If you’ve been fighting on the Automaton fronts, you’ve likely encountered the heavy, looming shape of a War Strider. For many players, this reverse-jointed walker is a significant escalation in threat level during a bot mission. This guide breaks down how they work and, more importantly, how most squads deal with them effectively.
What is a War Strider, and when will I see one?
The War Strider is a heavy Automaton walker that functions as a ranged weapons platform, similar to a Hulk but more mobile. You won't see them on trivial missions. They generally start appearing on higher difficulty operations (around Difficulty 5 and above) and become more frequent as you push into Helldive missions. They are often part of larger patrols or defend key objectives, so expect company when you engage one.
What are its main attacks, and how do I avoid them?
The War Strider has two primary weapons and a dangerous close-range attack.
Twin Plasma Cannons: Its main armament. These fire a rapid burst of heavy plasma shots. The cannons charge for a few seconds before firing, indicated by red electricity arcing across them. The shots have a small area-of-effect blast that can ragdoll you, which is often a death sentence if other bots are nearby. The best evasion is to break line-of-sight the moment you see the charge-up—duck behind solid cover. Running laterally in the open is risky.
Grenade Launchers: It fires a cluster of timed grenades that scatter over a wide area. These aren't usually for direct damage but to flush you out of cover or deny an area. Don't get trapped in a corner or behind low cover when it uses these. Listen for the distinctive launching sound and move away from the scatter zone.
Stomp: If you get too close, it will stomp. The stomp has a blast radius and knockback, so even if you're not directly underfoot, you can be seriously injured and thrown into a vulnerable state. Maintaining a safe distance is key.
What are its weak points, and what weapons work best?
Understanding its armor is crucial. The War Strider has heavy armor (AP4) almost everywhere. Here’s what most players target, in order of practicality:
The Legs: This is the most reliable weak point. Destroying one leg will kill the Strider instantly. Heavy anti-tank weapons excel here. A direct hit from most expendable anti-tank launchers (EAT-17, Recoilless Rifle) on a leg will kill it. Two overcharged shots from a Railgun to a leg will also do the job. This is the preferred method for organized teams.
The Rear Heat Sink Eye: Following a recent game patch, the glowing eye and the vents on its back are now confirmed weak points. These are smaller targets but viable for precise weapons.
Weapon Systems: In an emergency, you can destroy its arm cannons or grenade launchers. This isn't lethal, but it neuters its ranged threat, making it a slow, stomping hazard you can avoid more easily. This is a common tactic when you lack heavy AT or are overwhelmed.
What is the best practical strategy for taking one down?
In general, players use one of two approaches based on their squad's loadout.
The Direct Method: For squads with heavy anti-tank. A designated shooter with a Recoilless Rifle or Spear locks onto a leg. A teammate provides support reloads. The Strider is killed in one precise shot. This is fast and efficient but requires coordination and available ammo.
The Flanking Method: This leverages the War Strider's key weakness: poor close-quarters agility and a slow turn speed. A lone Helldiver can sprint in close, circle-strafe around its legs, and attack its weak points from the side or rear. This is risky but common when you're caught off-guard. Arc weapons, flashbangs, or explosions can stagger it, creating an opening for this attack. The FX-12 Shield Generator is highly useful here, as it prevents the plasma cannon barrage from ragdolling you, letting you close the distance safely.
It's worth noting that some stratagems are less effective. Hellpod strikes can be unreliable as their top armor sometimes deflects them, and dedicated missile launchers like the W.A.S.P. require multiple magazines, making them a poor choice for this specific enemy.
Any final tactical advice?
Never engage a War Strider head-on at range in an open field if you can avoid it. They are designed to hold corridors and chokepoints. Use the terrain to your advantage, break its line of sight, and force it to move to where you can flank it. Always clear its escort of Devastators and Troopers first; being ragdolled by its cannons while surrounded by smaller bots is the most common way squads wipe. Remember, while researching strategies, you may see suggestions to buy Helldivers 2 items online from U4N marketplace, but most experienced players find that successful extraction and in-game requisition is the most reliable path to unlocking the gear you need to tackle these threats. Focus on mastering your current arsenal, as every tool has a viable use against the Automaton threat.
