Helldivers 2 Devastator: A Comprehensive Guide to Eliminating This Armored Threat

Helldivers 2 plunges players into a relentless galactic war against terrifying alien adversaries. Among the most formidable of these enemies are the Devastators, heavily armored Automatons capable of unleashing devastating firepower. Successfully liberating planets requires understanding their weaknesses and employing effective strategies to neutralize them. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Devastator enemy type in Helldivers 2, including their variants, attack patterns, and the most effective methods for their swift and decisive elimination. Mastering the art of taking down a Devastator is crucial for any Helldiver aspiring to bring democracy to the galaxy.

Understanding the Devastator Threat

The Devastator isn’t just any Automaton; it’s a walking tank designed to withstand significant damage while delivering a punishing barrage of attacks. Knowing what you’re up against is the first step to victory. These heavily armored units are a common sight on Automaton-controlled planets, often appearing in patrols or guarding strategic objectives. Their presence significantly increases the difficulty of any mission, demanding a coordinated and tactical approach from Helldiver teams.

Devastator Variants

The Devastator comes in several variants, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses:

• Standard Devastator: The most common variant, armed with a rapid-firing machine gun.
• Rocket Devastator: Equips a rocket launcher, capable of dealing explosive damage from a distance.
• Shield Devastator: Protected by a frontal energy shield, making it resistant to direct attacks from the front.
• Grenadier Devastator: Hurls grenades, forcing Helldivers to constantly reposition.

Identifying the specific type of Devastator you’re facing is crucial for prioritizing targets and selecting the appropriate weaponry. For example, a Shield Devastator requires a different approach than a standard one.

Tactics for Eliminating Devastators

Successfully eliminating Devastators requires a combination of strategic positioning, teamwork, and the right equipment. Here are some proven tactics:

Exploiting Weak Points

While heavily armored, Devastators are not invincible. They have specific weak points that can be exploited to deal significant damage. The most vulnerable areas are typically the rear and the joints connecting their limbs. Flanking maneuvers are essential to expose these weak points.

Utilizing Anti-Armor Weaponry

Standard firearms are often ineffective against the Devastator’s armor. Anti-armor weaponry is essential for quickly and efficiently taking them down. Here are some recommended options:

• Recoilless Rifle: A powerful shoulder-mounted rocket launcher capable of penetrating even the heaviest armor. Requires a reload assistant for maximum effectiveness.
• EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank: A single-use rocket launcher, perfect for quickly eliminating a single Devastator.
• Railgun: A high-powered energy weapon that can pierce through armor with precision.
• Autocannon: Can damage and eventually destroy a Devastator but requires sustained fire and accurate aiming at weak points.

Strategic Positioning and Movement

Standing in the open is a surefire way to get eliminated by a Devastator. Utilize cover, such as rocks, buildings, and trenches, to minimize your exposure to enemy fire. Flanking maneuvers are crucial for exposing the Devastator’s weak points and avoiding its frontal armor. Coordinate with your team to create crossfires and distract the enemy.

Teamwork and Communication

Helldivers 2 is a cooperative game, and teamwork is essential for success. Communicate with your team to coordinate attacks, identify targets, and provide support. Designate specific roles, such as anti-armor specialist, crowd control, and medic. A well-coordinated team can quickly and efficiently eliminate even the most formidable Devastator.

Specific Strategies for Each Devastator Variant

Each Devastator variant requires a slightly different approach. Here’s a breakdown of specific strategies for each type:

Standard Devastator

The standard Devastator is relatively straightforward to deal with. Focus fire on its weak points, such as the rear and joints. Utilize cover to avoid its machine gun fire. Anti-armor weaponry is still recommended for a quick kill.

Rocket Devastator

The Rocket Devastator poses a greater threat due to its explosive firepower. Prioritize eliminating this variant quickly. Use cover to avoid its rockets and flank it to expose its weak points. The EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank is particularly effective against this variant.

Shield Devastator

The Shield Devastator’s frontal shield makes it resistant to direct attacks from the front. Flanking is essential to bypass the shield and target its weak points. Alternatively, use weapons that can penetrate the shield, such as the Railgun or a well-placed grenade. Stratagems that can bypass the shield, like an airstrike called behind the Devastator, are also effective.

Grenadier Devastator

The Grenadier Devastator is particularly annoying due to its ability to flush out Helldivers from cover. Constant movement is essential to avoid its grenades. Focus fire on this variant to eliminate it quickly. Using a weapon with a high rate of fire can help stagger the Devastator and interrupt its grenade throwing.

Stratagems for Dealing with Devastators

Stratagems are powerful tools that can significantly aid in eliminating Devastators. Here are some recommended options:

• Orbital Precision Strike: A precise orbital strike that can deal significant damage to a single target. Aim for the Devastator’s weak points for maximum effectiveness.
• Eagle Airstrike: A barrage of bombs that can quickly eliminate multiple enemies. Use this to clear out surrounding enemies and weaken the Devastator.
• Eagle 500KG Bomb: A devastating bomb that can obliterate even the most heavily armored enemies. Use this as a last resort against particularly troublesome Devastators.
• Supply Pod: Deploy a supply pod on a Devastator for an instant kill. This is a risky but effective tactic.

Advanced Tactics and Tips

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced tactics and tips for dealing with Devastators:

• Use the environment to your advantage: Lure Devastators into chokepoints or traps.
• Coordinate stratagem usage: Combine different stratagems for maximum effect. For example, use an Orbital Precision Strike to weaken a Devastator, followed by an Eagle Airstrike to finish it off.
• Prioritize targets: Focus fire on the most dangerous Devastator variants first, such as the Rocket Devastator and Shield Devastator.
• Don’t be afraid to retreat: If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safer location and regroup.

Conclusion

The Devastator is a formidable enemy in Helldivers 2, but with the right tactics, weaponry, and teamwork, it can be effectively eliminated. By understanding their weaknesses, utilizing anti-armor weaponry, and coordinating with your team, you can overcome this armored threat and contribute to the liberation of planets. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the specific Devastator variant you’re facing and don’t be afraid to experiment with different loadouts and tactics. The fight for Super Earth depends on your ability to effectively engage and eliminate these threats. Now get out there, Helldiver, and spread some managed democracy! Successfully fighting a Devastator is key to winning the war. Remember to always look for their weak spots.

[See also: Helldivers 2 Weapon Tier List] [See also: Helldivers 2 Best Armor]