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The Predator Strain is a terrifying Terminid subfaction inHelldivers 2, mutated by the mysterious spore cloud known as the Gloom. These enhanced creatures are faster, stronger, smarter, and deadlier than their normal counterparts. Currently, only two Predator Strains have been revealed:the Predator Stalkersand the Predator Hunters, with possibly more hiding deep within the Gloom.
Facing these new Terminid enemies requires more than just a good weapon and a stratagem that creates flashy explosions. You need a well-planned loadout that balances firepower, utility, and survival. To that end, here are the most optimal loadouts and builds recommended for the Predator Strain inHelldivers 2, ensuring you have the weapons, stratagems, and gear needed to put them down with ease.
Stratagems
TheSG-8 PunisherandSG-451 Cookoutare the best answers to the Gloom-enhanced strain of Terminid Predators. Both shotguns stagger enemies on hit, stopping them in their tracks, and giving you enough time to unload more pellets into their mutated carapaces.The Punisher does more damage, but the Cookout fires incendiary pellets to set enemies ablaze, allowing you to retreat or focus on other targets while leaving them to burn.
The footage below shows how powerful stagger shots can be inHelldivers 2. Notice how the Cookout momentarily stuns Predator Stalkers with each shot, and completely obliterates Predator Hunters with a single blast.
Bringing both theA/G-16 Gatling Sentryand theA/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentryprovides a critical tactical edge against the Predator Strain inHelldivers 2, especially since they hunt in relentless packs. However, do not deploy both at once. Instead, drop one, then call in the other when the first has done its job.This rotation keeps a sentry active at all times, ensuring a continuous stream of firepower to cut down bugs in every engagement.
TheEAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tanktakes care of all heavies. It also provides the distinct advantage of picking up another support weapon you may find at a point of interest, leaving you free to call in an EAT-17 during an encounter and switch weapons as needed.
The AX/TX-13 “Guard Dog” Dog Breath may not be the most popular choice, but it is a perfect fit for a Predator Strain loadout inHelldivers 2. Thisautomated backpack blinds and slows enemiesthat get too close. With Predator Stalkers and Hunters able to quickly reach your location by the dozens, the Dog Breath ensures your flank stays covered at all times.
The best Predator Strain loadout inHelldivers 2is all about mowing down Terminid swarms while keeping them at bay. The SG-8 Punisher offersdevastating close-medium-range stopping powerto quickly neutralize any advancing Predator Stalkers.
Your main firepower, however, will come from the hail of bullets from either theM-105 StalwartorMG-43 Machine Gun. Both aretop-tier support weapons inHelldivers 2, featuringhigh fire rates, large magazine capacities and stagger on every hit, making them perfect for cutting through waves of Predator Terminids.
Add theSiege-Ready armor passiveto this loadout, and your weapons get increased reload speed and ammo capacity, meaningyour relentless barrage of fire will be even longer. When the magazine dries out, switch to the Punisher to blast any remaining enemies. Pair Siege-Ready with heavy armor, and you will be an unstoppable juggernaut, holding the line against even the most overwhelming swarms.
TheG-123 Thermite GrenadeandOrbital Railcannon Strikeshould be enough to take out any Bile Titans andImpalers inHelldivers 2.
As for theAX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Rover, it automatically watches your flank and fries any wandering light enemies. You can switch it with theSH-32 Shield Generator Packto improve your defenses or choose any other stratagem to add more utility.
