If you've been fighting on the Automaton front, you've likely encountered the imposing War Strider. This heavy walker can quickly turn a manageable mission into a chaotic retreat if you don't know how to handle it. Based on common experiences from higher-difficulty missions, here’s a practical breakdown of what it is and how to deal with it.

What is a War Strider?

The War Strider is a heavy, reverse-jointed Automaton walker. It functions as a ranged artillery platform, similar to a Hulk but more mobile. You'll often find them holding choke points or advancing behind smaller units. In terms of size, it sits between a Scout Strider and the massive Factory Strider.

What are its attacks and how do they work?

The War Strider has two main weapon systems and a dangerous close-range attack.

• Twin Plasma Cannons: Its primary weapon. These need a few seconds to charge—you'll see red electricity arc across the barrels—before firing a rapid 8-shot burst. The shots have a small area-of-effect and will ragdoll you, leaving you completely vulnerable. After a burst, the weapons power down briefly.

• Grenade Launchers: Mounted on its sides, these scatter numerous timed grenades over a wide area. This is primarily for area denial, to flush you out of cover, or to trap you. Never let a War Strider pin you in a confined space.

• Stomp: If you get too close, it will stomp. The impact has blast and knockback, which can cause serious injury even if you're not directly underfoot.

What are its weak points?

This is crucial. The War Strider has heavy armor (AP4) almost everywhere. Its main weak points are:

1. The Legs: Destroying one leg will kill it instantly. This is the most reliable and fastest way for most teams to take it down.

2. The Eye and Rear Heat Sink: Following a game patch, these are now confirmed weak points. Prior to this, the eye was a red herring, so some older advice you might find is outdated.You can also destroy its weapon systems (the cannons and grenade launchers). While this won't kill it, it neuters its primary threat, making it much easier to finish off. Some players, looking to conserve rare resources for other gear, might search for ways to buy helldivers 2 super credits cheap, but it's generally more effective to learn the in-game tactics to handle threats like the War Strider efficiently.

What are the best practical strategies to kill it?Most players focus on exploiting its poor agility and targeting its legs.

• Close the Gap and Circle It: War Striders turn very slowly. If you can get close without being stomped, running circles around it puts you in its blind spot. A lone Strider is very vulnerable to this.

• Target the Legs: Use weapons effective against heavy armor. Two overcharged shots from a Railgun to a leg will destroy it. One shot from most Anti-Tank rocket launchers (like the EAT-17 or Recoilless Rifle) to a leg or pelvis will also kill it. The Commando rocket launcher requires two shots for a leg.

• Use Support Weapons and Stratagems Wisely: A direct hit from the GP-31 Grenade Pistol (Ultimatum) will destroy it. A thermite grenade stuck to its body will also kill it upon detonation. Be aware that its top armor can sometimes deflect Hellpod and orbital strikes, making these less reliable.

• Stun and Disable: Like Hulks, War Striders can be staggered by arc weapons, flashbangs, and explosions. This can create a crucial opening for your team.

• Do NOT Take it Head-On at Range: This is its greatest strength. Its plasma cannons will suppress and ragdoll your entire squad. The FX-12 Shield Generator Pack is very useful here, as it prevents the ragdoll effect from the cannon barrage.

What weapons are less effective?

In general, avoid using light armor-piercing weapons. The StA-X3 W.A.S.P. Launcher, for example, is inefficient, often requiring 3-4 full magazines to take one down. Bodyshots with rocket launchers are also inefficient, typically requiring two direct hits.

How do players usually handle it in a mission?

The standard approach involves focus fire and target priority. A team will usually call out its presence and immediately decide on a takedown method. One player might draw its fire or attempt to stun it, while others target a leg with heavy weapons. Its grenade spam makes holding a static position dangerous, so teams are usually forced to keep moving or quickly commit to an aggressive takedown. Most players agree that ignoring a War Strider is rarely an option, as it will relentlessly pursue and pressure your squad.