Helldivers 2: How to Kill Devastators

If you’re part of Helldivers 2’s democratic force, you’ve probably faced the Automaton faction several times and might’ve heard of the deadly Devastators.

These hunks of metal are a tough, heavily armored type of Automaton that will have you sweating more than desert heat. Standing tall with their sunken heads and bulky frames, they bring heavy firepower in the form of cannons and shoulder-mounted rocket pods.

Devastators back up their weaker comrades on Automaton-controlled planets. As you ramp up the difficulty, you’ll see even more of these ironclad nightmares, making them unavoidable.

But fear not, soldier. While Devastators are a pain, they aren’t invincible. With the right tactics and loadout, you can take them or any other Automaton force down (for which we’ve got plenty of guides).

So, if you’re ready to dish out some serious damage, let’s break down everything you need to know about how to kill Devastators in Helldivers 2.

How to Kill Devastators Helldivers 2

Devastators come in three main types in Helldivers 2: Standard, Heavy, and Rocket. The Standard Devastator brings cannons to the fight, while the Heavy variant carries both machine guns and shields. The Rocket Devastator can rain down death with its shoulder-mounted rocket launchers.

On higher difficulties, you’ll encounter Elite versions of each type. They look similar, but their heads are maroon instead of grey, and they hit a lot harder.

The key to survival is understanding their weak spots. Their arms, head, and stomach are unarmored, while the legs have light armor, and the shoulders and torso are moderately armored. Aim for these areas to deal the most damage.

Explosive weapons, like the Impact Grenade or the LAS-98 Laser Cannon, are great for staggering them, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

If you prefer precision, snipers like the APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle or R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper can hit their weak spots from a distance, neutralizing the threat before it gets too close.

The Best Tactics and Loadouts for Killing Devastators

Devastators are relentless and often appear in large numbers, especially in higher-difficulty missions. But with the right strategy, you can turn the tables.

First off, using armor-penetrating weapons is a must, and explosive weapons can stagger them. If you’re carrying a SH-20 Ballistic Shield Backpack, you’ll be able to tank most of their cannon and machine gun fire, letting you get up close for the kill.

Pair that shield with the SMG-37 Defender or P-4 Senator to mow down Standard and Heavy Devastators with ease.

Just be cautious around Rocket Devastators, as their rockets can deal massive damage. Focus on taking out their rocket pods early with concentrated fire, turning them into regular Devastators and significantly reducing their threat level.

If you’re up against a swarm, heavy weaponry like the SG-8 Punisher can help stun-lock Devastators by targeting their unarmored limbs.

If you’re in the mood for tactical precision, take out their arms to disable their weapons, or aim for their power packs, especially on the Heavy variants, for a quick takedown.

Rocket Devastators telegraph their attacks by leaning forward, so when you see that stance, either dive for cover or finish them off before they launch.

With these strategies, you’ll never have to worry about asking for Helldivers 2 help again.

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