Helldivers 2 Best Loadouts for Automaton Missions

[clearpebblex]

What makes Automaton missions so different in Helldivers 2?

Automaton missions hit very differently compared to fighting Terminids. Instead of swarms rushing straight at you, Automatons pressure you with ranged fire, turrets, armored units, and constant reinforcement drops. This means your loadout needs to focus more on survivability, armor penetration, and the ability to clear groups quickly without getting locked down. When I first started doing higher-difficulty Automaton ops, I learned fast that running in with my usual bug-hunting gear just didn’t cut it.

The key mindset is staying mobile, hitting hard from medium range, and being ready for surprise drops. Even a small mistake can snowball when a Hulk or Devastator squad joins the fight.

Which primary weapons work best against Automatons?

When fighting anything metal, you want stopping power. The Liberator will technically work, but it won’t feel great once the tougher bots show up. The weapons below tend to shine the most:

Railgun
If you like precision and big damage, the Railgun is still one of the most reliable anti-bot tools. It cuts through heavy armor, and if you practice timing your shots, you can drop Devastators with ease. Just stay aware of the charging time.

Breaker Shotgun
It might sound strange to bring a shotgun against robots with machine guns, but the Breaker’s close-range burst is incredible when clearing out squads or reacting to a reinforcing drop pod landing right on top of you.

AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
For players who prefer an assault rifle feel, the Penetrator is your best bet thanks to its ability to punch through light armor.

In some missions, I like experimenting with different guns depending on which Stratagems I bring, and I’ve found that flexibility matters more than sticking to one weapon forever.

What are the strongest secondary tools for these missions?

You won’t be using your secondary as often, but when things get chaotic, a good one can save the mission.

Impact Grenades
Perfect for clearing clustered bots without worrying about bounce angles.

Machine Pistol
A great backup choice since it gives you fast hip-fire when you’re pinned.

Grenade Launcher (Stratagem)
This one can be hit-or-miss, but it’s solid against weak bots and structures. Just avoid spamming it near teammates.

If you're preparing for long sessions and cosmetic unlocks, some players mention that it can be helpful to buy helldivers 2 super credits during seasonal events, especially when rotating armor sets improve certain loadouts. It’s not mandatory at all, but it's something I’ve seen others do when gearing up.

Which armor types and perks are most effective against Automatons?

Armor choice makes a huge difference because Automatons deal a lot of ranged damage.

Medium Armor
This is usually the sweet spot. Good protection, but still mobile enough to dodge and reposition.

Heavy Armor
Useful in higher difficulties, especially if your team needs someone tanky to draw fire.

Perks to Consider:
Fortified reduces ballistic damage significantly, which helps a ton against Devastator squads.
Extra Grenade is always nice since Automaton missions involve lots of clearing.
Stamina Enhancement can help when you’re constantly dodging and sprinting between cover.

I personally stick to medium armor most of the time because being able to reposition quickly matters more to me than taking a few extra hits.

Which Stratagems work best for Automaton encounters?

This is where loadouts truly come together. Picking the right Stratagems can carry an entire mission.

Eagle Airstrikes
Great for wiping out turret clusters, patrols, and reinforcement drops. Eagle Strafes and Eagle 500kg are both strong options depending on what you’re facing.

Recoilless Rifle
Still one of the best anti-tank tools for dealing with Hulks and Factory Striders. Just make sure you coordinate with a teammate on reloads.

Orbital Laser
Slow but incredibly destructive. It’s perfect for shutting down a fortified position.

Shield Generator Pack
A surprisingly good support tool on Automaton missions because bots rarely rush you. The shield can keep you alive while repositioning or reviving teammates.

When I’m running a fire support build, I bring Eagle Strafes plus the RLR (Recoilless Rifle) to handle both swarms and heavy armor at the same time.

Are Eagle Stratagem Combos worth mastering?

Absolutely. Eagle Stratagem Combos let you chain different airstrikes together to wipe out entire Automaton squads before they even spread out. One of my favorites is calling an Eagle Strafing Run right before a reinforcement drop lands, then immediately following with an Eagle Cluster Bomb. The combo erases patrols instantly and keeps your team safe.

This is also where resource planning matters. Some players on forums say they prefer grabbing cheap helldivers 2 super credits when they want to test multiple Stratagem loadouts quickly, especially during weeks when U4GM or similar communities are discussing optimal builds. It’s totally optional, but I get why people do it when cycling through different playstyles.

What are some full loadout recommendations for Automaton missions?

Below are a few easy-to-use setups that I’ve tested repeatedly.

Balanced Anti-Bot Loadout

Primary: Railgun
Secondary: Machine Pistol
Grenades: Impact
Stratagems: Eagle Strafing Run, Recoilless Rifle, Shield Generator, Reinforce
Great for staying flexible and reacting to unexpected bot types.

Heavy Assault Loadout

Primary: Breaker
Secondary: Pistol or Grenade Launcher
Grenades: High-Explosive
Stratagems: Eagle 500kg, Autocannon, Shield Generator, Resupply
Perfect for aggressive players who like to clear objectives quickly.

Long-Range Support Loadout

Primary: Liberator Penetrator
Secondary: Machine Pistol
Grenades: Smoke
Stratagems: Orbital Railcannon, Eagle Cluster Bomb, Recoilless Rifle, Resupply
Ideal for players who enjoy taking down bots before they get too close.

Final Question: What’s the most important thing to remember for Automaton missions?

Stay calm, communicate, and keep moving. Automatons punish teams that stay in one spot too long. If you combine strong armor penetration, reliable crowd control, and well-timed Eagle combos, even higher-difficulty missions become manageable. Loadouts matter, but awareness and teamwork make the biggest difference.

Whether you’re pushing for higher difficulties or just trying to unlock more cosmetics, having the right setup makes Automaton missions way more fun. If you stick to the strategies above, you’ll be deleting robots in no time.

Game Breakdown: Buy Helldivers 2 Difficulty Unlock Boost Service