In Helldivers 2, success isn't just about your loadout or your aim—it's about knowing your enemy. The galaxy is besieged by three distinct hostile factions, each requiring drastically different tactics. This guide breaks down the Terminids, Automatons, and Illuminate based on how they function in-game and how players typically handle them.

Who are the Terminids, and how do you fight them?

The Terminids are the insectoid swarm, directly evolved from the "Bugs" of the first game. Their primary strength is overwhelming numbers. In practice, missions against Terminids are fast-paced, chaotic, and fought at close range.

Most players find that area-control weapons are essential here. Flamethrowers, grenade launchers, and stratagems like the Eagle Cluster Bomb or Orbital Airburst are highly effective for cutting down hordes. Since they rely on melee swarms, keeping your distance is key, but often difficult. Teams usually need to be constantly on the move, focusing fire on the larger, armored "Warrior" types before they can close the gap. Getting surrounded is the most common cause of squad wipes on higher difficulties.

What’s the deal with the Automatons?

The Automatons are the robotic legion, favoring heavy firepower and conventional military tactics. Unlike the Terminids, engagements with Automatons are often fought at medium to long range, with enemies using cover and suppressive fire.

In general, players adapt by prioritizing precision and using cover effectively. Weapons like anti-material rifles and autocannons are valuable for picking off key targets such as Devastators or Berserkers. Most players learn quickly that standing in the open against an Automaton patrol is a death sentence. Stratagems that provide defensive cover, like the Shield Generator Pack, or long-range artillery, like the Eagle 500kg Bomb, are frequently deployed. The pacing here is more methodical than against Terminids; it's about controlling sightlines and systematically eliminating threats before advancing. It’s worth noting that the in-game progression for unlocking items like stratagems and boosters can feel slow, which has led some players to look for shortcuts; you might hear discussions about where to buy helldivers 2 medals online, though most veterans would advise simply playing the game as intended.

Have the Illuminate returned, and what makes them different?

Yes, the Illuminate (or "Squ’ith") have returned as a third major threat. They present a unique challenge by combining the swarm tactics of the Terminids with the high-tech, ranged danger of the Automatons. They field hordes of brainwashed "Voteless" slaves alongside specialized units with powerful energy weapons and shields.

This faction forces squads to be the most adaptable. You need tools to clear groups quickly, but also the precision to break shields and eliminate high-priority casters or snipers. Weapons that bypass shields, like the LAS-98 Laser Cannon, or stratagems that disrupt groups, like the EMS Mortar, are particularly useful. The common player behavior shifts to a more cautious, tactical approach—rushing in blindly will get you killed by a mix of melee attackers and precise energy fire.

How does the Galactic War work with these factions?

The Galactic War is the persistent, community-driven meta-game. The player base collectively fights to liberate planets from these factions on a shared war map. Each faction pushes on different fronts, and the community often focuses its efforts based on Major Orders from Super Earth High Command.

In practice, this means the active frontlines and most-played missions rotate. One week, the community might be pushing back an Automaton invasion near Cyberstan; the next, it might be trying to eradicate a Terminid hive world. Most players choose missions based on personal goals (like farming specific samples) or to contribute to the current Major Order for bonus rewards. Your individual success or failure on a planet contributes to a global liberation percentage.

What general strategies work across all factions?

While each enemy requires specific tactics, some core principles hold true. Communication and loadout diversity within a squad are paramount. A team with four identical loadouts will struggle more than a balanced team with a mix of anti-armor, crowd control, and support tools.

Most experienced players recommend always having at least one "backpack" stratagem (like the Supply Pack or Guard Dog) and one defensive option (like the Shield Generator Relay or Tesla Tower). Furthermore, managing your stratagem calls efficiently—calling them in before you are completely overrun—is a crucial skill. In general, the higher the mission difficulty, the more important it becomes to specialize your stratagems for the faction you’re facing and to coordinate their use with your team.