Anti-Tank Supremacy: How Helldivers 2’s Latest Major Order Proves Armor is Everything

The galactic war in Helldivers 2 has once again swung its terrifying gaze towards the Automaton front. As Super Earth’s forces are called to liberate sectors from the relentless machine menace, a new Major Order has commenced, and with it, a stark reminder of a fundamental truth: against the bots, a powerful anti-tank loadout is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. This latest push highlights the strategic difference between fighting the swarming Terminids and the heavily armored, long-range automatons, solidifying the anti-tank build as a meta-defining choice for any serious Helldiver.

The Automaton Arsenal: Why Standard Loadouts Fall Short

The Automatons present a unique challenge compared to their bug-like counterparts. Unlike the bio-mass of the Terminids, which can often be handled with high-rate-of-fire weapons and area-of-effect stratagems, the bots are a faction built on heavy armor and precision firepower. They field an array of devastating units that can turn a seemingly routine mission into a nightmare:

• Devastators: These mid-tier threats are heavily armored on the front, capable of withstanding a barrage of small arms fire. Their powerful cannons and Gatling guns can shred through light and medium armor in seconds.
• Hulks: A true tank in every sense of the word, Hulks are walking fortresses with a single, crucial weak spot: a glowing red eye. Their arsenal includes powerful miniguns, flamethrowers, and rocket pods that can decimate an entire squad if left unchecked.
• Tanks: The quintessential armored threat, Automaton Tanks are a rolling nightmare. Their front armor is nearly impenetrable, and their turret can unleash a volley of high-explosive shells that will one-shot unarmored Helldivers.
• Factory Striders: The latest terror to join the fight, these behemoth walkers are essentially mobile factories, spawning smaller bots and raining down hell with their heavy armaments. They are the ultimate testament to the Automaton’s focus on heavy armor.

Without adequate anti-tank capabilities, a squad will be quickly overwhelmed by these threats. This Major Order, with its emphasis on high-difficulty automaton planets, is forcing players to re-evaluate their builds and prioritize firepower that can punch through the heaviest armor plates.

The Anti-Tank Masterclass: Essential Stratagems and Weapons

A well-prepared Helldiver on the bot front will have a loadout that can tackle these armored threats head-on. The key is to balance efficiency with versatility, ensuring you have a tool for every armored problem that arises. Here are the core components of a superior anti-tank build:

• AC-8 Autocannon: A fan-favorite for a reason. The Autocannon is a Swiss Army knife against bots. It can destroy Devastators with a single shot, take out Hulk weak spots, and even close bot fabricators from a distance. Its high rate of fire and plentiful ammunition make it a reliable choice.
• LAS-99 Quasar Cannon: This energy weapon provides a consistent, high-damage alternative to traditional rockets. It requires a brief charge-up but can one-shot many heavy targets and even destroy bot dropships before they can deploy their cargo. Its lack of a backpack requirement frees up a slot for a shield or rover drone.
• GR-8 Recoilless Rifle: The classic rocket launcher. While it requires a teammate to reload efficiently, its raw damage output is unmatched. A well-placed shot to a tank’s rear or a Hulk’s eye will instantly vaporize it, making it a powerful tool for coordinated teams.
• EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank: A perfect solution for solo players or those who need a quick fix. These disposable launchers are a cheap and effective way to deal with a sudden tank or Hulk patrol, and their short cooldown makes them a viable option for a last-ditch effort.
• Orbital Railcannon Strike: The ultimate panic button. This stratagem delivers a single, perfectly aimed anti-tank shot from your Super Destroyer. It’s an essential tool for instantly eliminating a surprise tank or Factory Strider without having to expose yourself to their relentless firepower.

The Strategic Advantage: Beyond Just Damage

Running an anti-tank build on the bot front is more than just stacking damage. It’s about fundamentally changing the strategic landscape of the mission. By focusing on heavy firepower, a Helldiver can quickly dismantle the core threats in a bot patrol, turning a dangerous ambush into a manageable firefight. The ability to destroy a tank with a single rocket, or to melt a Hulk before it can fire a single shot, saves lives and prevents the mission from spiraling into chaos. The current Major Order is a brutal test of a Helldiver’s ability to adapt, and for those who choose to prioritize anti-tank weapons, the path to victory has never been clearer.