Automaton Tank Weak Points and Tactics in Helldivers 2

[ArcticNovaZ3]

If you've spent any time on the Automaton fronts, you've likely seen the ground shake as one of their main battle tanks rolls into view. For many players, especially on higher difficulties, these vehicles are a primary cause of failed missions. This guide breaks down how they work and the most common, effective ways players deal with them, based on in-game practice rather than just stat sheets.

What are the different types of Automaton Tanks?

There are three variants you'll encounter. The Annihilator is the standard main battle tank, armed with a powerful anti-armor laser cannon and hull-mounted machine guns. The Shredder swaps the main cannon for a rapid-fire quad heavy machine gun turret, making it devastating against infantry. The Barrager is a long-range artillery piece, armed with a multiple rocket launch system. All share a common chassis, are very large, and are heavily armored.

What are the universal weak points on a Tank?

While their front and side chassis armor is incredibly tough, all tanks share the same critical weaknesses. Their tracks, rear chassis, and the rear vents on the turret are only medium-armored. A well-placed shot from most anti-tank weapons here will do significant damage. Destroying the tracks also immobilizes the tank, making it much easier to flank and finish off. It's also worth noting that all tanks have a volatile engine; they explode violently when destroyed, so you need to back away quickly.

What are the most reliable ways to destroy a Tank?

Most players rely on a core set of tools and strategies. In general, dedicated anti-tank stratagems like the Orbital Precision Strike or Eagle 500kg Bomb are the most straightforward if you can call them in accurately. For handheld weapons, a direct hit to the turret or rear with the GR-8 Recoilless Rifle or FAF-14 Spear is usually a one-shot kill. The GP-31 Grenade Pistol is a surprisingly effective sidearm, as a single direct hit to the hull will destroy any tank. Furthermore, a single thermite grenade stuck to the body or turret is also enough. For those using the RS-422 Railgun, around four to five unsafe mode shots to the front, or just two to the rear vent, will get the job done.

Are there differences between the Annihilator and Shredder tanks?

Yes, a key tactical difference is in their turret armor. The Annihilator has heavy "anti-tank" level armor on the front and sides of its turret. The Shredder, however, only has this heavy armor on the front of its turret; the sides are much thinner. This means the Shredder's turret sides can be penetrated by all medium-penetration weapons, like the Autocannon or even two impact grenades landed on top. You cannot do this to an Annihilator from the side; you must get grenades onto the rear of its turret.

What are some unconventional or niche tactics players use?

Beyond standard weaponry, the community has developed some clever methods. Using the Grenade Launcher to arc shots onto a tank's rear plating is a reliable, if skill-intensive, method. Some players use stratagem drop pods to "land on" a tank; if a sentry survives the impact on the tank's hull, it will deploy and fire, creating an uncontrollable turret that can clear surrounding patrols. You can also jump directly onto the turret of a tank to avoid its main guns, though this leaves you exposed to everything else. It's crucial to remember that attempting to buy Helldivers 2 items online from U4N marketplace for real money is against the game's terms of service, carries a high risk of account penalty, and completely bypasses the intended progression and challenge of mastering these encounters yourself.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

The most common error is wasting ammunition on a tank's frontal armor with weapons that cannot penetrate it. Light and medium weapons will do nothing but attract its attention. Secondly, never stand still near a dying tank due to its large explosion radius. Finally, be cautious around destroyed tanks; a bug sometimes causes their broken treads to deal rapid, unexpected damage if you walk over them, particularly near the front chassis.

In summary, dealing with Automaton tanks requires identifying the type, aiming for weak points, and using the right tool for the job. With practice, what once was a mission-ender becomes a manageable, if always dangerous, part of the Automaton warfront.