In Helldivers 2 Items, few enemies strike as much fear into players as Vox Engines. These towering machines combine durability, devastating attacks, and relentless aggression, making them one of the toughest challenges in the game. Facing them without a well-planned loadout can turn a straightforward mission into a disaster.
Fortunately, the right stratagems can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll rank the best stratagems for taking down Vox Engines, explain why they excel, and provide tips on using them effectively in both solo and squad play.
Understanding the Vox Engine Threat
Before discussing stratagems, it’s important to understand what makes Vox Engines such formidable opponents:
- Heavy Armor and High Health: Ordinary attacks often barely scratch them, requiring high-impact or sustained damage to make progress.
- Massive Area Damage: Their attacks can wipe out uncoordinated squads in seconds.
- Accompanying Enemies: Vox Engines rarely fight alone. Smaller units can overwhelm players if ignored.
- Challenging Environments: Tight spaces and limited cover make positioning and strategy critical.
With these factors in mind, effective stratagems must combine burst damage, sustained attacks, precision targeting, and survivability.
S-Tier Stratagems: The Game-Changers
These stratagems are essential for any fight against Vox Engines. They provide the most damage, control, and tactical flexibility.
1. Orbital Laser
- Why it’s S-Tier: Continuous, automatic damage to multiple targets, making it perfect for both the Vox Engine and smaller enemies.
- Tactical Advice: Deploy ahead of the engine’s path to maximize uptime. Use it to soften the battlefield while your squad focuses on dodging or other high-damage stratagems.
2. Eagle 500kg Bomb
- Why it’s S-Tier: One of the highest burst damage stratagems in the game. A direct hit can reduce the engine’s health drastically or even finish it early in the fight.
- Tactical Advice: Wait for moments when the Vox Engine slows down or pauses. Avoid deploying near teammates to prevent accidental casualties.
3. Railcannon Strike
- Why it’s S-Tier: Reliable single-target damage that locks onto the largest enemy, guaranteeing critical hits on the Vox Engine without perfect aim.
- Tactical Advice: Use it to instantly reduce the threat level, especially when the engine is isolated. Pair with sustained damage tools like the Orbital Laser for layered attacks.
These S-Tier stratagems form the core of any effective loadout. They deliver raw power and consistency, allowing your squad to control the fight.
A-Tier Stratagems: Strong and Versatile
These stratagems provide essential support and consistent damage. They may not have the immediate punch of S-Tier tools, but their utility is invaluable.
4. Recoilless Rifle
- Why it’s A-Tier: High-precision, anti-armor weapon that rewards accuracy and teamwork. Targeting weak points dramatically reduces the engine’s durability.
- Tactical Advice: Coordinate with a teammate for rapid reloads. Focus on exposed panels like legs or rear armor. Maintain distance to avoid splash damage.
5. Autocannon Sentry
- Why it’s A-Tier: Provides continuous, passive damage while drawing the engine’s attention. It’s especially useful for controlling battlefield space and protecting teammates.
- Tactical Advice: Place behind cover or slightly to the side to avoid instant destruction. Spread multiple sentries for maximum coverage.
These stratagems keep the pressure on the Vox Engine while helping the squad survive longer engagements.
B-Tier Stratagems: Situational but Valuable
While not core damage dealers, these stratagems can turn the tide when used strategically.
6. Shield Generator Pack
- Why it’s B-Tier: Defensive tool that allows your squad to survive the engine’s devastating attacks. It doesn’t deal damage but ensures your team remains effective longer.
- Tactical Advice: Position the shield to cover multiple squad members. Use it to support high-risk maneuvers, like deploying the Eagle Bomb or Recoilless Rifle in close range.
7. Orbital Precision Strike
- Why it’s B-Tier: A high-risk, high-reward tool. If timed perfectly, it can finish off a weakened Vox Engine. However, it requires precise prediction and coordination.
- Tactical Advice: Only deploy once the enemy is softened by other stratagems. Observe movement patterns to land strikes on weak points.
These B-Tier tools shine in skilled hands, providing survivability and the perfect finishing touch.
Recommended Squad Loadout
For a balanced team, consider the following combination:
- Heavy DPS Player: Recoilless Rifle + Eagle Bomb
- Support Player: Shield Generator + Autocannon Sentry
- Precision Player: Orbital Precision Strike + Railcannon Strike
- Flexible Player: Orbital Laser + Mines or secondary crowd control
This loadout ensures:
- Continuous damage pressure on the Vox Engine.
- Protection against devastating attacks.
- Flexibility for positioning and strategy.
Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
- Timing is Everything: Use burst damage early to soften the enemy, then layer sustained damage.
- Spread Out: Avoid clustering to reduce the risk of area-of-effect attacks.
- Coordinate Stratagems: Combine multiple tools to maximize damage without overlapping unnecessarily.
- Prioritize Survival: Even the best damage tools are useless if the squad is wiped. Shield Generators and positioning are crucial.
Conclusion
Vox Engines are intimidating, but with the right stratagems, they become manageable challenges. By understanding the ranking and utility of each tool, you can craft loadouts that maximize damage, control, and survivability.
Master the S-Tier powerhouses for raw damage, use A-Tier stratagems for sustained support, and bring B-Tier tools for defense and finishing blows. Timing, coordination, and adaptability are key—the right squad with the right loadout will dominate every Vox Engine encounter in Helldivers 2.