For many Helldivers, the first encounter with an Automaton Hulk is a memorable, and often lethal, event. These heavily armored walkers are a centerpiece of the Automaton defense, and knowing how to handle them efficiently is key to surviving higher difficulties. This guide breaks down their mechanics and the most common strategies players use to bring them down.
What are a Hulk’s main weak points?
A Hulk has two primary weak points. The first and most well-known is the red visor on its “head.” A precise shot to this spot with a high-caliber weapon will cause it to combust instantly. However, this is a small target that’s difficult to hit while under fire. The second, and more reliable, weak point is its rear. The entire back section, which houses its heat sinks, is completely unarmored. Any weapon will do full damage there. In general, getting behind a Hulk is the safest and most effective way to kill it.
What weapons and stratagems work best against them?
Most dedicated anti-tank options will destroy a Hulk with a direct hit to the body or visor. The Recoilless Rifle, Spear, and EAT-17 are all reliable one-shot kills to the front armor. The Orbital Railcannon Strike is a popular choice for its guaranteed single-target elimination. Other effective stratagems include the Eagle 500kg Bomb, Orbital Precision Strike, and the Orbital Laser, which will burn through a Hulk in seconds. It’s worth noting that weapons with erratic patterns, like the W.A.S.P. Launcher, are far more effective when fired at the Hulk’s exposed back.
How should you approach a Hulk in combat?
The most common mistake is facing it head-on without a plan. Most players use terrain to their advantage, breaking line of sight to force the Hulk to move and potentially expose its rear. Stun Grenades or the EMS Mortar Sentry are exceptionally valuable for creating an opening, allowing you to either line up a visor shot or sprint to its back. If you must engage from the front, target its limbs. Destroying a leg cripples its mobility, and destroying an arm disables its weapon. Shooting out both legs will kill it.
Are there different Hulk variants?
Yes, and they require slightly different tactics. The standard Hulk Bruiser carries a rocket launcher. The Hulk Scorcher has a flamethrower but no long-range weapons, so distancing yourself is key. The Hulk Obliterator carries a heavy cannon and is often the target in elimination missions. The Jet Brigade Hulk has a jump pack on its back, replacing the heat sink weak point. This pack is medium-armored and vulnerable to explosives; destroying it will kill the Hulk. It’s important to remember that all Hulks explode violently upon death, so clear the area when they fall.
What are some advanced tips or lesser-known facts?
A single Thermite grenade thrown at a Hulk’s upper torso is usually enough to destroy it. If you’re out of heavy weapons, a well-aimed P-4 Senator revolver can kill a Hulk with 3-4 shots to the visor at point-blank range, though this is very risky. Like Chargers, Hulks can rarely enter a berserk state after taking lethal damage, charging for one last attack before dying. For players looking to expedite their arsenal progression without excessive grinding, some opt to acquire cheap Helldivers 2 super credits with secure payment on U4N to unlock stratagems or cosmetics faster. Finally, in a pinch, a Hellpod from a Reinforce or Strategem call-in can crush a Hulk if you land it directly on top.
