Automatons in Helldivers II can be especially challenging—they combine robust armor with punishing firepower, and deploying the right loadout is key to survival. In this guide, we’ll cover the best loadouts to take down Automatons effectively, whether you’re new to the fight or a seasoned veteran.

Understanding the Automatons

Before we break down the loadouts, it’s important to understand your enemy. Automatons are heavily armored robotic adversaries that range from smaller Troopers and Raiders to formidable Marauders and massive Tanks. Their armor makes them resistant to standard weaponry, requiring specialized gear capable of dealing armor-piercing and heavy damage.

Choosing Your Loadout

A strong loadout against Automatons has three priorities:

• Armor penetration: To bypass tough robotic plating.
• High damage output: To quickly disable threats before being overwhelmed.
• Reliable support: Stratagems that deal consistent, heavy damage or slow enemy movements.

We’ll divide the loadouts into three phases: early-game, mid-game, and late-game, based on your progression.

Best Early-Game Loadout Against Automatons

When first facing Automatons, your options are limited, but you can still pack a punch with the right equipment.

Weapons:

• Primary: AR-23 Liberator
• Secondary: P-2 Peacemaker
• Explosive: G-12 High Explosive Grenades

Armor:

• Heavy Armor with the Fortified or Extra Padding perks, providing additional protection against heavy Automaton fire.

Recommended Stratagems:

• Expendable Anti-Tank: Single-use launcher, essential against early Automaton threats.
• Gatling Sentry: Rapid-firing turret that cuts down swarms of lighter Automatons.
• Orbital Gatling Barrage: Effective area denial, quickly thins groups of enemies.
• Eagle Cluster Bomb: Multiple-use explosive, ideal for larger groups or tougher foes.

Booster:

• Hellpod Optimization: Reduces Stratagem cooldowns, allowing you to deploy critical support more frequently.

Alternative Choices:

• If you dislike single-shot anti-tank weapons, swap for Recoilless Rifle, which offers multiple shots with supply backpack, or consider the Grenade Launcher for moderate armor penetration against lighter Automatons.

Best Mid-Game Loadout Against Automatons

As you progress, you’ll gain access to more effective weapons and Stratagems. At this stage, you should focus on higher damage output and survivability.

Weapons:

• Primary: SG-225 Breaker (Shotgun) or Las-16 Sickle (Laser Rifle)
• Secondary: P-19 Redeemer
• Explosive: G-12 High Explosive Grenades

Armor:

• Continue using Heavy Armor with Fortified or Extra Padding to maximize survival under sustained Automaton fire.

Recommended Stratagems:

• Autocannon: High-powered support weapon capable of shredding mid-tier Automatons instantly.
• Shield Generator Backpack: Provides a defensive shield, absorbing incoming fire and protecting you from sustained damage.
• Eagle Cluster Bomb: Continues to be effective for clearing enemy groups.
• Mortar Sentry: Artillery-style turret effective at eliminating enemies from a distance, minimizing friendly-fire risks.

Booster:

• Vitality Enhancement: Increases your health, offering greater survivability.

Alternative Choices:

• If Autocannon is not your style, the Orbital Walking Barrage offers area suppression, forcing Automatons out of cover into your line of fire.

Best Late-Game Loadout Against Automatons

Late-game missions pit you against relentless waves of heavily armored Automatons. Now it’s time to bring out your most powerful arsenal.

Weapons:

• Primary: SG-225 Breaker or Las-16 Sickle (both remain highly effective)
• Secondary: P-19 Redeemer
• Explosive: G-12 High Explosive Grenades

Armor:

• Stick with Heavy Armor using Fortified or Extra Padding perks.

Recommended Stratagems:

• Patriot Exosuit: Powerful mech suit providing strong armor and devastating firepower—perfect against larger Automatons.
• EMS Mortar Sentry: Fires electromagnetic shells, stunning Automatons and making them easy targets.
• Orbital Laser: Deals immense damage in its target radius. Use against heavy threats like Tanks and Hulks.
• Eagle 500KG Bomb: Massive explosive damage, ideal for clusters of dangerous Automatons or enemy landing zones.

Booster:

• Vitality Enhancement: Retain increased health to withstand intense combat scenarios.

Alternative Choices:

• Railgun (Unsafe Mode): If you prefer precision, the Railgun’s armor-piercing charge shot can dismantle even the toughest Automaton armor.
• Spear Missile Launcher: Highly effective against enemy dropships and heavily armored foes, ensuring less enemy reinforcement.

General Combat Tips Against Automatons

• Focus Fire on High-Value Targets: Always prioritize enemies with explosive weaponry (e.g., Marauders and Tanks) to reduce incoming damage.
• Positioning and Cover: Keep moving and use environmental cover to avoid enemy fire; stationary targets quickly become casualties.
• Coordinate Stratagems: Communicate with teammates to maximize Stratagem usage, ensuring optimal cooldown management and coverage.
• Friendly Fire Awareness: Stratagems, particularly turrets and orbital strikes, can harm your team. Be mindful of positions and communicate clearly.

Conclusion

Automatons represent a formidable enemy type in Helldivers II, but with the right loadout and strategy, victory is within your grasp. Whether you’re just getting started or tackling the toughest challenges the game has to offer, this guide will help you gear up appropriately and take the fight straight to the robotic menace. Good luck, Helldiver, and may managed democracy prevail!