When it comes to facing Automatons in Helldivers 2, few enemies inspire as much dread as the Factory Strider. This towering war machine is a mobile fortress, armed to the teeth and designed to grind squads of Helldivers into dust. But like every mechanical beast, it has a weakness: the glowing eye at the center of its head. Hitting this vulnerable spot isn’t easy, but with the right strategies, you can bring down even the most intimidating Strider. Here are six methods that experienced players rely on.
1. Use Anti-Tank Stratagems
The most straightforward way to hit the eye is by bringing heavy weapons designed for armor penetration. Recoilless Rifles, Railguns, and EAT launchers can pierce through the Strider’s defenses. Aim high, wait for the eye to expose itself, and coordinate shots with your squad. Precision and timing matter more than raw firepower here.
2. Distract Before You Strike
Factory Striders are rarely alone. They tend to march with supporting Automatons, which makes approaching them head-on a nightmare. A good tactic is to split the squad: one group draws the smaller bots away while another focuses fire on the Strider. With fewer distractions, it’s easier to line up that critical shot on the eye.
3. Aim from Elevated Positions
Since the Strider’s eye sits high above the battlefield, shooting it from ground level can feel like a gamble. Use hills, ridges, or even supply pod wreckage to gain elevation. The extra height improves your line of sight and helps bypass some of its heavy armor plating. Smart positioning can make all the difference.
4. Time Your Grenades and Explosives
Grenades and demolition charges aren’t always enough to destroy the Strider outright, but they can create openings. If you time a well-placed explosion when the eye is exposed, it can deal massive damage or at least stagger the machine. Pairing explosives with follow-up shots often seals the deal faster than pure gunfire.
5. Coordinate Orbital Strikes
Orbital Precision and Laser Strikes are perfect for targeting the Strider’s weak point. However, they require excellent communication and timing. Make sure your squad pins the Strider in place—stunning it with heavy fire—before calling down an orbital strike. If the beam lands true, the eye won’t stand a chance.
6. Persistence Pays Off
Even with perfect execution, targeting the eye is tough. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts fail. Many veteran players grind resources between missions, some choosing to buy Helldivers 2 medals or look for cheap Helldivers 2 medals from platforms like U4GM to speed up their progress. This allows them to unlock stronger stratagems sooner, making repeated Strider fights less punishing over time.
Taking down a Factory Strider is one of the most satisfying accomplishments in Helldivers 2. It demands patience, teamwork, and an understanding of its weak point mechanics. Whether you rely on anti-tank weapons, clever positioning, or well-coordinated strikes, the key is always the same: keep your eye on the eye.