Helldivers 2 Autocannon Guide: Tips, Strategies & Loadouts
Dive deep into the world of Helldivers 2 with this comprehensive guide to mastering the Autocannon. If you're looking to bring some serious firepower to the fight for Super Earth, the Autocannon is your go-to support weapon. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from its stats and strengths to optimal loadouts and strategies for dominating the battlefield. So, buckle up, Helldivers, and let's get started!
What is the Autocannon in Helldivers 2?
The Autocannon is a vital support weapon in Helldivers 2, providing a balance of firepower and versatility. It's designed to take down medium-armored enemies and fortifications with sustained, rapid-fire. Unlike some of the heavier support weapons that leave you slow and vulnerable, the Autocannon offers a degree of mobility, allowing you to reposition and adapt to changing combat situations. It’s especially effective against targets that require more than small arms fire but don’t necessarily warrant a full-blown explosive ordnance.
One of the key features of the Autocannon is its ability to be deployed in two modes: shoulder-fired and emplaced. When fired from the shoulder, it provides a more mobile, albeit less stable, platform. This is ideal for engaging enemies on the move or when you need to quickly respond to threats. However, for maximum accuracy and sustained fire, you can deploy the Autocannon on the ground. This emplacement mode significantly reduces recoil and increases accuracy, making it perfect for holding down defensive positions or laying down suppressing fire.
Beyond its direct combat capabilities, the Autocannon also excels in providing area denial. Its rapid-fire and explosive rounds can keep enemies pinned down, preventing them from advancing or flanking your squad. This makes it an invaluable tool for controlling the flow of battle and protecting key objectives. Additionally, the Autocannon can be used to clear out nests and bug holes, ensuring that you and your team can advance safely.
Strategically, the Autocannon fits into a variety of team compositions. It pairs well with Helldivers who specialize in crowd control or those who excel at close-quarters combat. By providing covering fire and taking down medium-armored threats, the Autocannon allows your teammates to focus on their respective roles. It also complements heavier weapons like the Recoilless Rifle, offering a more flexible option for dealing with a wide range of enemy types.
In summary, the Autocannon in Helldivers 2 is a versatile and powerful support weapon that can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness. Whether you’re engaging enemies on the move or holding down a fortified position, the Autocannon provides the firepower and flexibility you need to succeed. Mastering this weapon is essential for any Helldiver looking to make a significant impact on the battlefield. So, grab your Autocannon, Helldivers, and get ready to liberate some planets!
Autocannon Stats and Strengths
Understanding the stats and strengths of the Autocannon is crucial for maximizing its potential in Helldivers 2. This section breaks down the key attributes that make the Autocannon a formidable weapon against the enemies of Super Earth. By knowing its capabilities, you can make informed decisions about when and how to deploy it, ensuring that you’re always one step ahead of the opposition.
Key Statistics
- Damage: The Autocannon deals significant damage per round, making it highly effective against medium-armored targets. This allows you to quickly eliminate threats that would otherwise require multiple shots from standard firearms. The damage output is balanced to ensure that you can take down enemies efficiently without wasting ammunition.
- Rate of Fire: The Autocannon boasts a high rate of fire, allowing you to sustain continuous pressure on enemy positions. This rapid-fire capability is essential for suppressing enemies and preventing them from advancing. It also helps in quickly dispatching groups of weaker enemies, making it a versatile weapon for various combat scenarios.
- Accuracy: While not as precise as sniper rifles, the Autocannon offers decent accuracy, especially when deployed in emplacement mode. This allows you to consistently hit your targets at medium ranges. Mastering the recoil control is key to maintaining accuracy, especially when firing from the shoulder.
- Magazine Size: The Autocannon features a generous magazine size, reducing the need for frequent reloads during intense firefights. This is particularly important when holding down defensive positions or engaging in prolonged battles. The extended magazine allows you to keep the pressure on the enemy without interruption.
- Reload Time: The reload time is relatively quick, allowing you to get back into the action swiftly after emptying a magazine. This is crucial for maintaining momentum in dynamic combat situations. Using cover effectively during reloads can further minimize your vulnerability.
- Recoil: The Autocannon has manageable recoil, especially when deployed in emplacement mode. However, when firing from the shoulder, recoil control is essential for maintaining accuracy. Practice and proper technique can significantly reduce the impact of recoil, allowing you to stay on target.
- Armor Penetration: The Autocannon excels at penetrating medium armor, making it an ideal choice for engaging heavily armored enemies. This capability allows you to bypass enemy defenses and inflict significant damage. It’s particularly effective against targets that are resistant to small arms fire.
Strengths on the Battlefield
- Versatility: The Autocannon is versatile, capable of engaging a wide range of enemy types and fulfilling various combat roles. Whether you’re providing covering fire, suppressing enemy positions, or taking down armored threats, the Autocannon adapts to the situation.
- Mobility: While not as mobile as some other weapons, the Autocannon allows for decent movement, especially when fired from the shoulder. This mobility enables you to reposition quickly and respond to changing combat dynamics. It strikes a good balance between firepower and maneuverability.
- Area Denial: The rapid-fire and explosive rounds of the Autocannon make it excellent for area denial. You can use it to keep enemies pinned down, preventing them from advancing or flanking your squad. This is invaluable for controlling the flow of battle and protecting key objectives.
- Support Role: The Autocannon shines in a support role, complementing other weapons and strategies. It pairs well with Helldivers who specialize in crowd control or close-quarters combat. By providing covering fire and taking down medium-armored threats, the Autocannon allows your teammates to focus on their respective roles.
By understanding these stats and strengths, you can effectively utilize the Autocannon to its full potential. Whether you’re facing hordes of Terminids or waves of Automatons, the Autocannon is a reliable and powerful tool for liberating Super Earth. So, gear up, Helldivers, and let the Autocannon lead the way!
Optimal Loadouts for Autocannon Users
Choosing the right loadout can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the Autocannon in Helldivers 2. This section provides optimal loadout suggestions to maximize your combat potential. These loadouts are designed to complement the Autocannon's strengths, ensuring that you're well-prepared for any mission. Let's dive in and explore the best gear to pair with your Autocannon!
Primary Weapon Choices
- AR-23 Liberator: A reliable assault rifle that provides a solid base for any Helldiver. Its balanced stats make it a great all-around choice, effective at both short and medium ranges. The Liberator can handle lighter enemies, allowing you to conserve Autocannon ammo for tougher targets.
- SG-225 Breaker: For those who prefer a more aggressive playstyle, the Breaker shotgun is an excellent choice. Its high damage output at close range can quickly eliminate groups of weaker enemies, making it ideal for clearing out nests and bug holes. Pair it with the Autocannon to cover medium-armored threats.
- PLAS-1 Scorcher: If you enjoy dealing explosive damage, the Scorcher plasma rifle is a fantastic option. Its plasma rounds can inflict area-of-effect damage, making it effective against tightly packed groups of enemies. Use the Scorcher to soften up targets before finishing them off with the Autocannon.
Secondary Weapon Choices
- P-19 Redeemer: A fully automatic pistol that offers a high rate of fire and decent damage. It's perfect for quickly dispatching enemies when you're caught off guard or when your primary weapon is reloading. The Redeemer provides a reliable backup in close-quarters combat.
- P-4 Senator: For those who prefer precision, the Senator revolver is a solid choice. Its high per-shot damage can quickly eliminate weaker enemies with a single well-placed shot. The Senator is particularly useful for taking out priority targets or conserving ammo.
Grenade Choices
- G-16 Impact: These grenades detonate immediately upon impact, making them perfect for quickly eliminating enemies or clearing obstacles. They're particularly useful in close-quarters combat or when you need to react quickly to a threat.
- G-12 High Explosive: A classic grenade that deals significant damage in a wide area. These are great for clearing out groups of enemies or destroying structures from a safe distance. Use them to soften up enemy positions before advancing.
Stratagem Choices
- Supply Pack: Essential for keeping your Autocannon supplied with ammunition. The Supply Pack allows you to carry extra ammo and resupply yourself and your teammates, ensuring that you can sustain continuous fire during prolonged engagements.
- Eagle Airstrike: A versatile stratagem that can quickly eliminate groups of enemies or destroy structures. Use it to clear out enemy positions or provide covering fire for your squad. The Eagle Airstrike is particularly effective against heavily fortified targets.
- Orbital Laser: A powerful orbital strike that can quickly eliminate heavily armored enemies or clear out large areas. Use it to deal with high-priority targets or to create a safe zone for your squad to advance. The Orbital Laser is a game-changer in tough situations.
- Shield Generator Pack: Provides a personal energy shield that can absorb incoming damage. This is particularly useful for Autocannon users who need to stay in exposed positions to provide covering fire. The shield can buy you valuable time to reposition or reload.
Example Loadouts
- Balanced Loadout: AR-23 Liberator, P-19 Redeemer, G-12 High Explosive, Supply Pack, Eagle Airstrike. This loadout provides a good balance of firepower, utility, and survivability, making it suitable for a wide range of missions.
- Aggressive Loadout: SG-225 Breaker, P-19 Redeemer, G-16 Impact, Supply Pack, Orbital Laser. This loadout focuses on dealing high damage at close range, making it ideal for clearing out nests and bug holes. The Orbital Laser provides a powerful option for dealing with heavily armored targets.
- Support Loadout: AR-23 Liberator, P-4 Senator, G-12 High Explosive, Supply Pack, Shield Generator Pack. This loadout emphasizes support and survivability, allowing you to provide covering fire and protect your squad. The Shield Generator Pack keeps you safe while you lay down suppressing fire.
By carefully selecting your loadout, you can maximize the effectiveness of the Autocannon and become a valuable asset to your team. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle and the specific challenges of each mission. So, gear up, Helldivers, and get ready to liberate Super Earth with the perfect Autocannon loadout!
Strategies for Mastering the Autocannon
To truly master the Autocannon in Helldivers 2, you need to develop effective strategies that leverage its strengths and mitigate its weaknesses. This section provides valuable tips and tactics to help you dominate the battlefield with this powerful support weapon. Whether you're engaging hordes of Terminids or waves of Automatons, these strategies will give you the edge you need to succeed. Let's dive into the tactics that will turn you into an Autocannon expert!
Positioning and Movement
- Emplacement Mode: Whenever possible, deploy the Autocannon in emplacement mode to maximize accuracy and reduce recoil. This is particularly important when holding down defensive positions or engaging enemies at medium ranges. Find a stable surface and set up the Autocannon for optimal performance.
- Cover Utilization: Always use cover to protect yourself while firing the Autocannon. This will minimize your vulnerability to enemy fire and allow you to sustain continuous fire for longer periods. Position yourself behind rocks, walls, or other obstacles to stay safe.
- Repositioning: Don't stay in one spot for too long. Constantly reposition yourself to avoid being flanked or overwhelmed by enemies. Use your mobility to find better firing angles and keep the enemy guessing.
- Team Coordination: Coordinate with your teammates to create overlapping fields of fire. This will allow you to cover each other and provide mutual support. Communicate your position and intentions to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Combat Tactics
- Target Prioritization: Focus on eliminating medium-armored targets that pose a significant threat to your squad. This includes enemies like the Bile Spewers, Devastators and Hive Guards. Take them down quickly to reduce the pressure on your team.
- Suppressive Fire: Use the Autocannon to lay down suppressive fire, pinning down enemies and preventing them from advancing. This will give your teammates time to reposition or engage the enemy from a safer distance. Keep the enemy's heads down and control the flow of battle.
- Area Denial: Utilize the Autocannon's explosive rounds to deny areas to the enemy. This is particularly effective for preventing enemies from flanking your squad or capturing key objectives. Keep them away from critical areas and control the battlefield.
- Weak Point Targeting: Aim for the weak points of heavily armored enemies to maximize damage. This includes the head, joints, and other vulnerable areas. Precision is key to taking down tough opponents quickly.
Ammunition Management
- Conserve Ammo: The Autocannon can chew through ammunition quickly, so it's important to conserve your rounds whenever possible. Use your primary weapon to engage weaker enemies and save the Autocannon for tougher targets.
- Supply Pack Usage: Utilize the Supply Pack to resupply your ammunition and support your teammates. Share your supplies and ensure that everyone has enough ammo to sustain continuous fire during prolonged engagements.
- Reload Timing: Time your reloads carefully to avoid being caught off guard. Reload when you have a moment of respite or when you're behind cover. Don't reload in the middle of a firefight unless absolutely necessary.
Situational Awareness
- Enemy Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate enemy movements. Listen for audio cues and watch for visual indicators to detect incoming threats. Stay alert and be prepared to react quickly.
- Objective Awareness: Keep track of the mission objectives and prioritize tasks accordingly. Focus on completing the objectives while minimizing casualties and maximizing efficiency. Know what needs to be done and execute your plan effectively.
- Map Awareness: Utilize the map to identify key locations, enemy positions, and potential threats. Plan your movements and coordinate with your teammates to navigate the battlefield effectively. Use the map to your advantage and stay informed.
By mastering these strategies, you can unlock the full potential of the Autocannon and become a formidable force on the battlefield. Practice these tactics in various combat scenarios and refine your skills over time. With dedication and perseverance, you'll become an Autocannon expert, capable of leading your squad to victory against any enemy. So, gear up, Helldivers, and put these strategies into action to liberate Super Earth with the power of the Autocannon!