They’re fast, loud, and annoying. But once you understand how they work – and what their weaknesses are – they stop being scary and start being free XP. Here’s everything you need to know to take them down efficiently.
What Are Scout Striders in Helldivers 2?
Scout Striders are light mechanized enemies used by the Automaton faction. They’re small, bipedal walkers equipped with machine guns or lasers, designed to scout ahead and harass squads. On their own, they’re not that tough, but they almost always show up with reinforcements – and that’s when the chaos begins.
They’re not as durable as tanks or Hulks, but their mobility and detection range make them a real problem if you’re trying to stay stealthy. Spot one too late, and suddenly your quiet mission turns into a full-blown firefight.
Basic Stats of Scout Striders
Here’s a quick breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses so you can plan your counterattack properly.
| Attribute | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faction | Automaton | Usually found in robot-heavy missions |
| Weapon Type | Machine gun / Laser cannon | Depends on the variant |
| Mobility | High | They can quickly reposition and flank you |
| Armor Level | Medium | Can resist basic bullets but not explosives |
| Detection Range | Large | They spot players from far away |
The key takeaway: Scout Striders are annoying because they’re mobile spotters. Their real danger isn’t their damage output – it’s how easily they call in backup. Take them out before they alert the rest of the Automaton army.
Best Weapons Against Scout Striders
You don’t need to overthink it. Scout Striders crumble fast under explosive or armor-piercing weapons. A well-placed grenade or a railgun shot can dismantle them in seconds. Still, some weapons make the job much easier.
| Weapon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Recoilless Rifle | Heavy Weapon | One shot usually destroys a Strider completely |
| EAT-17 | Disposable Launcher | Fast, light, and great for small mechs |
| Autocannon | Support Weapon | Can take out multiple striders if you aim low |
| Railgun | Precision Weapon | Penetrates armor easily; perfect for headshots |
| Grenades | Throwable | Cheap, reliable, and great for groups |
And if you’re low on ammo, don’t panic – even your standard rifle can finish one off if you focus fire on its weak points. The cockpit is usually the softest part.
How to Beat Scout Striders Without Dying
The main trick is to control the encounter. Don’t let them surround you. When you see one, drop a stratagem like a turret or minefield before engaging. This gives you breathing room in case more enemies spawn nearby.
Also, avoid open areas. Striders have good aim, and staying in the open is basically asking for trouble. Use cover, dodge behind terrain, and move constantly. Their weapons track slower than you think – especially lasers.
Squad Tactics That Work Well
- Callouts Matter: The moment someone spots a Strider, call it out. These things alert other bots quickly.
- Designate Roles: One player handles anti-armor, others cover flanks and repair objectives.
- Use Stratagems Early: Don’t wait for chaos – a preemptive Eagle Strike or Orbital Barrage saves lives.
- Don’t Chase Them: Scout Striders often retreat just to lure you into bigger groups.
With good communication and some planning, even a squad of four rookies can handle multiple Striders easily.
How to Recognize Them From a Distance
Striders have a distinct metallic clanking sound when they move – you can usually hear them before you see them. Look for the red glowing eyes and tall silhouette against the horizon. Once you recognize their walk cycle, you’ll start spotting them much faster.
Why Scout Striders Are So Frustrating
The worst part about scout striders in Helldivers 2 isn’t that they’re strong – it’s that they show up when you’re already busy. You’ll be trying to extract or complete an objective, and suddenly three of them come running over a hill. That’s when things get messy.
But once you’ve fought them a few times, the fear goes away. You start treating them like a warm-up before the real fight begins.
Extra Tips for Survivability
- Keep your back to a cliff or wall – Striders love to flank.
- Use Orbital Gas Strike to block their path and break line of sight.
- Focus on one Strider at a time – spreading fire only prolongs the fight.
- If you’re solo, use hit-and-run tactics. Never stand still for more than two seconds.
Remember: your goal isn’t to look cool, it’s to survive. Helldivers 2 rewards smart players, not reckless ones.
Final Thoughts
At first, scout striders Helldivers 2 can feel unfair – fast, armored, and always showing up at the worst time. But once you learn their patterns, they become one of the easiest Automaton units to farm. They’re like walking practice targets with legs.
So next time you hear that metallic clank in the distance, don’t panic. Take cover, aim for the cockpit, and let your explosives do the rest. You’ll clear them out before they even know what hit them.
