They were the stuff of rumors and dismissed reports. But with a recent update, the skies of Helldivers 2 are no longer safe. Shriekers, the terrifying new flying enemies, have arrived, and Helldivers are scrambling to adapt. This article dives deep into these airborne nightmares, separating fact from fiction.
Helldivers 2: A Bug Surprise?
The introduction of Shriekers came as a shock to some players, especially considering official pronouncements. The game’s creative director, Johan Pilestedt, had repeatedly denied the existence of flying bugs. However, the box art itself hinted at their presence, and leaks fueled speculation. So, the surprise wasn’t necessarily the concept, but the stealthy rollout.
What Exactly are Shriekers?
Imagine a monstrous winged version of the ground-based Helldivers 2 Hunter. That’s the Shrieker in a nutshell. These large, aggressive creatures are the first true flying enemies in the game. They tend to attack in groups, employing hit-and-run tactics. They swoop down from afar, delivering a quick attack before retreating back into the sky.
How to Deal with the Shrieker Menace
Don’t expect to swat these pests with your peashooter. Regular weapon fire plinks harmlessly off their armor. Taking down a Shrieker requires Helldivers 2’s arsenal of armor-piercing weaponry. Here’s what works:
- Heavy ordinance: Orbital strikes, grenades, and support weapons like the Expendable Anti-Tank are effective deterrents.
- Nest annihilation: Just like ground-based enemies, Shriekers spawn from nests. Destroying these nests is the most efficient way to eliminate the threat permanently.
Shrieker Basics
- What makes Shriekers so deadly? Their primary attack is a powerful dive-bomb that can easily kill a Helldiver with one hit. They are also fast and agile, making them difficult to target.
- How do I know if Shriekers are present on a mission? Look for their nests. These are clusters of large, glowing mushroom-like structures. If you see a nest, you can be sure Shriekers will be around.
- Do Shriekers attack immediately? No. Often, a nest can remain in a dormant state until Helldivers engage it.
Combat Strategy
- What weapons are best against Shriekers? High-powered, armor-piercing weapons like the “Justice” Recoilless Rifle, MG-94 Machine Gun, and EXO-44 Stomper.
- What about stratagems? Orbital strikes like the MLRS Rocket Barrage or Railgun Strike are highly effective. Support weapons such as the EAT-17 for slowing down their movement can be helpful too.
- Is there any way to dodge their attack? Yes! The key is continuous movement and using the dive-roll ability strategically. Watch for their telltale dive, and time your roll.
Nests
- How tough are Shrieker nests? Quite resilient. They require a significant amount of firepower to take down.
- Can I take out a nest from a distance? Yes, if you have the right weapons and a clear line of sight. However, this will immediately alert nearby Shriekers to your presence.
- What’s the best strategy for destroying a nest? Focus your fire with your squad. Prioritize weapons that do heavy damage. If you see multiple nests in the area, take them out one by one.
Lore and Speculation
- Why did the devs introduce Shriekers after initially denying them? It’s possible they wanted to add a surprise element or change their development direction along the way.
- Is the in-game discovery announcement a hint at more secrets? Potentially! Helldivers 2 has a history of hidden secrets and easter eggs. The Shrieker reveal could be a playful way of hinting at more surprises to come.
A Conspiracy of Silence?
The way the Shriekers were introduced adds another layer to the Helldivers 2 experience. The in-game announcement portrays it as a sudden discovery, seemingly contradicting earlier assurances. This narrative twist has some players wondering if there was a deliberate cover-up by Super Earth’s high command.
Whether this is a playful dig at the developer or something more significant remains to be seen. Regardless, one thing’s for sure: Helldivers now face a whole new dimension of danger in the form of the Shriekers.
