The Charger is a large, heavily-armored Terminid known for its devastating charge attacks, attempting to bash or trample Helldivers, dealing massive damage. Its charge can concuss or launch Helldivers, making it a high-impact battlefield threat. At close range, Chargers also use their claws for melee attacks.

Spawning

The Charger Behemoth first appears on Medium difficulty as an Elimination Target or as a Shuttle Bay guardian in Emergency Evacuation missions.

Chargers naturally spawn starting on Challenging difficulty, increasing in frequency at higher difficulties. The Charger Behemoth may also replace standard Chargers at higher levels.

Behavior

Chargers rush headlong into combat, using their charge attack to crush Helldivers. They can make tight turns, making their charge harder to predict.

At close range, they switch to claw attacks, making them dangerous in confined spaces.

They tend to focus on one target at a time, making it possible for squads to coordinate attacks.

Tactics

  • Dodge the charge by moving diagonally or perpendicular to its path. Avoid dodging too early, as Chargers can adjust their direction mid-charge.
  • Anti-vehicle weapons like the EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank, GR-8 Recoilless Rifle, and LAS-99 Quasar Cannon can instantly kill a Charger with a headshot.
  • Direct torso hits from the FAF-14 Spear or GR-8 Recoilless Rifle will immediately kill a Charger.
  • Cracking the torso armor with most anti-vehicle weapons exposes its weak point, allowing Light armor-penetrating weapons to deal 300% increased damage.
  • Destroying a leg exposes weak flesh, allowing any weapon to deal weak spot damage, quickly taking down a Charger.
  • Hitting the rear will make it bleed out, but non-explosive attacks suffer an 80% damage reduction, making explosives the preferred method.
  • Weapons like the SG-8P Punisher Plasma, PLAS-1 Scorcher, and GL-21 Grenade Launcher are highly effective at destroying its underbelly.
  • Support weapons, such as the AC-8 Autocannon, APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle, and LAS-98 Laser Cannon, can penetrate the Charger’s armor but deal reduced damage.
  • A G-123 Thermite grenade stuck to its head or torso will instantly kill a Charger upon detonation.
  • The MG-43 Machine Gun can target the joints of the legs, dealing weak spot damage without needing to remove armor, though this is difficult due to the small hitbox.
  • The FLAM-40 Flamethrower can be effective but risky, due to the Charger’s aggressive nature.
  • Hellpods dropped on a Charger can strip its armor or kill it outright, though this requires luck or a precisely placed Stratagem beacon.
  • Team coordination is key – have one Helldiver bait the Charger, exposing its head or legs for a squadmate with an anti-tank weapon.
  • Luring a Charger into ramming a wall or large rock will briefly stun it, creating an opening for attack or escape. However, small obstacles won’t stop it, so be cautious.
  • Piloting an EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit, it’s best to fire a rocket at a leg, then use the machine gun to shred the exposed weak spot.
  • Orbital and airstrike Stratagems, such as Eagle Airstrike, Eagle Napalm Airstrike, Orbital Precision Strike, and Eagle 500kg Bomb, will instantly kill a Charger if it lands within the blast radius.
  • Stun Grenades can immobilize Chargers, setting them up for precise attacks.
  • Leading a Charger through fire or placing an Eagle Napalm Strike ahead of its path can help burn through its health.
  • Despite their size, Chargers attack infrequently and are easy to avoid. The real danger often comes from focusing too much on them, leading to being overwhelmed by Warriors and Hunters. It’s often better to clear smaller threats first before engaging a Charger.