Helldivers 2’s best new stratagem is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen, but holy Liberty, it can wipe out armies in seconds

Helldivers 2's best new stratagem is the dumbest thing I've ever seen, but holy Liberty, it can wipe out armies in seconds

As a seasoned Helldivers player who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless factions, I must say that the introduction of the E/AT-12 Anti-Tank Emplacement in the Omens of Tyranny update has undeniably become one of my favorite additions to the game. This glass cannon stratagem, with its comically flimsy design and hilariously exposed operator, is a testament to GSC Game World’s satirical take on militaristic fascism and unrestrained capitalism.

The headline-dominating highlight of the recent Omens of Tyranny update for Helldivers 2 was the arrival of the long-awaited Illuminate faction, with developer GSC Game World shadow dropping the Democracy-hating squiddies during The Game Awards and kicking off a brutal invasion of Calypso (against all odds, we managed to repelled it). As fantastic as the Illuminate is, though, I’d also like to bring attention to one of the patch’s other additions — one that has rapidly become one of my favorite stratagems in the entire game, and also an S-tier pick to use in both Automaton and base defense missions.

The stratagem I’m referring to is the E/AT-12 Anti-Tank Emplacement, a fortification call-in found in the new Urban Legends Premium Warbond (it costs 1,000 Super Credits, or $10 worth) that came alongside the Illuminate’s first offensive. You’ll need a hefty 110 Warbond Medals to purchase it and you don’t even have the option to unlock it until you get through Urban Legends’ first two pages, but trust me: it’s absolutely worth getting as soon as you can.

Before we delve into how effective it is, let’s discuss how oddly impractical this device seems, isn’t it? One would expect a stationary strategy designed for combat against heavily armored vehicles to provide some protection for its operator. However, it appears that you merely occupy a chair resembling an arcade game seat, with no shield from the environment as you select and fire targets using a comical pair of binoculars and a joystick. The automated loading system seems just as silly, featuring a flimsy arm mechanism that’s also unprotected, lifting shells into the cannon. Each design choice seems to embody cost-cutting at its peak, which aligns perfectly with the satirical tone against militaristic fascism and excessive capitalism in this game.

Tuesday I’m in love. from r/Helldivers

In simpler terms, some humorous design oversights significantly impact the game performance. If you don’t position the gun effectively for optimal coverage, it could either crumble under laser attacks or explode due to concentrated fire. However, if you place it on high ground at a safe distance from enemy troops and fortifications, you can maximize its true capabilities.

To break it down easily, the Anti-Tank Emplacement serves as a powerful yet vulnerable weapon, equipped with 30 highly precise and exceptionally strong explosive rounds. These shells can swiftly disable dropships carrying reinforcements when aimed correctly (at corner engines for Automatons, open underside of ships for Illuminate), instantly destroy outposts and ships by hitting their exposed vents/doors, and efficiently deal with heavily armored enemies such as Hulks, Annihilator Tanks, and Harvesters. It takes merely 8-10 rounds to bring down even the formidable Automaton Factory Strider. Moreover, it possesses the ability to demolish structures like Cannon Towers and Automaton Command Bunkers. As demonstrated in the video provided, strategic positioning can lead to the completion of several mission objectives within a matter of seconds. I’ve personally found myself using it effectively against Automatons during Super Helldives, and I must say, its efficiency in handling anything the robots throw at me is simply unbelievable.

By the way, there’s no need to worry that it’s effective only against tough opponents. Each shot it fires has a wide impact area, making it simple to eliminate groups of infantry with the cannon. While it’s not my first choice for this task due to other preferences, if you find yourself in a tight spot and need to deal with the minor threats, it’s more than capable. Also, don’t stress about using up its ammo too quickly; it has a long period of usability as summoning it comes with a three-minute cooldown.

In summary, the Anti-Tank Emplacement is a lot of fun to utilize (without the intended explosion reference), and it truly shines in scenarios involving bots or defensive roles. I highly suggest giving it a go if you’re open to experimentation; should you decide to construct a loadout around it, I’d advise including a couple of sentries for flank protection during use. Additionally, consider pairing this with the recently released SH-51 Directional Shield, as the energy barrier it generates synchronizes well with zooming in on the cannon.

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2024-12-18 02:09