You’re deep in enemy territory, spreading managed democracy like fertilizer, when the ground begins to tremble. The trees shake, and a low growl echoes through the alien landscape. Then, a massive armored beast, the Charger, bursts into view, horns lowered and ready to turn your squad into roadkill. Chargers in Helldivers Two are a frequent cause of frustration and, let’s be honest, squad wipes. But fear not, Helldivers! This guide will arm you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively combat these formidable foes, ensuring you can continue your mission of liberating the galaxy.
The Charger is one of the most recognizable and feared enemies in Helldivers Two, and understanding what you’re up against is half the battle. Let’s dive into its characteristics.
Understanding the Charger
Imagine a heavily armored rhinoceros pumped full of alien steroids, and you’re getting close. The Charger is a large, four-legged creature covered in thick, chitinous armor. Its most prominent features are its large, curved horns and its sheer size. They are easily spotted by their coloration of green armor with yellow accents. This makes them easy to spot from medium distances. These details are critical, as focusing on the wrong areas during combat is a recipe for disaster.
Chargers are highly aggressive creatures that prioritize closing the distance and delivering devastating charging attacks. They patrol designated areas, usually in pairs or larger groups, and will relentlessly pursue any Helldiver that gets within their aggro range. Don’t expect them to back down or be easily distracted. Their primary tactic is simple: charge directly at their target, attempting to gore them with their horns or trample them underfoot. This is a tactic that has proven successful against many a Helldiver.
The Charger’s strengths are considerable. Its thick armor makes it resistant to most conventional weaponry. This means that spraying it with your Liberator or Defender is, for the most part, a waste of ammunition. The armor renders them invulnerable to most forms of damage. The most dangerous aspect of the Charger is, naturally, its charge. A direct hit from a Charger’s charge can instantly kill a Helldiver, or at the very least, send them flying, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Finally, the Charger is surprisingly fast, capable of closing significant distances in a matter of seconds. This speed, combined with its size and armor, makes it a truly terrifying opponent.
However, every automaton, no matter how imposing, has its weaknesses. The Charger’s most significant vulnerability is its exposed rear. While its front and sides are heavily armored, its posterior is significantly more vulnerable to damage. This is where you’ll need to concentrate your fire. Additionally, Chargers are susceptible to specific weapons and stratagems designed to penetrate armor. They are also slow to turn, meaning it is possible to outmaneuver them by maneuvering quickly.
Effective Strategies for Dealing with Chargers
Defeating Chargers in Helldivers Two requires a combination of tactics, coordination, and the right equipment. It’s not about brute force; it’s about smart warfare.
First and foremost, remember that teamwork is paramount. Communication is key to coordinating your attacks and maximizing your effectiveness. Designate Chargers as targets, call out their positions, and coordinate your movements to flank them effectively. A lone Helldiver facing a Charger is often a dead Helldiver.
Choosing the right weapons is crucial. Forget about your standard assault rifles. You’ll need weapons designed to penetrate heavy armor. The Recoilless Rifle and the Expendable Anti-Tank launcher (EAT) are excellent choices for dealing with Chargers. These weapons deliver a concentrated burst of armor-piercing power, capable of quickly taking down a Charger if aimed correctly. The Railgun, another popular option, can also penetrate Charger armor when charged to a sufficient level. Weapons such as grenade launchers can also be useful for clearing out smaller enemies that might be supporting the Chargers, allowing you to focus on the armored threat. While your primary and secondary weapons might not be effective against the Charger’s armor, they can still be useful for dealing with smaller threats or finishing off a Charger once its armor has been breached.
Stratagems are your friends, especially when dealing with heavily armored enemies. The Orbital Railcannon Strike is a highly effective option for instantly eliminating a Charger. The Eagle five hundred kilogram Bomb can also be devastating if placed accurately. The Orbital Laser can continuously damage a Charger over time, while the Eagle Cluster Bomb can saturate an area with explosives, potentially stripping away armor and dealing significant damage. Effective strategem placement and timing are essential. Don’t waste your stratagems on poorly aimed shots. Take the time to properly target your strikes for maximum impact. Don’t underestimate the power of crowd control. Stratagems like the EMS Mortar Sentry can slow down Chargers, making them easier to target and allowing your team to reposition.
Movement and positioning are just as important as firepower. Don’t stand still and trade shots with a Charger. Learn to dodge its charge and use the terrain to your advantage. Narrow passages can funnel Chargers, making them easier to target. Obstacles can provide temporary cover and allow you to reload or reposition. Maintaining distance is also crucial. The further you are from a Charger, the more time you have to react to its charge.
Breaking through the Charger’s armor is essential for dealing significant damage. Certain weapons, like the Railgun when charged to unsafe levels, can penetrate the armor and expose the vulnerable flesh beneath. Learn where to aim to maximize your chances of breaking through. Always target the weak spots, especially the rear, once the armor has been breached. This is where you can deal the most damage and quickly bring down the Charger.
Exploit those weaknesses! Once the armor is gone, focus your fire on the exposed flesh. Use environmental hazards to your advantage. Lure Chargers into explosive barrels or other environmental traps to deal extra damage. Funnel them into chokepoints to make them easier to target and prevent them from flanking your team.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start using more advanced tactics to dominate Chargers. Baiting and kiting are advanced movement techniques that allow you to control the Charger’s behavior. By moving strategically, you can lure Chargers into advantageous positions or away from your teammates. Practice reloading the Expendable Anti-Tank launcher and Recoilless Rifle quickly and efficiently to maintain a constant stream of fire. The Railgun can also be effective once you learn how to use it effectively. Combining stratagems can create devastating effects. For example, using an EMS strike to slow the Charger, then calling down an orbital strike, can guarantee a kill. It’s also important to recognize if there are any Charger variants. Some are weaker to fire, others are more armored. Make sure to adjust your tactics accordingly.
Conclusion
Dealing with Chargers in Helldivers Two requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and teamwork. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses, choosing the right weapons and stratagems, and coordinating your movements are all essential for success.
Practice these strategies and adapt them to different situations. Experiment with different weapon and stratagem combinations to find what works best for you and your team. Remember, perseverance is key. Don’t get discouraged if you fail at first. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
Ultimately, teamwork is the most important factor. Communicate with your teammates, coordinate your attacks, and support each other. Together, you can overcome even the most formidable foes and spread managed democracy throughout the galaxy.
Now, Helldivers, it’s your turn. Share your own tips and experiences for dealing with Chargers in the comments below. What weapons and stratagems do you find most effective? What tactics have worked best for you? Let’s work together to make the galaxy a safer place, one Charger at a time. Now get out there, soldier, and spread some liberty! Share this guide with your friends, so they too can learn to defeat Chargers and contribute to the war effort. After all, the more informed Helldivers we have, the faster we’ll liberate the galaxy!
