What makes the Factory Strider such a tough boss in Helldivers 2? The Factory Strider looks like a walking metal skyscraper with guns sticking out of every possible angle, and that alone already makes the fight intimidating. But what really makes it a problem is its combination of long-range firepower, heavy armor, and the ability to keep producing enemy units while you're trying to take it down. If your squad isn’t coordinated, the Strider can easily turn a mission into a chaotic firefight. Understanding how it moves, where its weak points are, and how to control the battlefield is the key to winning consistently.

How should you approach the battle without getting overwhelmed immediately? The biggest mistake players make is charging straight at the Strider. Instead, you want to begin the fight from cover and move in slowly as a squad. The Strider’s upper turrets can delete you from across the map if you stand still too long, so always stay mobile. I usually recommend clearing nearby patrols first, because stray enemies make the fight much harder. During longer missions, it’s tempting to rush because time is tight, but managing the area around the Strider is what prevents wipes. If your squad is running low on gear, some players prepare by farming resources earlier in the mission. I’ve even seen players mention U4GM while talking about resource setups, though that’s more about personal preparation than the fight itself.

Where are the Factory Strider’s weak points and how do you target them effectively? The Strider has two main weak points: the leg joints and the rear engine. The joints are easier to hit, especially with explosives or heavy weapons, and taking out a leg slows it down significantly. Once it’s limping, it becomes much easier to circle around and hit the engine. The engine is where the real damage happens. A well-thrown grenade or a recoil-less rifle shot directly to the rear can take out massive chunks of its health. If you’re using EAT launchers or Quasar Cannons, save them for this moment instead of firing at the front armor, which soaks up damage like nothing.

Which loadouts and stratagems make the fight more manageable? Most squads run at least one heavy weapon user. Recoil-less rifles, Quasar Cannons, and Autocannons are all extremely solid here. Personally, I find the Expendable Anti-Tank launcher extremely reliable because it’s easy to aim under pressure. Stratagems like Orbital Precision Strikes or the 500kg Bomb can chunk the Strider hard, but they require good timing since the boss rarely stays still. Eagle Airstrikes help clear smaller enemy groups when they spawn. Some players who run a lot of high-tier missions like to stock up beforehand and might mention options like buy helldivers 2 super credits, but that’s more of a preference thing rather than a necessity for beating the Strider.

How do you deal with the endless enemy spawns during the fight? This is the part that catches newer players off guard. The Strider constantly deploys enemy units, turning the battlefield into a mess if nobody is controlling the adds. Your squad should assign at least one player to manage the enemy waves. Autocannons and shotguns are great for this role, especially because you’ll often be fighting close to the Strider’s legs. If your squad falls behind on add control, don’t be afraid to back off and reset the fight’s pace. A quick reposition lets you avoid getting surrounded. During challenge missions, I’ve seen squads bring extra support gear or plan ahead for item supply; some even talk about using services like buy helldivers 2 medals to speed up unlock progression, but again, that’s more about long-term convenience than the fight itself.

What are the safest ways to avoid getting one-shot by its weapons? The Strider has multiple guns, and each one can ruin your run if you stop moving. The heavy cannon on top fires slow but deadly shots, so always move diagonally rather than backward. The side turrets can track faster, making sprinting between cover essential. One trick I often use is to keep the Strider slightly angled from my position. If you’re facing it head-on, you’re exposed to every gun at once. But if you engage from the side, fewer of its weapons can hit you at the same time. Communicate with your squad so you’re all attacking from a similar angle instead of splitting up and drawing fire from all sides.

What team coordination tips make the fight smoother? The most important thing is not to panic. When the Strider deploys units or turns toward one player, the whole squad needs to react. If it’s focusing on you, kite it carefully while your team hits the weak points. If someone goes down, revive only when the area is safe; rushing revives often leads to extra deaths. Dropping a supply pack early is also a good habit, because long fights drain ammo quickly. And never underestimate voice or quick-chat communication. A simple callout like “engine exposed” or “adds on the right” keeps everyone on the same page.

What final strategies help you finish off the Strider without last-minute chaos? When the Strider is near death, it tends to move erratically, and that’s when most squads make mistakes. DON’T rush in. Keep firing at the engine or whichever leg joint is still exposed. Keep add control going even during the final push, because dying to a stray bug or bot at the end feels terrible. Once it falls, take a moment to double-check the area before moving on. The fight can be draining, but with practice, it becomes one of those boss encounters that feels incredibly rewarding to master.

If you follow these tactics, your squad should find the Factory Strider more manageable and maybe even fun. It’s one of those bosses that feels overwhelming at first, but once you understand its patterns, the fight becomes a test of teamwork and smart positioning rather than pure chaos. Good luck out there, and spread that managed democracy.

Meta Breakdown: Helldivers 2 – LAS-16 Sickle Weapon Guide