Your participation in planet liberation missions in Helldivers 2 will confront you with various adversaries, among the most formidable being the Factory Striders from the Automaton faction. These four-legged robots are armed with head-mounted machine guns, top-mounted cannons, and even fabricators on their backs, which create and deploy Destroyers. These gigantic monsters pose a significant challenge, requiring careful strategy and coordination to overcome. If you find yourself face to face with these imposing foes, here are some tips to help you emerge victorious in battles against the Factory Striders.
How to Defeat Factory Striders
Factory Striders are absolute machines from the Automaton faction. You will start encountering them at difficulty levels 7 and above. If you thought battling robots was already challenging, Factory Striders are here to push your skills to the limit. At first glance, they may seem unbeatable, but they have several critical weak points and vulnerable components that can be exploited for quick destruction.
Vulnerable Weapons and Components
Factory Striders have three vulnerable components that, if disabled, allow you to bypass the need for killing the giant entirely.
Cannon Tower
This powerful weapon is located atop the Strider and can be destroyed using heavy penetrating weaponry. A pair of rockets from the EAT, Recoilless Rifle, or the recently added Quasar Gun will do the job. For those who prefer precision, the Spear can disable it with a single well-aimed shot directed at its weak spots.
Machine Guns
The front-mounted machine guns pose a significant threat, but they are vulnerable to medium-penetrating weapons. In this regard, the Dominator is the best option, requiring only a few shots to disable each tower.
Destroyer Fabricator
This component of the factory, responsible for the appearance of Destroyers, can be neutralized by targeting the large levers near its hind legs. While not always a priority, disabling it can prevent the appearance of additional automatons.
Weak Spots of Factory Striders
If you prefer not to disable their weapons, Factory Striders have two vulnerable spots that can be used for quick destruction.
Weak Spot in the Face
The face of the Strider is protected by heavy armor, but it has a vulnerable spot that can be exploited. Precise shots from medium-penetrating weapons to the left eye or the rectangular aperture will expose and utilize this weak point.
Weak Points in the Legs
Striking the knee cups and shoulder joints can also be effective. Although these areas are harder to hit, they provide an alternative target if the face is inaccessible.
Best Weapons and Strategies Against Factory Striders
The best strategies against these monsters are the "Orlan 500 kg Bomb" and the Orbital Laser. While neither will kill them outright, they often suffice to pinpoint their vulnerable spots, allowing you to finish them off with other weapons. The best supporting weapons you can use include the EAT, Recoilless Rifle, Automatic Gun, Spear, Quasar Gun, and Guardian Auto-Cannon. If the guardian is not destroyed, it will destroy the Factory Strider within 5-10 seconds.
For the best primary weapons against Factory Striders, you'll need weapons capable of penetrating medium armor. Your best options at the moment are the Dominator JAR-5 and the Slagger SG-8. Four to five shots in the machine gun on their head are enough to destroy them.
That's all you need to know about defeating Factory Striders in Helldivers 2. Remember, even without the most powerful weapons or strategies, coordination and teamwork can lead you to victory over these formidable enemies. For more information on Helldivers 2, be sure to check out other guides on our website.
