Helldivers 2’s Automaton missions revealed the game’s true stakes

Helldivers 2: A Shift in Strategy

Helldivers 2 drew comparisons to Starship Troopers upon its initial release, but it has now evolved into something reminiscent of the post-Judgment Day world in Terminator. The game’s first mission to reclaim territory from Terminids was successful, but things took a turn for the worse with the introduction of the Automatons, formidable robots that pose a greater threat to Super Earth planets.

Recently, players faced a setback as they lost the planet Malevelon Creek to the Automatons while barely managing to liberate Mort, resulting in around 10 million Helldiver deaths. The Automatons have temporarily pushed back Super Earth’s forces, prompting a shift in strategy for players. A message will now inform players that the major order to liberate planets under Automaton control has failed, urging them to redirect their efforts.

Although players can still engage in battles on Automaton worlds, the focus is likely to shift to Terminid territory, starting with Veld. This region is home to a hive that has remained undetected and has been nurturing vermin for weeks.

A Tougher Challenge

While the Terminids presented a challenge that players overcame through teamwork, the Automatons proved to be significantly tougher adversaries. Their armored units and complex missions required more strategy and coordination, leading to inevitable failures despite the community’s best efforts.

Image: Arrowhead Game Studios/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon

The Challenge of Escort Missions

Players found themselves particularly challenged by escort missions, where they had to guide researchers and civilians to safety amidst Automaton attacks. These missions required meticulous planning, teamwork, and communication to succeed. Strategies were discussed on platforms like Reddit, with players sharing tips and tactics to overcome the tough challenges presented by these missions.

A Helldiver engaging an Automaton drop ship in combat
Image: Arrowhead Game Studios/Sony Interactive Entertainment

One player, known as Alessio or Zarrusso, shared a detailed guide outlining a successful approach to these escort missions. By strategically landing, equipping specific stratagems, and coordinating actions, players could significantly improve their chances of completing these challenging objectives.

Adapting to the Game Master’s Influence

In Helldivers 2, the introduction of a game master adds a new layer of unpredictability to missions. The game master observes player actions, introduces twists, and responds in real-time, shaping the outcome of missions. This dynamic element keeps players on their toes, requiring adaptability and strategic decision-making.

CEO Johan Pilestedt highlighted the game’s evolving nature, with surprises and secrets waiting to be revealed to players. The addition of mechs, new enemies, and engaging storylines hints at a rich and immersive gaming experience that challenges players to overcome adversity and shape the course of war.