The Commissar is a light infantry Automaton that frequently leads Automaton patrols, wielding a laser pistol and a sword.
Spawning
Commissars spawn naturally or emerge from Dropships on all difficulty levels. They are most commonly seen leading Automaton patrols, often singing an Automaton marching cadence.
Unlike other light infantry Automatons, Commissars do not spawn from Automaton Fabricators.
At higher difficulties, they are gradually replaced by stronger light infantry units, such as the Rocket Raider and MG Raider.
If a planet is invaded by the Jet Brigade, Commissars are replaced by their Jet Brigade variant starting at Trivial difficulty.
Behavior
Commissars engage Helldivers from a distance, firing their laser pistol in three-round bursts when a target is in sight. They require four seconds to cool down before firing again.
They maintain distance, backing away if approached, but will swing their sword in melee combat if a Helldiver gets too close.
If a Helldiver takes cover, they will toss a grenade to flush them out.
When alerted to a Helldiver’s presence, Commissars can fire a flare to summon Dropships for reinforcements.
The Jet Brigade variant is equipped with a jump pack, enabling it to rapidly close the distance to engage Helldivers more aggressively.
Tactics
- Commissars do not have a higher chance of calling in Dropships—all light infantry units have an equal probability of summoning reinforcements when alerted.
- They prefer ranged combat, rarely attempting to close the distance for sword attacks.
- All light infantry Automatons can be suppressed with sustained fire, briefly reducing their accuracy.
- Eliminating a Commissar before it finishes firing a flare will prevent Dropships from arriving.
- Grenades and headshots will reliably one-shot all light infantry Automatons.