All Helldivers 2 factions

Liberate the Sol system.

Giant alien bug in Helldivers 2 opening
Screenshot by Dot Esports

Become a Helldiver, protector of the Super Earth, and work with others to put an end to the invading factions in Helldivers 2. If you’re wondering which factions you’ll be fighting against, we’ve got you covered. Here are all the factions in Helldivers 2.

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Helldivers 2: All enemy factions and enemy types

Galactic console solar system overview in Helldivers 2
Take on the Automatons at the red zones or the Terminids at the orange zones. Screenshot by Dot Esports

There are two factions at the time of Helldivers 2‘s release. These factions are very different to most other games, as in Helldivers 2, factions are enemy classifications. There are two enemy types: Insects and Robots. Each faction has its own weaponry, armor, strengths, and weaknesses. Feel free to check out our complete enemy list for a full list of enemy strengths and weaknesses.

The factions are shown on the Galactic War planet overview screen at all times. You’ll find the Terminids (insects) invading on the east, while the Automatons (robots) invade from the west. Each planet the enemies reside on has different terrain and weather conditions that affect your Helldiver’s mobility and status. Let’s explore the main differences between the two factions in Helldivers 2.

Terminids

Alien bug horde running over to Helldiver in Helldivers 2
An alien horde fast approaching. Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Terminids are giant bug-like creatures that quickly and easily swarm Helldivers who aren’t on high alert throughout a mission. Listen out for their screeches and check the mini-map to see enemies’ movements while you complete and extract in missions. There are multiple types of Terminids, each with their own unique attacks and defenses.

Here are all Terminid enemies you’ll face in Helldivers 2:

The Terminid swarms include standard, small insects you can easily kill with one clean headshot. There are also slightly larger, white insects that are incredibly frustrating to deal with if a swarm overwhelms you. They have the fastest mobility, can leap, and have claws with a wider reach than other insects. Next, there are armored insects, much larger in stature, with their head and back covered in thick armor.

Finally, the larger than life Terminid are the Bile Titan, Charger, and Brood Commander. These have massive abdomens filled with acid that they shot at you from long-range. Their body also include armor to cover most weak spots. These giant bugs are best beaten with Stratagems and support weapons.

Automatons

Robot group running towards Helldiver in Helldivers 2
Face the terminator. Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Automatons are intelligent robots that wield firearms and melee weapons. There are multiple versions patrolling the map. You’ll see standard firearm robots, who shoot laser bullets that look like miniature lightsabers. These, alongside the grenade-throwing robots, can easily be killed by a single well-placed headshot.

You’ll also encounter melee robots (Berserkers) who run at you with blades and chainsaws attached to their arms. The Automaton robots resemble the Terminator, Avatar machines, and Star Wars Walkers. All of these larger robots have specific weaknesses that are tough to pinpoint with standard weapons.

Here are all Automaton enemies you’ll face in Helldivers 2:

  • Raider: Pistols, launchers, dynamite, and jetpack variants.
  • Marauder: Assault rifles or turret manning.
  • Commissar
  • Berserker
  • Scout Strider
  • Devastator: Assault rifle, shield, and launcher variants.
  • Hulk: Cannons or flamethrower variant.
  • Sentry Tower
  • Tank
  • Dropship (ship filled with reinforcements)

Both factions can call for reinforcements, causing a breach on the map and spawning in a ton of enemies around you. Stealth is more viable to use around Automatons, while you should use all-out artillery attacks to clear the Terminids. Although there are only two factions currently in Helldivers 2, more enemy factions will likely be added in the future.

Author
Image of Hadley Vincent
Hadley Vincent
Writer for Dot since Oct. 2023. Just a Psychology graduate trying to find the meaning of life through gaming. An enthusiast of indie horror and anime, where you'll often find them obsessing over a great narrative and even better twists that'd make M. Night jealous. Their shocking twist? They think The Last of Us II is a masterpiece.