Hit and Miss Helldivers 2 Stratagem Needs a Hotfix Patch from Arrowhead to Please the Bot-Fighting-Fans

Helldivers 2 introduced its first exosuit, the EXO-45 Patriot back in March 2024. Its initial reception was quite poor as players thought it had no use since it was weak against the game’s mech enemies. 

What players didn’t realize was that its firepower and armor make it a powerhouse against the bug-type Terminid enemies. They easily crush smaller enemies with their size and take care of larger ones with their minigun and rocket pods.

The Helldivers 2 Mechs Are Great in Specific Scenarios

Helldivers 2 players have shared mixed experiences with the Patriot. Many find it exceptionally effective against bugs, particularly on lower difficulties where the smaller enemies barely scratch the mech.

But its effectiveness drops significantly when facing automatons. But that is not always the case. The Patriot’s armor struggles against the heavy firepower of enemy bots, often leading to its quick destruction if not carefully managed.

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The Patriot’s primary strength lies in its heavy armament, featuring a minigun and rocket pods. This setup allows it to shred through bug enemies with minimal effort. Ammo conservation is critical when using the Patriot. Equipped with 1,000 minigun bullets and 14 rockets, players must be strategic with their shots.

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A single rocket can take down a Charger, while three are needed for tanks. The limited ammo capacity forces players to make every shot count and avoid wasteful engagements, especially on higher difficulty levels.

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Despite its drawbacks, the Patriot is a valuable tool in the Helldivers 2 arsenal. When used strategically with support, it can still hold its own in mixed enemy scenarios. But their numerous weaknesses have left players asking Arrowhead Game Studios to buff them in some way. 

While They’re Already Decent, The Helldivers 2 Mechs Could Use a Buff

To get the EXO-45 Patriot in Helldivers 2, players must first liberate the exosuit factories on Tien Kwan. Doing this requires players to complete a specific mission so players have to be prepared. Once unlocked, the exosuit can be used during missions, though it’s limited to one or two instances per mission.

The Patriot was available for free for a limited time at launch. Now players have to unlock it through standard stratagems, which can be costly. Despite its shortcomings, the EXO-45 Patriot is still a useful tool for specific mission types. Its high firepower makes it ideal for extermination missions and defending objectives.

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Additionally, players have found that even when the mech runs out of ammo, it can still be useful for creating distance between themselves and enemy hordes, thanks to its sturdy armor. However, players must be vigilant, as the EXO-45 gives little warning before it explodes, often requiring a quick exit to avoid death.

The EXO-45 was joined soon after by the EXO-49 Emancipator which was centered more on fighting against mechs. Arrowhead’s ongoing updates and community feedback will be crucial in refining these stratagems to ensure they meet the expectations and needs of all players.

Have you tried out mechs in Helldivers 2? Let us know in the comments!