Helldivers 2 Automatons now deploy flying gunships and AT-AT walkers – here’s how to counter them effectively
The New Automaton Arsenal
Helldivers 2’s most dangerous adversaries, the Automaton forces, have dramatically escalated their military capabilities with terrifying new additions to their combat roster. These mechanical enemies now field both aerial gunships and massive quadrupedal walkers reminiscent of classic AT-AT designs.
The conflict against Automaton forces intensifies significantly as they deploy advanced aerial combat units and colossal walker platforms to challenge managed democracy’s expansion across the galaxy.
Despite Super Earth’s successful liberation campaigns on strategic fronts like Malevelon Creek, Automaton command has responded with substantial force upgrades. Their counter-offensive capabilities now include sophisticated deployment systems that can insert these new threats directly into active combat zones.
While unauthorized speculation about unverified cloaked vessel sightings remains prohibited under Super Earth security protocols, confirmed visual identification of these new combat units has been established through multiple frontline engagements.
The March 2 game update introduced these mechanical reinforcements shortly after Helldivers received enhanced armaments. This strategic timing suggests Automaton forces are actively adapting to our improved combat capabilities with their own technological advancements.
Automaton forces now field AT-AT style walkers in combat operations! pic.twitter.com/mBjwyBnKPr
Combat Analysis and Threat Assessment
These new Automaton assets entered active service immediately following the update deployment. Both the aerial gunship squadrons and the massive walker units appeared simultaneously on battlefields, creating complex multi-threat engagements that test even veteran Helldivers’ combat effectiveness.
The aerial component consists of Automaton gunships that provide persistent air superiority threats. Similar to the recent challenges posed by Terminid flyers, these robotic aircraft demand constant situational awareness and dedicated anti-air capabilities within squad loadouts.
The most visually imposing threat comes from the Factory Strider, the official designation for the AT-AT-style walker. This massive platform dominates ground engagements with its rapid-fire laser batteries and exceptional defensive capabilities that can withstand tremendous amounts of conventional firepower.
Strategic analysis indicates that without proper utilization of high-yield Stratagem support, Helldiver squads face overwhelming odds against coordinated Factory Strider deployments. However, well-placed 500kg orbital strikes have demonstrated consistent effectiveness against these mechanical behemoths when delivered with precision timing.
Effective Counter-Strategies
Success against these enhanced Automaton forces requires refined tactical approaches and specialized equipment selection. For the Factory Strider, prioritize bringing anti-armor Stratagems like the 500kg bomb, recoilless rifles, and railgun strikes. These high-penetration weapons can bypass the walker’s substantial armor plating when targeting critical systems.
Against gunships, equip squad members with missile launchers, autocannons, or the machine gun sentry Stratagem. These provide sustained anti-air coverage while ground units engage other threats. Coordinate target priority within your squad—designate specific members for air defense while others handle ground forces.
Advanced tactics include using the Factory Strider’s limited mobility against it. Lure it into confined terrain where its turning capability becomes restricted, creating opportunities for flanking attacks. The walker’s legs represent secondary weak points—concentrated fire on joints can temporarily immobilize the unit.
Team composition should include balanced specializations: one heavy weapons expert for armor penetration, two flexible combatants for general threats, and one dedicated anti-air specialist. This distribution ensures coverage against all Automaton asset types during complex engagements.
Advanced Tactical Considerations
Common strategic errors include underestimating the gunships’ persistence and focusing exclusively on the Factory Strider. These aerial units will continuously harass your squad if ignored, draining resources and creating distractions during critical engagements against the primary threat.
Optimization for experienced Helldivers involves timing Stratagem deployments to coincide with the Factory Strider’s weapon cooling cycles. The walker becomes momentarily vulnerable during these brief periods, allowing for safer approach vectors for close-range anti-armor attacks.
Survival priority should be given to maintaining distance and cover against the Factory Strider’s main laser batteries. Its weapon systems have limited depression angles, making elevated positions and natural terrain barriers effective defensive options when coordinating attacks.
This represents the latest escalation in the ongoing galactic conflict for freedom preservation. However, with Helldivers accumulating unprecedented combat experience and developing sophisticated counter-tactics, these mechanical adversaries face diminishing prospects against Super Earth’s determined defenders.
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