If you've spent any time on higher-difficulty Automaton fronts, you've likely encountered their heavy armor. Among the most intimidating threats are their tanks: the Annihilator, Shredder, and Barrager. This guide breaks down how they work and, more importantly, how most players effectively deal with them in practice.

What are the main types of Automaton Tanks?
There are three variants you'll face. The Annihilator Tank is the standard main battle tank, armed with a powerful anti-armor laser cannon and hull-mounted machine guns. It's the most heavily armored. The Shredder Tank swaps the main cannon for a quad heavy machine gun turret, making it devastating against infantry but slightly less armored on its turret sides. The Barrager Tank is a missile artillery vehicle; it lacks a direct-fire heavy cannon but can launch barrages of rockets from a distance.

How do I destroy a tank? What actually works?
The core principle is targeting weak points. A tank's frontal and side chassis armor is incredibly tough. In general, players succeed by aiming for the rear, the tracks, or specific vents. Here’s what usually works, based on common loadouts:

Stratagems: Most explosive anti-vehicle Stratagems are reliable. The Orbital Precision Strike and Eagle 500kg Bomb are popular for their accuracy and power. The Eagle Airstrike can also work if placed well.

Support Weapons: The GR-8 Recoilless Rifle and FAF-14 Spear can destroy a tank with a well-placed shot to the front chassis. Other launchers, like the EAT-17, often require a rear shot or a follow-up shot if hitting the front. The RS-422 Railgun can break a tank in 4-5 unsafe mode shots to the front, or just two shots into its rear vent.

Grenades: A single thermite grenade stuck to the body or turret will destroy it over its burn time. This is a very common tactic for players who can get close.

Unexpected Methods: The GP-31 Grenade Pistol's impact grenade can destroy a tank with one direct hit. You can also destroy a Shredder by landing two impact grenades on top of its turret. Furthermore, a grenade launcher can be arced to hit a tank's weak rear plating.

What are the specific weak points for each tank?

Annihilator & Shredder: Their universal weak points are the rear chassis (where the engine vents are) and their tracks. Damaging the tracks immobilizes them. The Shredder has an additional weakness: the sides of its turret are only medium armor, so many weapons can penetrate there.

Barrager: Focus on the missile tubes on the front and back of its launcher housing, which are medium armor. The main rectangular housing is still heavily armored.

What are some practical, in-the-field tactics players use?
Beyond just shooting weak points, experienced Helldivers use these behaviors:

Flanking and Mobility: Never face a tank head-on if you can avoid it. Use terrain to circle around. Its turret turns slowly, so moving to its side or rear while it's engaged with a teammate is key.

Using Cover: Destroyed tanks provide excellent physical cover from enemy fire. You can even jump on top of an active tank's turret; it can't hit you there, but you're exposed to other enemies.

Priority Targeting: The Barrager should often be killed first in a group, as its long-range missile barrage can wipe a squad that's focused on another target. The Shredder is a major threat to infantry in the open.

Respect the Explosion: All tanks have a volatile engine. When destroyed, they explode violently and can kill nearby players. Always back up after delivering the killing blow.

Unconventional Methods: As a humorous but noted tactic, if a Hellpod containing a sentry lands on a tank and survives, the deployed sentry will attack from its perch, safe from melee units.

What should I absolutely avoid doing?
Avoid firing standard small-arms or medium-penetration weapons at the front of a tank; it's a waste of ammo. Do not stand still directly in front of one, as the Annihilator's laser cannon will vaporize you instantly. Also, be cautious around a destroyed tank's treads; a bug sometimes causes them to deal rapid damage on contact.

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