As you spend more time spreading managed democracy, you’ll find that Automaton Troopers are your most common foe. The in-game description isn’t wrong: they are essentially cannon fodder. However, underestimating them is a quick way to fail a mission. This guide breaks down what they are, how they fight, and the most reliable ways to deal with them based on common player experiences.
What are the different types of Troopers?
The basic Trooper, or Raider on higher difficulties, is the standard unit with an assault rifle. They are the foundation of any Automaton patrol. From there, specialized variants appear:
Marauder: Equipped with rapid-fire cannons and tougher-looking armor (maroon head). Their sustained fire can quickly break your stamina and health.
Brawler: Carries dual energy blades and will attempt to flank you for melee attacks. They do not use ranged weapons unless manning a stationary emplacement.
MG Raider: Identifiable by a machine gun and a backpack with red heat sinks. These sinks can explode if damaged.
Rocket Raider: Armed with a rocket launcher. They are a high-priority target due to their accuracy and high damage.
Assault Raider: Uses a jump pack to close distance quickly, armed with a pistol and blade.
Additionally, elite subfactions introduce deadlier versions. The Jet Brigade adds jump packs to standard and MG Raiders, making them highly mobile. The Incineration Corps field units with incendiary grenades, plasma cannons, and the particularly dangerous Pyro Trooper, who uses a flamethrower.
Why are such basic units considered a threat?
While individually weak, Troopers are dangerous for two main reasons: numbers and reinforcement calls.
Reinforcement Flares: This is their most critical ability. Any Trooper variant can fire a red flare to call a Bot Drop. There’s a distinct audio cue when they ready the flare. Killing them before launch stops the call, but if one dies while readying it, another often immediately takes over. Most players prioritize killing any Trooper raising its arm.
Overwhelming Numbers: On Challenging difficulty and above, "Horde" patrols of 30-40 Troopers can spawn. A concentrated mass of even basic rifles can shred a team caught in the open.
Specialist Dangers: Rocket Raiders can down you from range. MG Raiders output high damage. Brawlers force you out of cover. Their specialized roles mean you can’t treat every Trooper the same.
What are the best tactics for fighting them?
In general, your strategy shifts based on the variant you face.
Against Basic Groups: Any weapon works, but most players prefer tools that clear groups, like the SG-225 Breaker shotgun or the GL-21 Grenade Launcher. The Arc-12 Blitzer is also excellent for chaining damage through packs.
Against Specialized Units:
Rocket Raiders: Take them out first. A single Diligence marksman rifle shot to the body will usually stagger or kill them.
Jet Brigade: Their jump packs are volatile. Shooting the pack causes a large explosion that can chain to others. At point-blank range, aim for the legs to make them collapse without detonating.
Pyro Troopers: Never let them get close. Their fuel tanks are explosive like jump packs. Eliminate them from a distance; their flames can quickly wipe a squad.
Brawlers: Keep your distance and listen for their flanking movements. They are fast but fragile.
Aiming for limbs is a valid tactic. Shooting a Trooper’s arm disables its gun, forcing it into melee. Shooting a leg immobilizes it. However, in the heat of a large fight, most players opt for center-mass shots for consistency. When managing your loadout, considering which helldivers 2 items counter swarms is wise; orbital Gatling barrages, autocannon turrets, and even basic machine gun stratagems are highly effective for area denial against Trooper waves.
What stratagems work best against Troopers?
Virtually any offensive stratagem is effective due to their lack of armor. Common choices include:
Turrets: The Machine Gun Sentry or Autocannon Sentry can hold a flank against endless Troopers.
Orbital/ Eagle Strikes: Barrages like the Eagle Airstrike or Orbital Gatling Barrage are perfect for deleting large patrols or hordes you’ve kited together.
Minefields: A well-placed Incendiary Minefield can stop a rushing wave of Brawlers or Pyro Troopers.
The key is control. Troopers exist to overwhelm and distract you from larger threats. Dealing with them efficiently—often by using explosive stratagems to handle groups while your primary weapon picks off specialists—is a fundamental skill for surviving Automaton missions.
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