If you've been dropping on Automaton planets recently, you've likely encountered a new and persistent threat: Gunships. These VTOL aircraft patrol the skies, and they can quickly turn a manageable mission into a chaotic fight for survival. Based on community experience since their introduction, here’s a practical guide on what they are and how to handle them.

What are Gunships, and how do they work in practice?

Gunships are smaller, weaponized versions of Automaton Dropships. They patrol around specific structures called Gunship Facilities and scan the surrounding area. When their sensors detect Helldiver activity—which includes gunfire, explosions, or simply getting too close—they are dispatched to investigate. Once they have a lock, they will aggressively engage with an underside turret and volleys of rockets.

In general, their behavior follows a pattern. Roving patrols can sometimes be avoided by using heavy cover and going prone as they pass. However, once you are targeted, or "aggro'd," breaking contact is difficult. Most players find that the surest way to deal with an alerted gunship pack is to destroy them, as trying to outrun their sensors while under rocket fire is usually impractical.

What are the most effective tactics for destroying Gunships?

The key detail is that a gunship's body and its two engines each have separate, medium-armor health pools. You don't need to destroy the entire vehicle; focusing fire on one section is the way to go.

• Target Priority: The engines have less health than the main body. Destroying a single engine will immediately ground the gunship. However, they are smaller targets. If you can't reliably hit the engines, aiming for the body is a perfectly valid alternative.

• Recommended Weapons: Your loadout should ideally include a weapon capable of dealing with medium armor.

  • Explosive Weapons: Tools like the PLAS-1 Scorcher or PLAS-101 Purifier are effective because their explosive damage can hull the craft from almost any angle.

  • Anti-Materiel & Autocannons: The APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle and the AC-8 Autocannon can take down a gunship with two well-placed shots to the body or thrusters.

  • Rocket Launchers: Most anti-tank rockets (like the EAT-17 or Recoilless Rifle) will destroy a gunship with one direct hit. The StA-X3 W.A.S.P. Launcher typically requires two hits but its homing capability makes it user-friendly.

  • Support Weapons: The LAS-98 Laser Cannon is exceptionally efficient for this role due to its precision and sustainable fire. A single overcharged shot from an RS-422 Railgun to an engine is also a guaranteed kill.

• Sentry Use: Both the Autocannon and Rocket Sentries will automatically engage gunships. A common tactic is to deploy them behind your position or behind the gunships themselves, reducing the chance they are destroyed by incoming rocket barrages.

How should you behave when under attack from a pack?

Gunships often patrol and attack in groups, especially on higher difficulties. When you hear their distinct engine sound and the warning of a rocket barrage, the immediate reaction should be to move to solid cover. Their rocket pods have limited ammunition, but they fire in punishing bursts. Use the terrain—buildings, large rocks, or ravines—to block line of sight. While specialized gear like smoke grenades can break their sensor lock, most players rely on a combination of cover and focused fire. Having a dedicated team member with an appropriate anti-gunship weapon is a standard strategy for Automaton missions. It's worth noting that some mission modifiers can cause endless gunship patrols to spawn from the map edges, making the destruction of Gunship Facilities a critical primary objective. For soldiers looking to optimize their loadout without the grind, some choose to buy Helldivers 2 items easily on U4N to quickly access the right tools for the job.

What are the common mistakes to avoid?

The main mistake is ignoring them or being unprepared. Treating a gunship alert like a standard enemy patrol will often lead to a squad wipe. Don't waste small-arms fire on them, as it's ineffective against their armor. Additionally, avoid standing in the open while reloading heavy weapons; cycle into cover. Finally, remember that engaging other enemies near an unalerted gunship patrol will almost certainly draw their attention, so plan your engagements accordingly.

In summary, Gunships are a strategic threat that punishes unprepared squads. They reward targeted damage over spam, and make loadout choice more critical on Automaton worlds. By understanding their mechanics and having a clear plan, you can turn these aerial hunters into scrap metal.