The Factory Strider is a massive, tank-level armored Automaton vehicle, serving as a mobile deployment platform for Devastators. It is equipped with twin gatling lasers and a modified cannon, making it a formidable force on the battlefield.
Spawning
Factory Striders first appear in Eliminate Automaton Factory Strider missions on Challenging difficulty.
At Suicide difficulty and beyond, they spawn from Dropships or Heavy Automaton Outposts, with their spawn rate increasing at higher difficulties.
Behavior
When alerted, the Factory Strider emits a loud roar before engaging Helldivers independently with its weapons.
Its cannon can rotate 360°, making it the first to fire upon spotting a Helldiver. It can fire up to three rounds, provided its target is within line of sight and not too close.
The gatling lasers, mounted on the Factory Strider’s head, have a limited rotation but fire at a lethal 1200 RPM, making them deadly at close range.
Its massive frame can knock down and damage Helldivers as it moves.
Every 50-55 seconds, the Factory Strider deploys four Devastators, signaled by a distinct mechanical door sound.
When destroyed, the Factory Strider lets out a shriek before violently exploding, with its collapsing body crushing nearby Helldivers.
Tactics
- The Factory Strider has an enormous health pool, making it resistant to most weapons and Stratagems.
- Effective Stratagems include the Eagle 500kg Bomb, Orbital Precision Strike, Eagle Strafing Run, and Orbital 380mm HE Barrage, which can weaken or destroy the Strider.
- Gatling lasers are its biggest short-range threat. Helldivers should prioritize destroying them first using Medium armor-penetrating Support .
- Stims can allow Helldivers to survive its gatling laser fire, unless hit in the head.
- Oddly, the Factory Strider’s gatling lasers do not target Exosuits, but its cannon still does.