As you push into higher-difficulty Automaton missions, you'll encounter one of their most formidable heavy units: the War Strider. This guide breaks down how this walker operates and, more importantly, how most experienced squads handle it.
What is a War Strider and where do you find it?The War Strider is a heavy, reverse-jointed bipedal mech, first deployed by the Automatons in urban operations. In practice, you'll now find them on nearly all high-level Automaton fronts. It functions as a ranged artillery platform, similar to a Hulk, but with a different set of threats. It's taller than a Scout Strider but shorter than a Factory Strider, making it a prominent and dangerous mid-sized target on the battlefield.
How does the War Strider attack?It has two primary weapon systems that make engaging it at range very dangerous. Its main armament is a pair of rapid-fire plasma cannons. These need a few seconds to charge, indicated by red electricity arcing along the barrels, before firing a sustained burst. The shots have a small area-of-effect that can ragdoll Helldivers, breaking your positioning and leaving you vulnerable. Its secondary weapon is a pair of grenade launchers that scatter timed explosives over a wide area. This is primarily used to flush you out of cover or deny space. Finally, if you get too close, it will attempt to stomp on you, with a blast effect that can cause serious injury.
What are its weak points and how do you kill it?The War Strider has heavy armor on most of its front. Historically, its main weak points were its rear heat sink and, after a recent patch, its eye and back vents. However, the most reliable and common method used by players is to target its legs. Destroying one leg will kill it outright. This is generally the preferred strategy because:
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It's a larger target than the eye or vents.
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Many anti-tank weapons can one-shot a leg.
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It bypasses its strong frontal armor.
Here are the most common in-practice counters:
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Recoiless Rifle or EAT-17: A single shot to a leg or pelvis destroys it. A body shot typically requires two.
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Railgun (Safe Mode): Two overcharged shots to a leg will kill it.
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Autocannon: Focused fire on a leg is effective, though it takes several rounds.
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Orbital/ Eagle Stratagems: While its top armor can sometimes deflect strikes, precision calls like an Eagle 500kg Bomb or an Orbital Railcannon Strike are reliable if you can land them close.
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GP-31 Grenade Pistol: A direct hit from an impact grenade will destroy it.
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Thermite Grenade: Sticking one to any part of its body will kill it upon detonation.
Weapons like the Commando rocket launcher or the W.A.S.P. launcher are generally considered inefficient against it due to the number of hits required.
What are the best tactics for fighting it?Most successful teams use a combination of target priority and positioning.
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Never Fight It Head-On: Its weaponry is designed to dominate corridors and open sightlines. Engaging it directly at range is a quick way to get suppressed or killed.
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Use Its Weaknesses: The War Strider turns very slowly. Use cover to get close and circle it. A Helldiver sprinting around its feet can often avoid fire while teammates target a leg. Having no escorts makes it vulnerable to this tactic.
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Disable First: If you can't destroy it immediately, focus on blowing off its arm cannons or grenade launchers. This drastically reduces its threat level, allowing you to deal with other enemies first.
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Utilize Support Gear: The FX-12 Shield Generator Pack is extremely valuable, as it prevents the cannon barrage from ragdolling you. Arc weapons, flashbangs, and explosions can also stun or stagger it, creating an opening.
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Priority Target: In a mixed horde, most squads will prioritize killing Devastators and Hulks first, as they react faster. The slower War Strider can often be kited or avoided temporarily while you clear the immediate threats.
Any important trivia or player notes?A couple of practical notes from the community: its design is a clear homage to the ED-209 from RoboCop. It's also the only non-Trooper Automaton unit that uses grenades. Remember, while earning Super Credits through gameplay is standard, some players look to buy Helldivers 2 super credits safely on U4N to expedite acquiring new gear for fights like these. Finally, be aware that Hellpod strikes (like Reinforce or Resupply) can sometimes bounce off its armor, so call them in carefully.
In summary, treat the War Strider as a slow but heavily armed artillery piece. Respect its firing lanes, exploit its poor close-quarters agility, and focus fire on its legs. With coordinated fire, it can be dismantled quickly before it overwhelms your position.
