Helldivers 2: 7 Effective Methods for Clearing Automaton Zones
Automaton zones in Helldivers 2 are some of the most unforgiving areas in the game. These regions are filled with heavily armored enemy units, drone swarms, and fortified outposts that punish reckless play. Having logged over 100 hours in the game and spent a fair share of missions grinding through these robotic hellscapes, I’ve put together seven highly effective strategies that helped my squad survive—and even thrive—in Automaton zones.
If you’ve been struggling or want to boost your efficiency in these regions, this guide should help you step up your game.
1. Use Armor-Penetrating Weapons Wisely
Automaton units tend to have thicker armor compared to Terminids or other enemy factions. Weapons like the Railgun, Recoilless Rifle, and Anti-Materiel Rifle are essential for piercing their defenses. In my experience, bringing at least one high-penetration weapon into a squad loadout ensures we can quickly dispatch tankier enemies like the Devastator or Hulk.
Don’t forget to manage overheating and reload times—many of these weapons leave you vulnerable if mistimed. Have your squad alternate shots to keep pressure consistent.
2. Deploy Stratagems Proactively
In Automaton zones, reactive play often leads to failure. I learned early on that deploying sentries, mines, and airstrikes before engaging a high-threat location saves lives and ammunition. For example, we once set up a minefield around a downed satellite objective. As soon as the Automaton patrol rolled in, the field took out half the wave without firing a single shot.
Also, never underestimate the power of Orbital Railcannon or 120mm Barrage when targeting enemy spawn points.
3. Coordinate with Your Squad—Always
Communication is everything. Automaton engagements often come from multiple directions, and a poorly coordinated squad will be overrun. I usually run with friends over voice chat and designate one player to watch the flanks, one to handle objective interaction, and two as the main assault.
If you’re queuing solo, use pings and emotes to signal movements or threats. Even small coordination helps.
4. Control the High Ground
Unlike bugs, Automatons can use terrain to their advantage, especially snipers and flying drones. We’ve had better survival rates by prioritizing elevation—cliffs, buildings, and ridges allow better vision and firing angles. Some missions even become trivial once you take a strong position early and hold it.
Bring jump packs or use the terrain wisely to make elevation work in your favor.
5. Disrupt Reinforcement Beacons
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was ignoring Automaton reinforcement beacons. These small towers continually spawn waves of enemies until destroyed. During a mission on a Hazard-5 difficulty planet, my squad wiped three times before realizing we needed to neutralize a beacon that was hidden behind a bunker.
Make it a habit to scout and eliminate these first if you want a manageable battlefield.
6. Upgrade with Super Credits and Medals
To truly succeed in tougher zones, gear matters. I highly recommend investing in specialized equipment. I used my buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits to unlock the Precision Artillery Stratagem and upgraded armor sets that improve my survivability and aim stability. These aren’t just cosmetic changes—they directly affect your performance.
Likewise, when I buy Helldivers 2 medals, I target gear that supports my playstyle, like faster cooldown recovery or resistance to explosives. Spending wisely makes all the difference in endgame missions.
7. Retreat When Necessary
This may sound counterintuitive, but knowing when to retreat is a survival skill. Automaton kill zones can escalate rapidly, especially with multiple spawn points and objective timers running. There’s no shame in calling in an EVAC and trying a different approach next time. My squad survived a brutal Ironman operation simply by cutting our losses and regrouping with better gear.
The key is learning from mistakes and not repeating them in the next deployment.
Automaton zones challenge every aspect of your strategy in Helldivers 2—from loadout choices to squad cohesion. As someone who’s fought through dozens of these regions, I can say that success comes from a mix of preparation, quick decision-making, and knowing when to adapt.
Whether you’re looking to earn more rewards or aiming to gear up, don’t overlook the importance of equipment—using your resources to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits and buy Helldivers 2 medals can significantly enhance your mission outcomes.
