Helldivers 2 patch buffs some guns and upgrades Automaton forces

If there is one set of weapons in Helldivers 2 that players seem to shy away from, it’s the SMGs. But that might change with the latest patch, which rebalances weapons like SMGs and rifles. It also sneaks in some big changes — this time for the Automaton forces.

But first, let’s talk upgrades. Five SMGs have been buffed, with all receiving a modest boost to damage. Each gun has been given five more points of damage, though the SMG-72 Pummeler now needs fewer shots to apply a stun. Said stun value has also been tweaked from 1.0 to 1.25 per round. The patch also buffs some Stratagems, increases the use amount from 2 to 3 for the Exosuits, and more.

Helldivers 2 patch brings buffs and unleashes the Incineration Corps

The rebalancing doesn’t stop there, mind. Several rifles, such as the BR-14 Adjudicator, AR-61 Tenderizer, and AR-23 Liberator have received increased damage. The trusty Slugger shotgun is even stronger, with a decreased spread from 20 to 6 and a damage increase from 250 to 280. To some surprise, the team at Arrowhead also buffed my sweet baby, the R-36 Eruptor. The rifle’s armor penetration has been raised from Medium (3) to Heavy (4), and its projectile shot life was increased from 0.7 to 1 second. Looks like I’m tenderizing some bug meat tonight.

But I will probably focus on the Automaton forces, which the patch has significantly upgraded — though you won’t see it in the patch notes. Arrowhead has introduced a new sub-class to the game in the form of The Incineration Corps, Automaton machines that, unsurprisingly, are decked out with flaming weaponry. And there’s nothing quite like getting slapped in the face from across the map by a Devastator rocking an Incendiary Shotgun.

The Automatons have also been granted a new fabricator type and objective. Do you like fighting Striders? How about five? Strider convoys are now marching across some maps, which you can wipe out to complete a Secondary Objective called Intercept Convoy. There are also Bulk Fabricators, massive factories that pump out Automaton elites.

Frankly, I’m glad the Automatons are finally getting some more threatening units. As someone who plays high-difficulty missions before breakfast, having overpowered sub-classes is a treat. The Predator bugs made fights against Terminids feel like a real threat again, and I’m sensing the same here with the Incineration Corps. Hopefully, the Illuminate get the same treatment — before they turn Super Earth into a black hole.