Helldivers 2 Chargers: What are they, location, & how to kill

❘ Published: 2024-02-21T13:50:00

Chargers can be challenging to take down in Helldivers 2, so here’s exactly how you can kill them in the chaotic shooter, as well as their locations and the best weapons and stratagems to use against them in the game.

Helldivers 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Helldivers from Arrowhead Game Studios. This follow-up swaps out top-down action for an intense third-person experience that you can either play in co-op with friends or randoms, or you can take on missions by yourself in solo play.

There are a lot of dangerous enemies you’ll come up against in Helldivers 2, and Chargers are some of the toughest in the game. With resilient armor, and aggressive charged attacks these clawed foes are difficult to defeat, so we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to take them down.

Here’s how to kill Chargers in Helldivers 2, including the best weapons and stratagems to use against them in battle.

Chargers have a thick armor but their rear part is the weakest.

How to kill Chargers in Helldivers 2?

Understanding Chargers

Nature of Chargers: Chargers act as living battering rams, using their momentum to overwhelm players with direct charges or powerful claw strikes. Their thick armor makes them resistant to most conventional attacks in the game.
Encounter Scenarios: Players typically encounter Chargers in missions labeled as Challenging difficulty or higher, though they can also appear in Medium-level missions as extermination targets.

Effective Strategies for Engagement

Luring Tactics

Diversion and Evasion: When pursued by a Charger, leading it towards a solid obstacle and evading at the last moment can cause the Charger to stun itself, revealing its vulnerable backside.

Heavy Weaponry Approach

Recoilless Rifle and EAT Launcher: These are your go-to weapons for penetrating the Charger’s armor. Aiming for the legs with two rockets is usually enough to bring a Charger down.
Railgun Efficiency: For precision and effectiveness, the Railgun can be a game-changer, especially with well-placed shots that exploit the Charger’s armor weaknesses.

Utilizing Stratagems

Explosive Anti-Tank Stratagems: While challenging to time due to the Charger’s mobility, these stratagems can deal devastating damage if executed correctly.
Autocannon Sentry: Its ability to penetrate the Charger’s armor without ricochet makes it an unexpectedly effective counter.

Tactical Considerations

Environmental Use

Obstacle Utilization: Large obstacles can halt a Charger’s charge, providing a tactical advantage and a momentary reprieve for attack.

Team Coordination

Baiting and Switching: Working with teammates to bait the Charger allows for concentrated attacks on its vulnerabilities while it’s distracted.

You can use obstacles to your advantage while fighting a Charger.

Targeting Weaknesses

Armor Vulnerabilities: Although Chargers are heavily armored, targeting exposed or weakened sections can lead to successful penetration and damage.
Backside and Underside: The Charger’s orange underside and backside are significantly more vulnerable to attacks, making positioning and targeting crucial.

Weapon and Stratagem Recommendations

Key Weapons

Recoilless Rifle and EAT Launcher: Ideal for direct damage to weaken and eventually take down a Charger.
Railgun: Offers precision shots that can be critical in tense situations.
SG-225 Breaker: Effective for targeting the Charger’s less armored sections, requiring fewer shots to achieve significant damage.

Strategic Stratagem Use

Eagle Airstrike and Napalm: Useful for creating barriers that can damage Chargers while dealing with smaller threats.
Orbital Precision Strike: Requires precise timing but can be incredibly effective if executed correctly.

Defeating Chargers in Helldivers 2 requires a blend of tactics, heavy firepower, and precise timing. By utilizing the environment, coordinating with teammates, and selecting the right arsenal, Chargers can be transformed from menacing threats to manageable obstacles on your path to victory.