Helldivers 2 throws a lot of challenges your way, and among the most formidable are the enemy gunships. These heavily armored aerial threats can rain down devastating fire, quickly turning a successful mission into a fiery defeat. But don't despair, fellow Helldiver! This guide will equip you with the strategies and weaponry needed to effectively neutralize these airborne menaces.
Understanding Gunship Weak Points & Behaviors
Before diving into tactics, it's crucial to understand your enemy. Gunships aren't invincible; they have weak points and predictable behaviors you can exploit.
Weak Points:
- Engines: These are typically located at the rear of the gunship and are significantly less armored than the rest of the craft. Focusing fire here yields the most damage.
- Cockpit/Pilot Area: A well-placed shot here can instantly cripple the gunship, bringing it down in a crash. However, this area is a smaller and more difficult target.
- Underbelly: While well-armored, the underbelly is still vulnerable. If you can get underneath, you'll have a better chance of delivering critical hits.
Behaviors:
- Movement Patterns: Gunships tend to follow relatively predictable flight paths. Observe their movements before engaging to anticipate their next position.
- Firing Patterns: Understand their attack patterns to effectively use cover and dodge incoming fire. Most have distinct telltale signs before launching an attack.
Weapons of Choice:
Choosing the right weaponry is paramount to your success. Some weapons are vastly more effective against gunships than others.
Top Tier Gunship Killers:
- High-Explosive Rounds: These deal significant damage and have a larger blast radius, perfect for hitting a moving target.
- Rocket Launchers: Especially those with high explosive or cluster warheads, can obliterate gunships quickly. Aim for the engines or underbelly for maximum impact.
- Anti-Aircraft Turrets: Deploying these strategically can provide suppressing fire and significantly reduce the gunship's effectiveness.
- Strategic Bombing: Powerful bombs can take down a gunship with a single, well-placed hit.
Less Effective Options:
Avoid using weapons with a narrow cone of fire or low damage output, as they will prove frustratingly ineffective against heavily armored gunships.
Effective Tactics for Gunship Destruction
Here's a breakdown of proven strategies for taking down those pesky gunships:
1. Strategic Positioning:
- Elevated Positions: Find higher ground to gain a better firing angle and maximize your range.
- Cover: Utilize cover effectively to shield yourself from return fire while aiming for critical weak points.
- Teamwork: Coordinating with your fellow Helldivers is crucial. One diver can suppress the gunship while another focuses on dealing damage.
2. Prioritize Target Acquisition:
- Focus Fire: Don't waste ammo. Concentrate all your firepower on a single gunship at a time.
- Suppression Fire: If you're having trouble landing direct hits, suppress the gunship's movement with less powerful weaponry while a teammate targets its weak points with more potent weapons.
3. Utilize Your Abilities:
Many Helldiver classes have abilities that can enhance your gunship-killing prowess. Experiment to find what works best for you and your playstyle.
Conclusion: Conquering the Skies
Taking down gunships in Helldivers 2 requires skill, strategy, and the right tools. By understanding their weak points, using effective weaponry, and coordinating with your squad, you can dominate the skies and secure victory in even the most challenging missions. Remember practice makes perfect! Keep experimenting with different weapons and tactics to find the methods that suit your skills and improve your overall performance. Good luck, Helldivers!
