After what seemed like a lifetime battling the Illuminate, Helldivers 2 has promptly whisked players back onto Automaton-invaded soil for a new Major Order. Squids do still have a ton to offer, and it’s unlikely that they’ll be on the bench for long, yet it’s fantastic that Arrowhead has chosen to pivot to bots for Helldivers 2’s latest MO. Helldivers 2’s current Major Order, with six days remaining and 50 medals to earn, reads:

Defend against the unprovoked Automaton assault, led by an improved Jet Brigade.

Defend against 4 attacks from the Automatons.

Furthermore, as per Helldivers 2’s mission/campaign briefing, the Jet Brigade reads:
“The Automatons have deployed a new series of specialized models on this planet. These upgraded bots utilize stolen Jump Pack technology, heartlessly pillaged from the bodies of fallen Helldivers and reverse-engineered into something nearly unrecognizable.”
Indeed, while it may not mean that Helldivers have a new bot enemy type on their hands, an alarming nightmare has come to pass. Players will notice here, on Bekvam 3 and Curia, for the time being, that Hulks and Devastators can soar into the air.

Related

Helldivers 2 Has a Big Choice to Make When It Comes to ‘Squiddiving’

Helldivers 2 has deservedly put squids on a pedestal, and there’s an argument to be made that they should continue to lead Major Orders and events.

Helldivers 2’s Major Order Returns to Bots, and They’re Not Back Empty-Handed

Alongside Helldivers 2’s Automaton homeworld leak, Hulks and Devastators receiving Jump Pack technology is a compelling enough incentive for players to dive into bot sectors once more. They wouldn’t be the first bots to be able to fly, but Hulks and Devastators are easily two of the most tedious bot enemies to battle in Helldivers 2 and have undeniably become more of a nuisance with the ability to ‘fly.’ Hulks, in particular, require a lot of firepower to cut down, though they were always manageable if players maintained distance or flanked them. Now, Hulks and Devastators’ enhanced mobility allows them to close that distance much quicker. They’re no harder to fell if players have a proper Helldivers 2 Automaton loadout; however, engaging in close-quarters combat at a moment’s notice with Hulks and Devastators hot on players’ tails will surely be a learning curve, and different weapons may offer a more ideal output in varying circumstances. For example, the R-36 Eruptor is traditionally as phenomenal against squids as it is against bots. But, if a Devastator finds itself standing directly in front of the player, it can put them in a dicey situation where firing the rifle will result in both of their demises—or worse, the player ragdolling backward with guaranteed injuries that’ll require nursing.

What a New Bot MO Could Mean for Helldivers 2’s Near Future

Helldivers 2’s Hulks and Devastators being able to fly is not a monumental upgrade in the grand scheme of what Helldivers 2 has introduced lately, but it could be a mere taste of what’s to come if Automatons are allegedly on the docket as the newest event faction after the Illuminate recently had their own heyday. Nevertheless, flying Hulks and Devastators make any encounter doubly anxiety-inducing, such as when players are enduring on an extraction site and suddenly have tanky bots to contend with that weren’t there seconds ago. It’s too early to say with certainty if bots will have another massive presence soon, much less if Hulks and Devastators will permanently possess Jump Pack technology or relinquish it after this Major Order. In the meantime, it’s refreshing to be face-tanking Factory Strider and Fortress turrets again with an MO pitting players against bots for the next week.

Helldivers 2

Systems

9/10

Released

February 8, 2024

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence

Developer(s)

Arrowhead Game Studios

Engine

bitsquid