For Helldivers facing the Automaton front, few enemies are as persistently annoying as the Scout Strider. This two-legged walker is a common sight on higher difficulty missions, and knowing how to efficiently deal with it is crucial for team survival. Here’s a breakdown of how they work and the tactics most players use to counter them.
What is a Scout Strider and How Does It Work?
The Scout Strider is a walker piloted by a standard Automaton Trooper from an exposed seat on its back. It acts as a mobile support gun platform. Its primary role is to advance on and suppress Helldivers, pinning them down so other Automaton forces can flank or overwhelm your position. There are two main types you’ll encounter: the standard variant with dual cannons, and a Reinforced variant with extra armor and a limited supply of four rockets.
In practice, it functions as a relentless pursuit unit. It’s faster than you might expect and will chase a Helldiver across a significant distance, firing continuously. Most players note that smoke grenades are less effective against them, as Striders will often fire accurately through the obscurement.
What Are Its Weak Points?
Understanding its armor layout is key to a quick kill.
The Pilot: The Trooper operating it is completely unarmored. If you can hit them, the Strider is instantly disabled.
The Rear: The entire back of the walker is exposed. Attacks from behind ignore all armor.
The Legs: The legs have medium armor. Destroying them will topple the Strider, immobilizing it but not killing the pilot.
Frontal Weak Points: Frontal armor is heavy, but not impervious. The “windshield” of the gun shield can sometimes be shot through with precise attacks, and the area underneath the main body is vulnerable to explosives.
A common mistake is to waste primary weapon fire on its front plate, which will simply ricochet. If you cannot flank it, you must use the right tools or aim for its legs.
What Are the Most Effective Weapons and Tactics Against Them?
Player strategies for dealing with Striders are well-established. The best approach often depends on your team’s loadout and the immediate situation.
Orbital/Strategem Solutions: Most players consider the Eagle 500kg Bomb or an Orbital Railcannon Strike to be a guaranteed, if overkill, solution, especially for groups. The Orbital Precision Strike can also work if placed accurately on top of the Strider.
Support Weapon Counters: Several standard-issue support weapons excel here. The ARC-3 Arc Thrower’s charged shots will bypass the front shield and electrocute the pilot. A well-aimed shot from the RS-422 Railgun (in Safe or Unsafe mode) will punch straight through the cockpit. The LAS-99 Quasar Cannon or the AC-8 Autocannon are also highly effective with direct hits to the body or legs.
Small Arms and Grenades: Don’t underestimate basic gear. Impact grenades are excellent for hitting the legs or the ground underneath it. While you should never buy helldivers 2 items online for an advantage, understanding in-game gear is vital; for instance, the AR-23P Liberator Penetrator primary weapon can pierce the frontal armor with sustained fire. Grenades from launchers are tricky, as they bounce off the front shield; aim at its feet or nearby terrain for splash damage.
Basic Tactical Maneuvers: The most reliable, tool-free method is flanking. Use cover to circle around and shoot the pilot in the back. If that’s not possible, target the legs to cripple it first. Furthermore, gaining elevated ground can sometimes let you shoot down over the gun shield at the pilot, even from the front. Be warned: if you get too close while in front of it, it will attempt a lethal stomp attack.
How Do You Handle the Reinforced Scout Strider?
The Reinforced variant follows the same rules but is more durable and carries a rocket payload. The same weak points apply. Its rockets are a major threat but also a critical weakness. A single well-placed shot from any weapon at one of the rocket pods on its sides will trigger a catastrophic explosion, destroying the Strider instantly. This is often the fastest way for a team to bring one down.
What Common Mistakes Should Players Avoid?
Frontal Assault with Small Arms: Unloading a standard magazine into its gun shield is ineffective and wastes time and ammo.
Ignoring the Pilot: Destroying the legs stops the walker, but the Trooper will still shoot at you. Always finish off the pilot.
Underestimating Its Speed: Its pursuit is aggressive. Don’t think you can simply outrun it in a straight line over open ground without a plan.
Clustering Together: A single Strider can suppress multiple Helldivers. If you’re all pinned in the same spot, you’re vulnerable to its supporting forces.
In general, treating the Scout Strider as a high-priority target is wise. Its constant pressure can quickly disrupt your team’s formation and control of the battlefield. Prioritize flanking shots, use armor-piercing equipment, and communicate its position to your squad to focus it down efficiently.
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