Best Automaton loadout in Helldivers 2, weapons and strategies for defeating the robots

If you’re looking for the best Automaton loadout in Helldivers 2, look no further. Since fighting the brutal robots is drastically different than what we’re used to with the Terminids, some weapons and strategies may vary between showdowns. So go ahead and drop those old, buggy tactics and prepare your Helldivers 2 loadout for an Automaton assassination.

Best weapon loadouts against Automatons in Helldivers 2

The following is the best loadout against Automatons in Helldivers 2. We’ll break down why each item is here and how to best use them.

Primary: PLAS-1 Scorcher / Liberator Concussive / LAS-16 Sickle

Either of these weapons will be used at medium range. Most of the time, you’re pulling your primary out because you don’t have access to your Stratagem weapon. So, yes, while there is a reliance on your support weapon, these will help get rid of light and medium-armored enemies. 

These are also hitscan weapons that are excellent in shooting the weak spots of the Automatons that come at you. You never want to fight them up close because they will surround you and shoot you to death.

Secondary: Redeemer

Should you ever find yourself in a close-range situation with the Automatons, likely from Berserkers, these can mow down a few small fries with a clip. Pair that with the fast reload and you can get away before you’re chopped up by the sharp, robotic blades.

Grenade: G-23 Stun

The utility that this grenade has is unmatched. Every enemy’s laser and rocket shot hurts, no matter the difficulty. If you chuck a Stun Grenade at a group of Automatons, you now have the upper hand to fight back or run away. 

Also, the short fuse time on this grenade makes it exceptional to restore your HP or call in a Stratagem of your choice.

Stratagems: Arc Thrower, Shield Generator Pack, Orbital Railcannon Strike, Eagle 500kg Bomb

The Arc Thrower will be the lifeblood of this build. It excels at medium and long ranges. Charge the rifle up and shoot enemies. It ignores armor and chains onto two other enemies. You can basically kill all types of enemies and weaken larger ones like the Tanks.

The Shield Generator is almost a must-have as it’ll soak up one or two shots from the Automatons. It’s harder to dodge projectiles than it is to outrun a horde of bugs, so being able to take an extra shot can be the difference between life and death.

The Orbital Railcannon Strike will be called in to prioritize Hulks, Tanks, and Cannons. In higher difficulties, they may not be killed in one shot, but they’ll be badly damaged and can be finished off with a few Arc Thrower shots after.

The Eagle 500kg Bomb will mostly be used to destroy Automaton Fabricators since throwing grenades into those vents can be tricky. Still, it can take down heavies like Tanks and Cannons.

Boosters: Localization Confusion, Stamina Enhancement, Muscle Enhancement, Hellpod Space Optimization

As for the Boosters, if you prioritize these in order and coordinate with your team of four, you’ll be well-equipped when going against Automatons. You ideally want to avoid as many direct confrontations with them as possible, though it will not be possible on some missions.