Understanding the Autocannon
Ammo’s Dance
The autocannon demands a different approach to ammunition management than many other weapons. Unlike some of the smaller arms, the autocannon doesn’t draw its bullets directly from your pockets. It utilizes specialized ammunition boxes that you carry on your back, and a limited number of shots available inside the weapon before it needs reloading. Therefore, ammunition availability is key. You’ll need to be strategic about when and where you deploy it, because there’s nothing more devastating than running out of ammo when a Bile Titan comes charging at you. Replenishing your ammo supply is a critical part of your battlefield routine. Be diligent in your calls for resupply, utilizing the support stratagem to keep your weapon firing. Always stay near a squadmate who can help call in reinforcements and drop you more ammunition.
Power Through Firepower
The autocannon’s true potential lies in its firepower. It boasts a high rate of fire, spewing out a hail of explosive rounds that can shred through even the toughest of enemies. The damage it delivers is substantial, allowing you to swiftly eliminate swarms of lesser foes and deliver a crippling blow to more heavily armored targets. The precise statistics can be found within the game, but what’s more important is the *feel* of the weapon. You *feel* the power with every burst, the impact of each round. This raw energy, combined with its range, gives it a unique advantage in battle. The key is to learn to control its relentless assault.
Accuracy and Steadiness
While the autocannon packs a punch, it’s not without its quirks. The weapon experiences recoil. The barrel can kick and wobble as you unleash its fury. This means that while the autocannon is extremely powerful, you can’t spray and pray. Controlling the recoil is key. Practice makes perfect, and the more familiar you become with the weapon, the more natural it will feel. Careful bursts, controlled movements, and a stable firing position are critical to maintaining accuracy. When possible, find a solid stance, crouch behind cover, and focus on keeping your sights on target.
Dealing With the Drawbacks
Of course, no weapon is perfect, and the autocannon has its drawbacks.
Long Reloads
One of the most significant challenges is the reload time. The process of inserting a new ammunition box takes time, during which you are extremely vulnerable. It’s crucial to reload strategically, taking cover and ensuring you have a clear line of sight to potential threats. Reloading out in the open can lead to a very quick death.
Weight and Mobility
The autocannon is a heavy weapon, impacting your movement speed and agility. You won’t be zipping across the battlefield with the same ease as a scout armed with a light weapon. This emphasizes the importance of strategic positioning and anticipating enemy movements. Your increased weight means that your ability to dodge attacks, particularly from the larger enemies, is diminished.
Backpack Dependence
The dependence on the ammunition backpack adds another layer of complexity. You’re essentially tethered to a vital piece of equipment. Damage to the backpack means limited access to ammunition, while using it up will make you need to resupply frequently. Remember to take it into consideration when choosing a secondary weapon.
Understanding the Field of Battle
Now that you understand the basic mechanics of the autocannon, the next step is to learn how to wield it effectively in the crucible of battle.
Targeting the Armor
The autocannon truly shines against heavily armored enemies, serving as an excellent option to the railgun. Creatures like Chargers and Bile Titans, notorious for their resilience, become vulnerable targets. The explosive rounds of the autocannon are specifically designed to pierce armor, allowing you to deal significant damage. Mastering the art of targeting these armored behemoths is key. With well-placed shots, you can take down these heavily armored opponents quickly and efficiently, turning the tide of battle in your favor.
Crowd Control Supremacy
Beyond its armor-piercing capabilities, the autocannon also excels at crowd control. Against swarms of enemies, the area-of-effect damage from the autocannon can turn the tide. No matter how many of those smaller enemies are advancing, the autocannon can mow them down in a matter of seconds. This is where you become a field commander, protecting your squad from being overwhelmed.
Long Distance Engagements
The effective range of the autocannon is considerable, allowing you to engage enemies from a distance. This is especially useful in situations where you need to eliminate enemies before they can reach your position, or to support your team from a relatively safe location. Take advantage of vantage points and carefully position yourself to take full advantage of the weapon’s reach. Engage the enemy before it can close the distance.
Combat in Different Scenarios
The utility of the autocannon transcends specific enemy types, making it valuable in a wide range of combat scenarios.
Defending Your Objectives
When tasked with defending objectives, the autocannon becomes a defensive powerhouse. Use it to eliminate enemies attempting to breach your defenses, clear out entrenched positions, and provide cover for your squad as they complete their objectives. The autocannon’s ability to quickly eliminate threats makes it ideal for holding ground.
Controlling Territory
Beyond direct defense, the autocannon excels at controlling territory. By strategically positioning yourself and firing upon enemy approach routes, you can restrict their movement, funnel them into kill zones, and give your team a strategic advantage. The autocannon is an essential tool for any Helldiver looking to gain control of the battlefield.
Taking Outposts
Outposts are notorious for their strong defenses and large numbers of enemies. The autocannon is a useful tool for clearing out these heavily fortified locations, allowing you to take them down with speed and effectiveness. Prioritize targets like turrets and heavy weapons platforms to reduce enemy firepower and make the assault easier for your squad.
Boss Fight Tactics
In the ultimate test of Helldiver prowess, the autocannon offers strategic value in boss fights. Its high damage output and armor penetration make it a solid option against the larger and more challenging creatures. Focus on the enemy’s weak points and coordinate your attacks with your team to quickly dispatch these formidable foes.
Strategic Loadout and Team Dynamics
Maximizing your effectiveness with the autocannon goes beyond just knowing how to fire it. The right equipment, tactics, and team coordination are essential.
Synergy with Support Stratagems
To truly excel with the autocannon, you need to combine it with the right support stratagems. Offensive stratagems, such as Orbital Strikes, are the perfect compliment. Calling in an Eagle Airstrike to soften up the enemy or create an opening is always a great tactic. On defense, a well-placed Shield Generator can provide crucial protection while you reload, or a Resupply Pod can bring you more ammunition, ensuring you can keep firing for longer.
The Role of the Supportive Diver
As an autocannon operator, you are more than just a damage dealer; you are a crucial support element to your team. Effective communication is essential. Coordinate with your teammates, call out enemy locations, and share your ammo supply when necessary. Encourage other players to make their calls for support, so you can effectively manage the threats present in the field.
Field Tactics and Positioning
Mastering the autocannon requires more than just understanding its mechanics. You need to apply this knowledge to improve your movement and awareness on the field. Find safe locations, set up solid firing positions, and use cover to your advantage. Crouch behind objects, lean around corners, and prioritize staying alive so you can assist your teammates and accomplish your objectives.
How to Become an Autocannon Master
Mastering the autocannon takes practice, discipline, and a deep understanding of the battlefield.
Efficient Reloading
The reload time of the autocannon is its biggest weakness. However, you can mitigate this weakness by learning to reload efficiently. Find cover before reloading. It will reduce the chance that you will take damage while reloading. Learn the speed and timing of the reload so you can do it when it is safe. Practice, learn, and be ready for the next fight.
Controlling Recoil
Recoil can make it difficult to stay on target and to hit what you’re trying to hit. But as mentioned before, mastering recoil is crucial. Maintain a steady firing position, use short, controlled bursts to maximize accuracy, and practice compensating for the weapon’s kick. Develop your own firing rhythm and adjust as needed.
Maintaining Situational Awareness
The battlefield of Helldivers 2 is dynamic, and your awareness is key to survival. Keep an eye on your surroundings, anticipate enemy movements, and know when to retreat or reposition. Knowing the map, the locations of objectives, and the enemy’s approach routes can help you make informed decisions and stay one step ahead of the threat.
The Path to Improvement
Mastering the autocannon is a journey, not a destination. Be prepared to learn from your mistakes, experiment with different tactics, and adapt to the ever-changing challenges of the battlefield. Practice makes perfect.
In the end, mastering the autocannon in Helldivers 2 is a rewarding endeavor. Its power, versatility, and strategic importance make it an essential weapon for any Helldiver. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, practicing sound tactics, and working effectively with your squad, you can unlock the full potential of the autocannon and become a true force on the battlefield. So, grab your backpack, load your rounds, and prepare to spread managed democracy, one explosive burst at a time. Your team, and Super Earth, are depending on you.
