What is a Charger?
Description
The Charger is a large, heavily armored enemy unit encountered in the *Helldivers 2* universe. Physically, it’s a towering monstrosity, characterized by its thick, chitinous armor plating and aggressive demeanor. It is built to survive a brutal beating and keep pressing forward. Its primary role on the battlefield is to charge directly at Helldivers, delivering devastating blows and disrupting squad formations. A Charger’s intimidating appearance and relentless attacks can quickly turn the tide of battle, leaving squads scattered and overwhelmed. Their massive size and sheer resilience make them a significant threat, particularly at higher difficulty levels where they can appear in large numbers.
Charge Attack
The Charger’s most defining characteristic is its signature charge attack. This attack involves the Charger lowering its head and rapidly accelerating towards a target. This devastating charge can traverse considerable distances and inflict immense damage upon impact, often resulting in instant death or crippling injuries. The impact area is also substantial, capable of knocking multiple Helldivers off their feet and further scattering the squad.
Other Attacks
Beyond its primary charge attack, the Charger possesses other aggressive behaviors. It might trample over Helldivers caught in its path, inflict damage with its mandibles, and utilize other melee attacks in close quarters. Its high health pool and durable armor make it resilient to many conventional weapons, requiring Helldivers to employ specialized tactics and weaponry to effectively combat it. The Charger is much more than just a simple enemy; it’s a strategic obstacle that demands careful consideration and skillful execution.
Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities
Rear Armor Weakness
While the Charger’s armor appears impenetrable at first glance, it does possess exploitable weaknesses. The key to defeating a Charger lies in identifying and targeting these vulnerabilities. A significant portion of the Charger’s armor is designed to withstand direct hits, but certain areas are less protected. One of the Charger’s primary weaknesses is its rear armor. The rear plating is considerably less robust than the front, meaning that attacks from behind will deal significantly more damage. This is where coordination and flanking become incredibly important. Getting behind a Charger is almost always the ideal approach, as it allows you to inflict significant damage while minimizing the risk of taking a charge head-on.
Leg Weakness
The Charger’s legs also represent a point of weakness. While not completely unprotected, the legs are less armored than the body. Concentrated fire directed at the legs can hobble a Charger, slowing its movement and potentially allowing you to wear it down more easily. Though not as effective as attacking from the rear, targeting the legs can buy valuable time for your squad to reposition or bring heavier firepower to bear. Exploiting these vulnerabilities requires awareness, quick decision-making, and a keen understanding of battlefield dynamics. Helldivers should constantly assess the Charger’s position and movement patterns, seeking opportunities to flank or position themselves to strike at its exposed areas. Combining your knowledge of these weaknesses with the right weapons and tactics can vastly improve your chances of survival against a Charger.
Attack Patterns and Behavior
Charge Pattern
Understanding the Charger’s attack patterns is critical for avoiding its devastating charges and staying alive. The Charger, while seemingly relentless, exhibits predictable behaviors that Helldivers can learn to anticipate and exploit. The most common attack pattern is the charging attack. The Charger will lower its head, lock onto a target (or a general direction), and accelerate in a straight line. Recognizing the initial charge animation is essential for taking evasive action. Once the charge begins, it’s often too late to simply run away.
Evasion Techniques
To evade a charging attack, timing and skillful movement are crucial. Dodging just before the Charger makes contact can provide a narrow window of escape. Sidestepping or diving at the last moment can also save you from a certain death, provided the maneuver is well-timed.
Terrain Use
Terrain can also be used to your advantage. Rocks, hills, and other obstacles can be used to disrupt the Charger’s charge, providing a brief opportunity to reposition or retaliate.
Kiting Strategy
One effective tactic is to kite the Charger, leading it through a winding path to keep the monster in pursuit and allow the squad to regroup.
Trampling Behavior
If a Charger gets too close to a Helldiver, it may trample the player. This attack inflicts significant damage and can knock you down, leaving you vulnerable to further attacks. Maintaining distance is often the best defense against this.
Other Attacks and Tracking
Chargers might swipe its mandibles at players who get close to its sides. This attack has a short range but still packs a powerful punch. Pay attention to the Charger’s turning and tracking. Often, after a charge, it will turn and make a quick adjustment to attempt to follow you.
Knowing the attack patterns of the Charger and anticipating its moves is the first step to survival. By paying attention to its behavior and employing appropriate evasive maneuvers, Helldivers can significantly reduce their chances of becoming casualties.
Weapon Loadout Recommendations
Armor-Piercing Weapons
The choice of weapon loadout plays a crucial role in effectively engaging Chargers in *Helldivers 2*. Certain weapons are specifically designed to counter the Charger’s armor and deliver significant damage. The following are some of the most effective options. Armor-Piercing Weapons are designed to penetrate heavy armor. The Autocannon is a versatile weapon that can deal significant damage to Chargers, especially when aimed at the exposed rear armor. Its high rate of fire can quickly shred through the armor and eliminate the Charger. The Railgun is a high-powered weapon that can penetrate the Charger’s armor with a charged shot. Well-aimed shots to the rear can deliver massive damage and stagger or even kill the Charger. The Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17) is a one-shot, disposable rocket launcher that can be used to deal devastating damage to Chargers. It’s an effective weapon for quick engagements. The Anti-Material Rifle can be used to target legs and the rear armor effectively. Aiming accurately is paramount to maximizing the rifle’s effectiveness.
Stratagems and Ordnance
Orbital strikes, such as the Orbital Laser or Orbital Railcannon, are powerful tools that can swiftly eliminate or significantly damage Chargers. Deploy them strategically. Eagle strikes offer another way to destroy Chargers, with the Eagle Airstrike or Eagle Cluster Bomb presenting viable options, provided they can be dropped effectively. Anti-tank mines are invaluable for setting traps and slowing down Charger advances. Place them strategically in chokepoints or anticipated paths of attack.
Support Weapons
The Machine Gun is another useful weapon, able to deal consistent damage to the Charger’s exposed areas. A good grenade launcher can target the Charger’s legs. Ultimately, the best weapon loadout will depend on your personal playstyle, the specific mission objectives, and the composition of your squad. Combining different weapons and stratagems can provide the most well-rounded approach to dealing with Chargers.
Stratagems and Tactical Strategies
Orbital Strikes
Precision is critical when using orbital strikes, especially against fast-moving targets. The Orbital Laser is a top choice, providing a sustained beam of energy that can swiftly eliminate a Charger. Make sure to call the Orbital Strike in the Charger’s path, ensuring you hit it. The Orbital Railcannon is ideal for delivering a single, devastating blow, but it has a longer cooldown.
Eagle Strikes and Deployable Weapons
Eagle strikes are excellent tools for dealing with Chargers. The Eagle Airstrike offers a rapid burst of explosive power, while the Eagle Cluster Bomb can blanket an area with explosions, capable of damaging or destroying multiple Chargers. Anti-tank mines are invaluable for setting traps and slowing down Charger advances. Place them strategically in chokepoints or anticipated paths of attack.
Teamwork
Communication and teamwork are critical. Inform your squad about Charger positions and coordinate attacks.
Mobility
Always stay on the move and try to maintain a safe distance from the Charger to evade its attacks. Use terrain to your advantage to create obstacles.
Prioritization
Determine which Chargers pose the greatest threat and prioritize them. This might mean focusing your fire on one Charger at a time or utilizing orbital strikes to eliminate the most dangerous ones.
Kiting and Maneuvers
Lead the Charger away from your team, allowing them to engage from a safe distance or focus on objectives. Move to the Charger’s flanks and attack its rear, which is where it is most vulnerable.
Environmental Awareness
Use the environment around you to your advantage. Use cover, utilize destructible objects to create obstacles, and watch for terrain variations to help you.
General Tips and Tricks
Scouting
Always maintain awareness of your surroundings. Scan the horizon for Chargers and identify their positions. Knowing where they are ahead of time can give you precious seconds to prepare.
Resource Management
Manage your resources effectively. Conserve ammunition, use stratagems wisely, and be mindful of cooldown times. It’s tempting to use your best weapons early, but you might need them later!
Cover
Take advantage of cover. Use rocks, buildings, and other terrain features to protect yourself from the Charger’s attacks.
Avoidance
Never let yourself be cornered. This dramatically reduces your chances of survival. Stay mobile and maintain open lines of retreat.
Prioritize
On higher difficulty levels, Chargers can quickly overwhelm a squad. Prioritize them and eliminate them as quickly as possible.
Difficulty Levels and Adaptation
Lower Difficulty
Lower difficulties may allow you to rely more on conventional weapons, allowing you to survive with the basics.
Higher Difficulty
When facing hordes of Chargers, a different approach is needed. This may mean using a combination of heavy weapons, orbital strikes, and careful coordination. By understanding how the spawn rates of Chargers change based on difficulty level, Helldivers can adjust their approach and maximize their chances of success.
Conclusion
Dealing with Chargers in *Helldivers 2* requires a combination of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and effective teamwork. By understanding the Charger’s attack patterns, identifying its weaknesses, and utilizing the right weapons and stratagems, you can significantly increase your chances of survival. Remember to always maintain awareness, prioritize your targets, and never underestimate the power of coordination. Practice these tactics, and you will quickly become a more formidable Helldiver, capable of facing any threat the galaxy throws your way. Go forth, Helldivers, and bring liberty and democracy to all!
