Understanding the Mechanical Menace
The Helldivers 2 Factory Strider is not merely another automaton; it’s a symbol of the Automaton’s industrial might. A towering, bipedal war machine, the Factory Strider is a testament to the enemy’s engineering prowess and serves as a mobile weapons platform. Its imposing size, heavy armor, and devastating firepower make it a high-priority target for any Helldiver. Recognizing its capabilities and weaknesses is the first step towards victory.
A Look at the Physicality
The Factory Strider’s design is inherently intimidating. Its imposing frame, built with heavy plates of armor, is supported by two massive legs that allow it to traverse the diverse terrain of the planets you are tasked with defending. These legs provide a steady, albeit slow, form of movement, allowing it to lumber across the battlefield. The main body typically consists of a central cockpit section, from which the enemy pilot controls this mechanical predator. The Strider often bears the Automaton insignia, a symbol of ruthless efficiency and industrial power. The head of the Factory Strider is equipped with sensor arrays and targeting systems that constantly scan the battlefield for potential threats.
Unveiling the Armament
The Factory Strider is a walking fortress of firepower, boasting a range of armaments designed to obliterate anything that stands in its path. Its primary weapon is usually a heavy cannon, capable of delivering devastating explosive rounds. These cannons have an extended range and, if they connect, can vaporize even the most heavily armored Helldivers. In addition to the main cannon, most Factory Striders are equipped with machine guns. These rapid-firing weapons are designed to shred anyone or anything that is close by, capable of quickly overwhelming even those who have the protective shield backpack. The Striders may also launch a barrage of rockets that seek out enemy positions. These rockets can quickly fill the sky, making them difficult to avoid.
One of the most dangerous aspects of the Helldivers 2 Factory Strider is its sheer physical presence. It is capable of delivering a devastating stomp attack with its massive legs. This attack has a wide area of effect and can easily crush any Helldivers foolish enough to be caught beneath them. The stomp attack can also be used to destroy cover, leaving you vulnerable to other attacks from the Strider or nearby Automaton forces.
Targeting the Vulnerable Points
Despite its formidable appearance, the Helldivers 2 Factory Strider is not invincible. Success against this mechanized opponent hinges on the ability to identify and exploit its weaknesses. The most crucial weak points are the legs and the vent on the back of the head. The legs of the Factory Strider are often the most vulnerable, offering a prime target for focused fire. Aiming for the leg joints can cripple the Strider’s movement, making it easier to evade its attacks and set up your own assaults. Once you destroy a leg, it becomes much easier to take the fight to the Strider. The other crucial weak point is a vent located on the back of the head. This vent is often the most vulnerable spot to unleash a barrage of weapons, causing critical damage.
Choosing the Right Arsenal
Effective weapon selection is critical when dealing with the Helldivers 2 Factory Strider. You need a combination of weapons and stratagems that can exploit its weaknesses, offering both damage and survivability.
Optimal Firepower
A weapon that can consistently deal damage to weak points is paramount. The Railgun is a powerful weapon, allowing you to destroy the legs or target the vents on the Factory Strider. The Railgun’s armor-piercing capabilities are unmatched, making it the ultimate choice against armored enemies. The EAT-17 (Expendable Anti-Tank) is another excellent option, providing a quick and effective solution for dealing massive damage. The Spear is another great support weapon. The Spear can be used to lock on to enemy vehicles, including the Factory Strider, and unleash a missile that will deliver a massive explosion. The Arc Thrower is another weapon that is useful against Striders.
Stratagems to Deploy
Stratagems are crucial in the fight against the Factory Strider. Orbital strikes can be used to damage the Strider’s armor and weaken its defenses. The Eagle Airstrike is a quick and reliable option for dealing focused damage, allowing you to eliminate the Factory Strider in short order. The 500KG Bomb, while risky, can provide the devastating power needed to wipe out the Factory Strider in a single strike. When calling in Stratagems, precision is key. Make sure to target the enemy’s weak points to maximize damage output.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
In Helldivers 2, teamwork is the cornerstone of survival, and the Helldivers 2 Factory Strider is no exception. Coordinating your efforts with your squad is essential for success.
Role Specialization
Assign roles to each member of your team. Designate some Helldivers as primary damage dealers, focusing on hitting the weak points with their weapons. Other team members can act as support, laying down suppressing fire to distract the Strider and providing cover for their teammates. Designate one team member to call in orbital strikes or air support, delivering damage while avoiding friendly fire.
Communication is Key
Clear and concise communication is crucial for coordinating your attacks. Call out the Strider’s position, identify its weak points, and announce when you are calling in a Stratagem. Communicate your intentions to your team, letting them know when you are going to reload, need assistance, or are repositioning.
Positioning and Maneuverability
Proper positioning is key in the fight against the Helldivers 2 Factory Strider. Avoid staying in the open, which can quickly lead to your demise.
Utilizing Cover
Make use of cover whenever possible. Rocks, buildings, and other environmental features can provide protection from the Strider’s attacks. Move from cover to cover, avoiding being in one place for too long.
Maintaining Distance
The Strider’s attacks are devastating up close, so it is important to maintain a safe distance. Use mobility, like dodging and sprinting, to evade attacks.
Common Pitfalls to Sidestep
Even the most experienced Helldivers can make mistakes. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you avoid costly errors and ensure victory.
Overconfidence and Hasty Approaches
Never rush into a fight unprepared. Take a moment to assess the battlefield, identify the Strider’s position, and plan your attack. Overestimating your capabilities or underestimating the enemy is a recipe for disaster.
Ignoring the Obvious
Failing to focus on weak points is a critical error. Shooting at the armored sections of the Strider is a waste of ammunition and time. Always aim for the legs or the vent on the back of the head.
Lapses in Communication
Poor communication is a detriment in battle. Communicate with your squad at all times, coordinating attacks and relaying important information. Don’t assume that your teammates know what you are doing.
Forgetting the Fundamentals
It is easy to get caught up in the heat of battle, but never forget the basics. Prioritize managing your stamina and reloading your weapon. Running out of ammunition or stamina at a critical moment can easily lead to defeat.
Advancing Your Strategy
To master the art of taking down the Helldivers 2 Factory Strider, you must go beyond the basics and develop advanced tactics.
Terrain Utilization
Use the terrain to your advantage. High ground gives you a tactical edge, allowing you to rain down fire from above. Use chokepoints to funnel the Strider, making it easier to target its weak points.
Targeting Efficiency
Practice and develop your ability to quickly target the weak points. Practice firing bursts to maximize your damage output. Precise targeting reduces the time it takes to eliminate the Strider.
Environmental Interaction
Be mindful of your surroundings. Use destructible cover to create ambush points. Make use of explosions and fire to damage the Strider and force it to reorient itself.
The Helldivers 2 Factory Strider is a formidable foe, but with the right knowledge, strategy, and teamwork, it can be overcome. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, selecting the appropriate weapons and Stratagems, and coordinating your efforts with your squad, you can turn this mechanical menace into scrap metal. Remember to stay alert, adapt to changing circumstances, and always be ready to fight for freedom, for democracy, and for Super Earth. The fight is not over, but with the information in this guide, the fight for freedom can be won, one Strider at a time.
