Helldivers 2 just got a whole lot scarier with the introduction of two new Automaton enemies: the Factory Strider and the Gunship.
In a recent Helldivers 2 update that also raised the level cap and heavily nerfed some aspects of the game, two new Automaton enemies were introduced. Say a big welcome to the terrifying Factory Strider and the incredibly annoying Gunship. Fortunately, like all Automatons, they can be taken down with a bit of grit and a whole load of EAT rockets. Below, we’ve explained how you can best tackle these new foes of democracy.
What Is the Factory Strider in Helldivers 2?
The Factory Strider is a giant, heavily armored four-legged Automaton enemy with turrets on both the top of it and on its sides. It releases Devastator enemies from its underbelly and is currently the most powerful Automaton in the game. It was added without warning in an update after players managed to successfully liberate Malevelon Creek
The Factory Strider will appear on any Automaton planet on the Western part of the Galatic War map. However, it’ll only show up in Difficulty 4 (Challenging) and up. The higher the difficulty you play on, the more likely you are to encounter these terrifying AT-AT-looking enemies. If you’re really keen on encountering them, then we recommend playing on at least Difficulty 5 (Hard) or 6 (Extreme).
How to Kill the Factory Strider in Helldivers 2
To kill the Factory Strider in Helldivers 2, you’ll need to use a combination of the Orbital Laser and Eagle 500KG Stratagems. Unfortunately, while the recently added Quasar Canon is effective, it won’t one-shot it. However, if you target the open vents on its sides with an EAT or the Quasar Canon, you’ll still deal significant damage, as these seem to be its weak points.
Whatever you do, prioritize its destruction the second you see it. Its ability to spawn in waves of Devastators essentially makes it a Dropship and an Annihilator Tank rolled up into one. Alternatively, you can attempt to run away, as it moves relatively slowly. So long as you can escape the Gunships.
What Are the Automaton Gunships in Helldivers 2?
The Automaton Gunships are flying aircraft, similar to the Terminid Shriekers, that fire rockets and rapid energy blasts. They’re relatively heavily armored and come in packs of two to four. Much like the Factory Strider, they were also added as a stealth drop in the update post-Malevelon Creek liberation.
You’ll find the Automaton Gunships on any Automaton planet. Specifically, they can be found patrolling Automaton bases and will search players out using their scanners. They will appear in Difficulty 2 (Easy) and up. Of course, if you play on higher difficulties, you’ve got a better chance of encountering them. If you want to see them for yourself, we recommend playing on at least Difficulty 3 (Medium) or 4 (Challenging).
How to Kill the Gunships in Helldivers 2
To kill the Gunships in Helldivers 2, you need to shoot them with the EAT-17 or Quasar Canon. Ideally, target their front cockpit, as this is their weak point. While they are relatively heavily armored, they’re not invulnerable and will be taken down quite easily with any anti-tank weapon.
They can be incredibly annoying, however, and swarm around you, unloading a ridiculous amount of bullets into you and your fellow Helldivers. They should definitely be a priority if you can focus on them, as if left unattended, they’ll easily wipe you out. On the higher difficulties, Gunships are a nightmare, so we recommend staying away as best as you can.
That’s everything you need to know about the two new Automaton enemies in Helldivers 2. For more guides just like this one, be sure to check out our Guide Hub.