Helldivers 2 players mock the game's fragile mechs and manufacturer

After pushing hard to liberate Tien Kwan from Automaton forces, Helldivers 2 players finally unlocked mechs in-game. These massive machines were highly anticipated because we all thought they’d revolutionize our efforts against the biggest and baddest enemies of Super Earth. Now they’re here, players can’t stop mocking them for how weak they are.

Players discuss why mechs are so bad in Helldivers 2

A post on the Helldivers 2 Subreddit has, at the time of writing, over 800 comments, all discussing just how terrible mechs are.

Every user understands the necessity of something as powerful as a mech having a downside. I’ve really enjoyed reading through the mixture of players using in-game examples of ridiculous mech destruction and personal stories about how mechs led to their deaths. All of them are tinged with the same sense of humor that oozes from Helldivers 2, which makes this commentary feel like official lore.

One of the most common experiences players share is their mechs, accurately referred to as the EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit, exploding as they hit the ground after being called in, as you would any Stratagem.

As user CookieJarviz puts it, “*Drops mech from dropship. Explodes.” In fact, this is so common that players are now trying to aim their Stratagems around enemies, so they kill the colossal Bile Titans or Tanks.

“This is why I try to time the call in for when something worth killing is around and I at least get the short autocannon barrage from the ship for my troubles.” user Otrada added.

Other players point out the manufacturing flaws in these mechs. “If you turn too fast and shoot a rocket, the mech hits itself and dies, it happened two times to me and a friend tonight.” It’s hard not to laugh at these because it fits the game’s universe so well.

Super Earth is touting these mechs as the saviors of humanity and their loyal Helldivers out fighting the good fight. In reality, they’re just another tool that’s been made easy and cheap to produce, so loads of them can be thrown at the enemy to ensure victory through the sheer force of scrap metal and bodies.

During the battle to unlock mechs, many could be found abandoned across the planet of Tien Kwan. While it’s not hard to see why, some players are also pointing out the merits of mechs.

User Vanayzan noted their positive experience. “One rocket to the leg breaks the armor and stops the charge. 2 seconds of concentrated gattling kills it. If they get close, the mech is fast enough to dodge. I’m getting through about 10 Chargers single-handedly with it, and that’s not counting the chargers my team is killing with their own weapons and stratagems.”

I’ve not clocked up enough hours in mechs to make a final judgment on how good they are, and developer Arrowhead Game Studios hasn’t weighed in on their quality yet. However, even if they’re not part of the meta, I do believe they should be part of your loadout if you’re comfortable using them and can get enough enjoyment from them. If you’re yet to unlock them, just be prepared to move slowly, and definitely don’t get cocky if you’re staring down a herd of Chargers.