetration, or try flanking maneuvers to get around their defenses. Examples include the Devastators and Hive Guards.
  • Heavy Armor: These are the big boys. Heavy armor can withstand a lot of punishment, and you'll need specialized weaponry or tactics to take them down efficiently. Forget about plinking away with your Liberator; you'll need something with some serious punch, like a rocket launcher, anti-materiel rifle, or orbital strike. The Charger and Tank belong to this category.
  • Super Heavy Armor: The bane of many Helldivers, super heavy armor is reserved for the absolute toughest enemies in the game. You're talking about the Bile Titan's underbelly and the Hulks. These require the most powerful stratagems and coordinated team efforts to bring down. Precision and timing are key. Knowing how to deal with super heavy armor can easily be the difference between a successful mission and a complete wipe.

Terminid Armor Breakdown

The Terminids, those bug-like monstrosities, are all about swarming and overwhelming you with sheer numbers. But even bugs have their weaknesses. Let's break down the armor types you'll encounter among the Terminids:

  • Scavenger: These little guys are the basic fodder of the Terminid horde. They have virtually no armor, so any weapon will work just fine. Don't waste your heavy ammo on them!
  • Warrior: Warriors have a bit more armor than Scavengers, but they're still relatively easy to take down with standard weapons. Aim for the head or abdomen for quicker kills.
  • Hive Guard: Hive Guards are the protectors of the Terminid nests. They have medium armor, so you'll need to be a bit more careful. Focus fire and aim for their weak points, such as the glowing abdomen.
  • Charger: Chargers are heavily armored beasts that will charge straight at you, hence the name. Their thick armor can withstand a lot of punishment, so you'll need to use anti-armor weaponry like the Recoilless Rifle or EAT-17. Aim for their exposed legs or, even better, flank them and shoot them in the rear.
  • Bile Spewer: Bile Spewers are ranged attackers that can spew corrosive bile at you. They have medium armor, but their weak point is their abdomen, which will explode if shot enough, dealing damage in an area.
  • Bile Titan: The Bile Titan is the king of the Terminids. This behemoth is covered in super heavy armor, making it incredibly difficult to kill. The only reliable way to take it down is to target its underbelly with heavy weaponry or stratagems. Coordination and focus fire are essential. Orbital strikes and the Railgun are your best friends here. Remember, stay mobile and avoid its bile attacks!

Automaton Armor Breakdown

The Automatons, those cold, calculating robots, are a completely different threat than the Terminids. They rely on coordinated firepower and heavy armor to overwhelm you. Here's a breakdown of the Automaton armor types:

  • Trooper: The standard Automaton infantry unit. They have light armor and can be easily dispatched with most weapons. Headshots are your friend.
  • Devastator: These are the medium-armored infantry units of the Automatons. They come in various configurations, some with shields and others with heavy weapons. Focus fire on their weak points, such as their heads or the joints in their limbs.
  • Hulk: Hulks are heavily armored melee units that will try to close the distance and crush you. They are heavily armored, so you'll need anti-armor weaponry to take them down efficiently. Aim for their weak points, such as the glowing vents on their backs or their legs.
  • Tank: Just like it sounds, the Tank is a heavily armored vehicle that can dish out a lot of damage. It's covered in heavy armor, so you'll need to use anti-armor stratagems or weaponry to destroy it. Aim for the glowing weak spots on its sides or rear.
  • Factory Strider: Factory Striders are walking fortresses, equipped with heavy armor and devastating firepower. Taking one down requires a coordinated effort and the use of powerful stratagems like the Orbital Laser or the Railcannon Strike. Focus fire on their legs to cripple them or aim for the central structure to cause a catastrophic explosion.

Weapons and Stratagems for Dealing with Armor

Okay, so you know what you're up against. Now, how do you actually deal with all that armor? Here's a rundown of some of the best weapons and stratagems for penetrating those tough hides:

  • Recoilless Rifle: This shoulder-mounted rocket launcher is a classic anti-armor weapon. It can take down Chargers and Hulks with a well-placed shot. Remember to reload it with a teammate for maximum efficiency.
  • EAT-17 (Expendable Anti-Tank): A single-use rocket launcher that's perfect for quickly taking down heavily armored targets. Call it in when you need immediate firepower.
  • Railgun: The Railgun is a powerful weapon that can penetrate even the thickest armor. It requires careful aiming and charging, but it's devastating against Bile Titans and Tanks. Just be careful not to overheat it!
  • Anti-Materiel Rifle: A long-range sniper rifle that can penetrate medium armor and deal significant damage to weak points. Great for picking off Devastators and Hive Guards from a distance.
  • Orbital Railcannon Strike: This stratagem calls in a devastating orbital strike that can obliterate heavily armored targets. It has a long cooldown, so use it wisely.
  • Orbital Laser: A continuous laser beam from orbit that can melt through even the toughest armor. Great for dealing with hordes of enemies or focusing down a single, heavily armored target.
  • 500KG Bomb: A massive bomb that can wipe out entire areas. Perfect for clearing out nests or taking down heavily armored targets like Tanks and Bile Titans. Be careful not to get caught in the blast!
  • Armor-Piercing Support Weapons: Don't underestimate support weapons. The Spear is incredibly effective at one-shotting armored enemies, whilst the Autocannon can provide some cover fire.

General Tips and Strategies

Alright, Helldivers, listen up! Here are some general tips and strategies for dealing with armored enemies in Helldivers 2:

  • Teamwork is Key: Coordinating with your team is essential for taking down heavily armored enemies. Focus fire on weak points, use stratagems strategically, and support each other.
  • Flanking Maneuvers: Getting behind or to the side of an armored enemy can expose their weak points and make them easier to kill. Use the terrain to your advantage.
  • Use the Environment: Environmental hazards like explosive barrels can be used to damage or even destroy armored enemies. Get creative!
  • Prioritize Targets: Focus on taking down the most dangerous armored enemies first. Chargers, Hulks, and Tanks should be your top priorities.
  • Don't Waste Ammo: Conserve your ammo by using the right weapon for the right target. Don't waste your anti-armor weaponry on lightly armored enemies.
  • Learn Enemy Weak Points: Knowing the weak points of each enemy type is crucial for maximizing your damage output. Experiment and learn what works best.
  • Adapt Your Loadout: Adjust your loadout based on the mission and the enemies you expect to encounter. Bring anti-armor weaponry if you know you'll be facing heavily armored targets.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, Helldivers! A comprehensive guide to enemy armor in Helldivers 2. By understanding the different armor types, knowing the weaknesses of each enemy, and using the right weapons and stratagems, you'll be well-equipped to take on any challenge that Super Earth throws your way. Now get out there and spread some managed democracy, one bug or bot at a time! Remember, strategy is key and teamwork makes the dream work. Good luck, and see you on the battlefield!