Helldivers 2 Autocannon: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive headfirst into the glorious fight for Super Earth? Then you're gonna need some serious firepower. And what better way to spread democracy than with the Autocannon? This bad boy is a staple in many Helldivers' loadouts, and for good reason. It's a versatile, hard-hitting weapon that can deal with a wide variety of threats. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Helldivers 2 Autocannon, from its stats and how to unlock it to the best strategies for using it effectively on the battlefield. Get ready to learn how to dominate the battlefield and bring freedom to the galaxy, one explosive round at a time!

Unlocking the Autocannon and Understanding Its Basics

Alright, first things first: how do you get your hands on this beauty? The Autocannon is a Stratagem, meaning you'll need to call it in during a mission. Unlike primary weapons, you don't unlock it through progression. Instead, you gain access to it by spending Warbonds. Specifically, the Autocannon is found in the Helldivers Mobilize Warbond. You'll need to spend Medals to unlock it. Medals are earned by completing missions, operations, and daily challenges. So, keep playing, keep liberating planets, and those medals will stack up, allowing you to purchase the Autocannon quickly. This is essential, as the Autocannon significantly changes how you approach combat. The sooner you get it, the sooner you can start experimenting with it and finding the perfect role for it within your squad.

Now, let's talk basics. The Autocannon is a support weapon, which means it requires a backpack to carry its ammunition and a teammate to reload it. You'll carry the cannon, and your buddy carries the ammo pack. This dynamic encourages teamwork, a core element of the Helldivers experience. The Autocannon excels at dealing with medium to heavy armor and crowds of enemies. It has a decent rate of fire and a good range, making it effective in various combat scenarios. However, it's not a run-and-gun weapon. You'll need to find a good position, preferably with cover, and let loose. It's all about strategic positioning and teamwork to maximize the weapon's effectiveness.

Here are some of the key features of the Autocannon to keep in mind:

• High Damage: Capable of taking down heavily armored enemies and dealing significant damage to hordes.
• Good Range: Can engage enemies from a safe distance.
• Area of Effect (AoE): Explosive rounds provide splash damage, which is great for dealing with groups of enemies.
• Teamwork Required: Needs a dedicated teammate to carry the ammunition backpack and reload the weapon.
• Limited Ammo: Managing your ammo is crucial. Be mindful of how much you are firing and always call for resupply when needed.

Mastering the Autocannon isn't just about pulling the trigger; it's about understanding its strengths and weaknesses and using it in coordination with your team to bring victory to Super Earth.

Optimizing Your Autocannon Loadout and Strategies

Alright, so you've got your shiny new Autocannon. Now what? You can't just run in guns blazing (well, you could, but you probably won't last long!). You need a solid strategy and a well-rounded loadout to truly unleash its power. Let's break down the essentials, shall we?

Choosing Your Support Stratagems: The Autocannon shines when supported. Think about what kind of threats you expect to face. Against the Terminids, consider bringing a Guard Dog or Shield Generator Pack to help with close-range bugs while you focus on the larger ones. When fighting the Automatons, a Railgun or EAT-17 can help deal with the tougher units like the Hulk or Tank. Don't underestimate the power of orbital strikes, either! A well-placed Orbital Gatling Barrage or Orbital Laser can clear out hordes and create opportunities for you to reposition. Remember, versatility is key.

Picking Your Primary and Secondary Weapons: Your primary weapon should complement the Autocannon. A weapon with good close-range capabilities is an excellent choice. Consider the SG-225 Breaker, the MP-98 Knight SMG, or the AR-23 Liberator to handle enemies that get too close. Your secondary weapon is less critical, but it's always a good idea to have a pistol for emergencies or for when you're out of primary weapon ammo. The P-2 Peacemaker is a reliable option.

Armor Selection: Armor selection is crucial in Helldivers 2. Different armor types offer different protection levels and perks. Lightweight armor is ideal for mobility, which helps when repositioning. Heavy armor provides better protection, which can be useful when you know you will be in the firing line. The Armor Passive ability is also important. The Fortified ability, which reduces incoming damage, is a great option for the Autocannon, as it allows you to survive a few more hits while providing supporting fire. The Engineering Kit, which provides increased grenade and stamina, is also useful.

Strategic Positioning is Key: The Autocannon is most effective when used from a fortified position. Find cover that protects you from enemy fire and allows you to see the battlefield. Look for high ground, buildings, or natural formations that provide a good line of sight. Always be aware of your surroundings and the enemy's movements. You don't want to get flanked! Consider the terrain. Open areas are usually a death sentence. Use the environment to your advantage.

Communication and Coordination: The Helldivers 2 is a team-based game, and the Autocannon is no exception. Communicate with your teammates. Let them know where you are positioned, what enemies you are targeting, and when you need a reload. Coordinate your Stratagems. Communicate with your squad for the best success!

Advanced Tactics and Tips for Autocannon Mastery

Alright, Helldivers, let's take your Autocannon game to the next level! Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to delve into some advanced tactics and tips that will turn you into a true democracy dispenser. These are the strategies that separate the good Helldivers from the legends. Are you ready?

Ammo Management Techniques: Ammo is your lifeline with the Autocannon. Running out at the wrong moment can be devastating. Here's how to stay topped up:

• Consistent Reloading: Get in the habit of reloading frequently, even when you still have some rounds left. This minimizes the risk of running dry mid-combat. Learn the reload animation and practice it. It’s a good skill to have in a pinch.
• Ammo Conservation: Be mindful of your trigger discipline. Don't waste ammo on small enemies that can be handled by your teammates or a grenade. Only unleash the full fury of the Autocannon when necessary. Think before you shoot.
• Strategic Resupply: Always call for a resupply when you’re low on ammo. Communicate with your teammate to ensure they stay near you with the ammo pack. Remember, the Stratagem takes time to arrive. Call it in early.

Target Prioritization: Not all enemies are created equal. Knowing what to shoot first will maximize your effectiveness:

• Heavy Armor: Focus on enemies that pose the greatest threat, such as Hulks and Chargers. The Autocannon is designed to deal with them, so use it as such.
• High-Value Targets: Look for enemies that can quickly overwhelm your team or disrupt your strategy. This might include Devastators that can provide heavy fire, or Brood Commanders that are spawning enemies. Eliminate these first.
• Crowd Control: Use your AoE damage to clear out hordes of smaller enemies and create breathing room for your team. This is where the Autocannon truly shines.

Movement and Positioning: Staying alive and being effective in Helldivers 2 is all about movement. Here are some movement tips.

• Use Cover: Always utilize cover to your advantage. Peek out to fire, then retreat back behind cover to reload or avoid enemy fire.
• Reposition Frequently: Don't stay in one place for too long. Enemies will try to flank you. Move to new positions to maintain a good line of sight and avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Watch Your Feet: The Autocannon's explosive rounds can damage you if you're too close to the impact. Watch where you're shooting and stay a safe distance away.

Mastering the Autocannon's Unique Features

• Practice Leading Your Shots: The Autocannon's rounds have travel time. Practice leading your shots, especially against moving targets. Learn how to anticipate enemy movement and compensate for the bullet drop at long ranges.
• Utilize the Mortar Sentry: Team up with a player using the Mortar Sentry. The Mortar Sentry can clear out the hordes and provide you with cover. Coordinate your fire to maximize effectiveness.
• Experiment with Different Situations: Every mission is different. Learn how to adapt your tactics based on the mission type, enemy type, and environment. Become flexible and versatile.

Conclusion: Spreading Democracy with the Autocannon

There you have it, Helldivers! Everything you need to know to master the Autocannon and spread freedom across the galaxy. This weapon is a cornerstone of any effective Helldiver's arsenal. Remember to always work as a team, communicate effectively, and keep your trigger finger ready. With the right strategy, loadout, and a little bit of practice, you'll be able to bring down even the toughest enemies and emerge victorious in the name of Super Earth. Now get out there, and show those bugs and bots what democracy is all about!

Key Takeaways:

• The Autocannon is a powerful support weapon that excels at dealing with medium to heavy armor and crowds of enemies.
• You unlock it via the Helldivers Mobilize Warbond by spending Medals.
• Optimize your loadout with complementing weapons, armor, and support Stratagems.
• Master strategic positioning, communication, and ammo management.
• Adapt your tactics based on the mission type and enemy encounters.

Go forth, Helldivers, and let freedom ring! For Super Earth!