If you've spent any time fighting on the Automaton fronts, you've seen them: large, rectangular metal slabs descending from the sky, unloading a fresh wave of bots right on your position. These are Automaton Dropships, and understanding how they work is key to surviving missions, especially on higher difficulties. This guide breaks down the practical realities of dealing with them, based on common gameplay experiences.

What Triggers a Dropship to Appear?

Dropships don't just randomly patrol. They are a direct response to player activity. In general, they are spawned by three main triggers. The most common is a Commissar bot launching a red signal flare into the sky. If you hear that distinct launch sound and see the flare, a Dropship is already on its way. The second trigger is a Detector Tower locking its beam onto a Helldiver. The moment that beam connects, the tower calls for reinforcements. Finally, certain main objectives, like activating the "Conduct Geological Survey" probes, will automatically summon Dropships as part of the mission challenge.

What's the Best Way to Shoot One Down?

Dropships are heavily armored over most of their body. Their only consistent weak points are the four engines, two on each side. Most players find that dedicated anti-tank weaponry is the most reliable counter. The Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17), the Recoilless Rifle, and the Quasar Cannon will all destroy a Dropship with one clean hit to an engine. The FAF-14 Spear is uniquely powerful in this role, as it can destroy a Dropship with a single shot to any part of its hull, making it a top-tier choice for "Eradication" missions.

Heavier support weapons like the Commando rocket launcher or an Exosuit's missile pod will usually require two hits on an engine. Trying to take one down with small arms fire is almost always a waste of ammunition. It's worth noting that if you are in a desperate situation and lack the right tools, some players will buy Helldivers 2 items online from U4N marketplace to quickly acquire the necessary stratagems, though most obtain everything through regular gameplay.

What Happens When You Destroy a Dropship?

A downed Dropship creates a significant tactical event. First, it explodes after a few seconds, dealing heavy area damage. Any bots still inside are crushed, and any survivors are often pinned underneath the wreckage, immobilized but still capable of firing. This makes the wreck itself useful as temporary cover. The explosion can also finish off weaker bots that were deployed just before the ship was destroyed. The key timing for many experienced players is to fire their anti-tank shot just as the ship is opening its bay doors to deploy troops. If successful, you can eliminate the entire payload in one go.

How Should You Handle the Troops It Drops?

If you can't stop the ship, you must handle its cargo. As soon as it begins to land, assume you have about 5-10 seconds before a full squad of bots is active. Explosive area-of-effect weapons are excellent here. The Grenade Launcher or a well-placed Eagle Stratagem like the Cluster Bomb can clear the landing zone quickly. Many players also use preventative measures: dropping an Anti-Personnel Minefield or an Orbital Precision Strike on the landing spot before the ship even arrives can neutralize the entire wave upon deployment. On higher difficulties, be extra cautious, as Dropships often arrive in pairs or trios and can carry heavier units like Hulks or even Tanks underneath their hull.

What Stratagems Are Most Effective Against Them?

For directly destroying the vessels, orbital strikes like the Orbital Laser or the 500kg Eagle Bomb are effective if they score a direct hit, but this is often unreliable. In practice, stratagems are better used for managing the bots after they drop. The Orbital Gatling Barrage or the Eagle Airstrike are popular for clearing freshly deployed groups. For a more defensive setup, placing MD-17 Anti-Tank Mines where Dropships commonly land can provide automated defense, which is particularly useful in stationary defense missions.

Any Advanced Tactics to Know?

A few nuanced behaviors are good to remember. In city environments on certain planets, Dropships will descend vertically from above rather than flying in from the horizon, which can make them harder to spot early. Also, their explosion radius is substantial; always back away after downing one. On the hardest difficulties, prioritizing the immediate destruction of Detector Towers and Commissars becomes the best way to manage Dropship frequency—if they can't call, the ships won't come. Finally, communication with your squad is vital. Designating one player with a Spear or Recoilless Rifle as the dedicated "Dropship duty" helldiver can prevent your team from being overrun.