The fight to keep Super Earth safe in Helldivers 2 will see players take on both the Terminids and the Automatons. The former like to overwhelm with numbers and speed, whereas the latter brings heavy firepower and ranged combat to the table. Knowing how to counter these enemies effectively can enable players to survive longer and complete more objectives.
For the Automatons, it will come as no surprise that players have to prioritize accuracy over almost every other aspect of combat. With weak points that require precision to hit, many of the Automaton threats are otherwise too dangerous to leave standing. So, to better fight this threat, here are the best weapons and loadout you can have in order to overcome the Automaton threat in Helldivers 2.
Helldivers 2: Which Stratagems to Get First
Start things off right in Helldivers 2 by getting these Stratagems first.
Best Weapons Against Automatons in Helldivers 2
With plenty of armored variants and powerful, ranged weapons, players will have to keep that all in mind whether they are going up against the robotic threat alone or with a couple of squad mates along for the ride. If you can maintain a safe distance from the enemy, it will always be a preferred choice. Otherwise, pure stopping power combined with armor penetration will be handy up close.
As such, some of the best weapons that work well against the Automatons include:
For engagements from far away, the Diligence Marksman Rifle works wonders with its power and scope, providing players with a distinct advantage. Sniping off the heads of enemies or hurting their glowing red weak points is much easier when you can see things much clearer, and a good shot can clear out a base in no time without endangering themselves.
Should you prefer to be more personal with the combat, the Defender SMG and Breaker Shotgun will be great choices to have along for the fight. Quick shots from the SMG can destroy limbs in an instant and buy you more time, whereas the automatic shotgun can shred most enemies in an instant. You do have to watch out for those armored foes, however, as they can only be hurt reliably via hits on their weak points. In a pinch, the fast-firing Redeemer pistol can take care of a smaller threat as you try to make your escape.
Best Stratagems Against Automatons in Helldivers 2
Aside from the weapons, players must also calibrate their Stratagems accordingly to deal with the Automaton threat. Consider adding these to the rotation:
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APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle
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RS-422 Railgun
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FAF-14 Spear
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Orbital Railcannon Strike
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Eagle Airstrike
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A/M-12 Mortar Sentry
The first three support weapons work wonders against armor, and can help players decimate the tougher Automaton foes with ease. When going up against tanks or even cannon turrets, the Spear will be the best tool for the job. The Autocannon can also be included, but the need for another person to help with reloading makes it less of an effective tool for solo players.
As for external help, the Orbital Railcannon Strike can always be counted upon to take out the most threatening of Automaton enemies, likely to be a tank, Devastator, or the Hulk. Calling in an Eagle Airstrike can help with crowd control, and a Mortar Sentry will help soften targets up even before you get close, which is always a win.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- February 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing






- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
R-63 Diligence
SMG-37 Defender
SG-225 Breaker
P-19 Redeemer