If you're running missions against the Automatons, you'll quickly learn that Devastators are a core part of their mid-to-late game threat. They're not the heaviest units, but their frequency and firepower make them a constant concern. This guide breaks down what they are and, more importantly, how to handle them effectively based on common player strategies.

What exactly is a Devastator?

In simple terms, Devastators are medium-armored Automaton infantry designed to suppress and eliminate Helldivers. They are larger and bulkier than standard Troopers. Most players recognize them by the dual cannons mounted on their right arm. There are three main types you'll encounter: the standard Devastator with dual cannons, the Heavy Devastator with a machine gun and a large frontal shield, and the Rocket Devastator with shoulder-mounted rocket pods. On higher difficulties, you may also see special variants like the incendiary-equipped Conflagration or the mobile Jet Brigade Devastators with jump packs.

Why are Devastators such a common problem?

Unlike the strictly limited number of true heavy units like Tanks, Devastators do not have spawn caps. This means during a bot drop or patrol, you can quickly find yourself surrounded by multiple Devastators. Their accuracy is notably high, and their combined arms approach—with Heavies pushing forward and Rockets providing supporting fire—can overwhelm an unprepared team. In general, if you hear deep, low-pitched robotic vocalizations, you should assume Devastators are nearby.

What are the most effective weapons against them?

The good news is that a Devastator's torso has medium armor, but its head, limbs, and any back-mounted equipment (like rocket pods or jump packs) only have light armor. This creates several weak points.

For engaging at range, most players favor precision weapons. The APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle and the R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper are excellent for scoring consistent headshots before the Devastators can close in. Energy weapons like the LAS-98 Laser Cannon also work well due to their stable beam making headshots easier.

For closer quarters, the strategy shifts. The SH-20 Ballistic Shield Backpack is remarkably effective against the cannon and machine gun fire from Standard and Heavy variants, allowing you to face them directly when paired with a weapon like the P-4 Senator. Furthermore, it's crucial to know that shooting a Devastator's arm will disable the weapon on that arm, and destroying the arm entirely leaves an unarmored hole in its side.

How should I prioritize different Devastator types?

Your priority target should almost always be the Rocket Devastator. Their rockets deal massive damage, cause heavy knockback, and can track you slightly around cover. They telegraph their attack by bracing into a wider stance; when you see this, dodge to the side immediately. The single most important tactic is to destroy their shoulder-mounted rocket pods with small arms fire as soon as possible. This strips them of their most dangerous weapon, turning them into a standard Devastator. Weapons that cause stagger, like the SMG-72 Pummeler, can even stunlock them to prevent a rocket barrage.

Heavy Devastators require a different approach. Their shield is classified as anti-tank armor and cannot be penetrated by normal weapons. However, you can shoot the exposed machine gun arm to destroy it, causing them to drop the shield. Alternatively, they have large, unarmored ammo packs on their backs that can be destroyed for a quick kill. Their shield also does not protect against explosive area-of-effect damage, so grenades or explosive stratagems work well.

A word of caution: there are persistent issues where Heavy Devastators can sometimes fire through solid terrain or in a direction they aren't facing. Because of this, most players agree it's wise to eliminate them quickly.

Any tips for the special variants?

For Jet Brigade Devastators, focus on their jump pack. Destroying it will prevent their mobility and often set them on fire, usually leading to their demise. For the Incineration Corps variants with incendiary weapons, maintaining distance is key, as their flame damage can be devastating.

Finally, it’s important to progress through the game’s systems legitimately to acquire the resources needed for upgrades. While some players might look for shortcuts and search to buy helldivers 2 medals cheap, this is generally not advised as it risks account security and undermines the cooperative progression the game is built around. The most reliable method is simply to complete missions and personal orders alongside your squad.

What is the best overall tactic when facing groups of Devastators?

Coordination and target focus. One player drawing fire with a Ballistic Shield while others focus on weak points is a very effective strategy. Always communicate the presence of Rocket Devastators first. Use terrain to break line-of-sight, but remember that rockets can sometimes track over low cover. In practice, a team that quickly focuses fire on Rocket pods and Heavy Devastator weak spots will manage these threats efficiently, clearing the way to deal with any larger, heavier automaton units.