For Helldivers holding the line against the Automaton onslaught, understanding your enemy is key to survival. Among the metallic ranks, the standard Trooper is your most frequent foe. While they may seem like simple "guns with legs," underestimating them is a common rookie mistake that can quickly lead to a bot-drop disaster. This guide breaks down their types, behaviors, and the most effective ways for squads to handle them.
What are the different types of Troopers?
Troopers are the basic infantry of the Automaton forces, but they come in several variants that change their threat level. In general, you can group them into three main categories.
First are the standard line infantry. This includes the basic Trooper/Raider with an assault rifle and the MG Raider, identifiable by its backpack and shoulder-mounted heat sinks. The Rocket Raider, armed with a rocket launcher, also falls here. These form the backbone of most patrols.
Next are the close-assault specialists. The Brawler, armed with dual energy blades, will aggressively try to flank you. The Assault Raider and Jet Brigade Troopers use jump packs to close distances rapidly, often while firing. The Pyro Trooper from the Incineration Corps will rush directly at you to use its flamethrower.
Finally, there are the elite variants. On higher difficulties, you'll encounter the chrome-plated Jet Brigade and the heavily armored Incineration Corps units. These have more durability and often carry upgraded weaponry, like the Incineration Corps Rocket Raider's plasma cannon.
Why are basic Troopers such a high priority target?
Despite their frail appearance, most experienced players consider even the basic Trooper a primary target in any engagement. This is due to one critical ability: they can call for reinforcements. Any Trooper variant can raise its arm and fire a red flare into the sky. A distinct audio cue plays when they start this action. If that flare launches, a bot drop is almost certainly on the way, drastically escalating the fight.
The immediate tactic is to eliminate any Trooper attempting to signal. Disassembling it before the flare launches will prevent the drop. However, if you kill one that has already readied its flare, be aware that another Trooper in the group may immediately shoot one instead. Clearing Troopers first is the best way to control the flow of an engagement and avoid being overwhelmed.
How do their combat tactics work in practice?
Each variant has a specific pattern. Standard Raiders and MG Raiders will lay down suppressing fire. Brawlers won't charge head-on; they try to run perpendicular to you to get around your cover. Rocket Raiders are deceptively accurate at range and can deal significant damage if left unchecked.
The special variants require specific counters. Jet-pack Troopers are fragile but use their mobility to get into optimal range where their weapons are most dangerous. A useful tip is to shoot their legs at point-blank range. A body shot often causes their jetpack to explode, launching their corpse at you and causing fire damage. A leg shot makes them crumple safely. The same principle applies to Pyro Troopers; their fuel tanks are highly volatile. One exploding tank can chain-react through an entire group. This is why many players avoid clumping together when these units are present. While some players look for shortcuts to buy helldivers 2 medals for unlocking gear, learning these practical tactics is far more valuable for handling higher difficulties where these enemies appear frequently.
What are the most efficient ways to eliminate them?
Most Troopers are unarmored, meaning any weapon will deal full damage. Their backpacks or jump packs have light armor, but their health is so low it's rarely a concern.
For vulnerabilities, shooting their arms will disable their firearm and flare ability, forcing them into melee. A leg shot will make them immobile. A headshot is an instant kill, but it's a small target; most players find aiming for center mass more reliable in the heat of battle.
For weapons, anything with good crowd control works well. The SG-225 Breaker shotgun is a popular choice for clearing groups quickly. The Diligence marksman rifle can down a basic Trooper with one shot to the body. For area denial, the Arc-12 Blitzer is effective against clustered patrols.
Stratagem choices are flexible. Any offensive stratagem like an airstrike or orbital barrage will clear groups. Defensive options like automated turrets or minefields are excellent for holding positions against advancing Trooper hordes, which can sometimes spawn in groups of 30-40 on Challenging difficulty and above.
In summary, while Automaton Troopers are the weakest link individually, their numbers, variety, and ability to call reinforcements make them a foundational threat. A squad that efficiently prioritizes and neutralizes Troopers based on their type will find the entire Automaton war effort much more manageable.
