Helldivers 2: How to best use the MLS-4X Commando – Tips and strats

The MLS-4X Commando is an anti-tank Stratagem in Helldivers 2 that may just replace the one you call your favorite. A laser-guided, quad-missile launcher, the Commando can chew through enemy big boys in the right hands.

The Commando is available for purchase via the Ship Management system for a mere 8,000 Requisition Points. It’s a paltry sum for one of the best Stratagems you can add to your arsenal. Plus, its name is a movie reference! And as my editor will tell you with a heaving sigh, I can’t get enough exhausting references from 1980s Arnold Schwarzenegger action flicks. Stick around… and learn how to best use the Commando.

How to use the MLS-4X Commando

The MLS-4X Commando is an anti-tank missile launcher. It provides its user with four missiles that, on impact, can wipe out most regular enemies. But it’s more favored against armored elites, especially those of the Automaton variety.

With a 120-second cooldown timer, the disposable Commando does take longer to replenish than the EAT-17 (at 70 seconds). The latter weapon, though, only gives you two shots per drop. For the money, the Commando edges out its competition in several ways.

The missiles may be weaker than the EAT’s rockets, but you can guide them toward enemies. To do so, hold your aiming button and line up an enemy with the blue laser beam. Once you have your target, pull the trigger and guide the missile as it flies. Keep the laser just ahead of your target if it’s moving. The further away an enemy is, the harder the shot. Try and stay at a medium distance.

Following these steps, you should be able to master shooting the Commando. Though there are wrong ways to go about it.

Against many enemies, one missile is typically all you need. The Commando can stagger most enemy types as well, giving you ample time for a follow-up shot. It can take out Bile Spewers, Brood Commanders, and Devastators with a single hard slap to the face. But you’ll likely end up using it against the Heavies, such as the Bile Titan and Hulk. So, how does the Commando fare?

Commando tips for Automaton forces and Elites

The MLS-4X Commando is best used against the vile Automaton forces of Helldivers 2. With slow-moving walkers with glowing weak points and flying ships, a laser-guided missile launcher feels right at home. Ignore most flak like the Automaton Trooper and save the Commando for the real bruisers.

One-shot kills:

• Berserker
• Devastator
  • Aim for the shoulder or head not covered by a shield when facing a Heavy Devastator.
• Hulks
  • Aim for the “eye” weak point to kill it with a single missile. Hitting the back vent may also destroy it in one shot.

Two-shot kills:

• Tanks
  • Two shots to the back vent should be all you need, but hitting the turret can also cause damage.
• Gunship
  • Striking the engine can destroy it in one shot, but it sometimes takes two.
• Dropship
  • These can go down in two or more shots if you aim at the engine pods.

The Factory Strider is a different kind of beast altogether. Its top-mounted gun can be destroyed by the Commando in two shots, which makes the weapon ideal against the walking beast. Dumping all four shots to its face seems to dish out a lot of damage, but it is somewhat inconsistent. It’s recommended you hit the turret if you’re at a distance or run up and fire into its belly when its Devastator bays are open.

The Commando can no longer destroy an Automaton Fabricator in one shot. One of the early selling points of the weapon was its ability to decimate a Fabricator with a single guided missile. This is no longer the case following Helldivers 2 Patch 1.001.100.

Automaton Fabricators have been reworked to have set health and armor values. Many heavy weapons with high penetration can destroy a Fabricator, but the amount of shots will differ. The Commando can blow up an Automaton Fabricator with two missiles. While it’s not quite as effective against the bot-producing buildings, the missile launcher still does an admirable job.

Cannon Turrets can also be destroyed with two missiles without having to aim for the weak point, and Mortar Emplacements are gone with one shot.

Commando tips for Terminid forces and Elites

Sadly, the Commando is less consistent against the bug menace. But looking at the EAT and Railgun, that’s pretty par for the course these days. Terminids do have a lot of large targets, though, making hitting your foes mostly effortless.

One-shot kills:

• Bile Spewer
• Nursing Spewer
• Brood Commander
• Hive Guard
  • Try hitting the softer points behind its shielded head.

Two or more shots:

• Charger
  • The Charger’s key weak points are always its legs after removing the armor, but with the Commando you can kill it with one to three missiles by hitting its head.
• Bile Titan
  • The Bile Titan once more proves to be inconsistent with weak points. You can kill it by shooting it in the head with two missiles, but don’t be surprised if you dump all four and still get barfed on.
• Stalker
  • Hate these things.

It’s probably best not to take the Commando against Terminid Objective targets, as it can take multiple shots when a Hellbomb works better. It can destroy Bug Holes easily, though.

Flying enemies are also a no-go for the Commando. Instead, focus on the Heavies such as the Bile Titan and Chargers. You’ll get enough of both if you play in Difficulty 7 and beyond.

Final thoughts

Overall, the MLS-4X Commando is an excellent Stratagem in Helldivers 2 and should be added to your armory as soon as possible. Given that it can destroy Fabricators with a single shot, the weapon is already in the top five. Naturally, it should be one of your top picks when it comes to facing Automatons.

It’s useful against Terminids, but you won’t get as much bang for your buck. Instead, you should still consider taking the EAT-17, as it hits harder than its younger cousin. You’ll want that extra oomph when facing Bile Titans and Chargers, both of which can shrug off damage whenever they feel like it.