With the new tank in Helldivers 2, you gain entirely new options during your battles. We’ll tell you how to make the most of the Bastion.
With the TD-220 Bastion MK XVI, a fully fledged tank destroyer joins Helldivers 2 for the first time as a stratagem. The Bastion is not a standard vehicle for reckless solo runs. It is designed for teamwork and only reaches its full potential within a squad. Plan its deployment carefully, as the cooldown is long and usually allows only a few call-ins per mission. In this article, you’ll learn how to unlock the tank and how to use it effectively in combat.
Helldivers 2: How to Unlock the Tank
You unlock it via the Ship Management menu aboard your Super Destroyer. In the Hangar section, you’ll find the Bastion entry and can purchase it for 35,000 Requisition Slips. Rank 25 is required. Once purchased, it becomes permanently available as a stratagem and can be added to your loadout.
Basic Mechanics of the Bastion
The Bastion accommodates up to four Helldivers. Two roles are mandatory: driver and gunner. Two additional squad members can ride as passengers and actively support the fight.
Driver
- Controls acceleration, steering and positioning
- Ensures optimal firing angles
- Decides between advancing or retreating
Gunner
- Operates the 120mm high-velocity cannon
- Uses the coaxial heavy machine gun
- Prioritizes targets based on threat level
Passengers
- Secure the flanks and rear
- Deploy their own weapons and stratagems
- Watch for mines, infantry and fast attackers
The main cannon carries 30 rounds and must be manually reloaded after each shot. The machine gun holds around 2,000 rounds and is suited for sustained fire against light and medium targets. The cannon is intended for heavily armored enemies, structures and large units. Even larger enemies like the Bile Titan can be taken down quickly with the main gun.
The turret has only a limited horizontal traverse. This means the driver must constantly think ahead. Good communication between driver and gunner is crucial, otherwise you may find yourselves stuck between fortress walls.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Tank
The Bastion is sturdy, but not indestructible. It withstands light anti-armor attacks well. Medium and heavy penetration can seriously damage it. Fire and explosions also harm the vehicle, even if the crew inside is protected. Early signs of damage include dark smoke. If the tank is about to explode, you will usually be automatically ejected.
Strengths
- High damage against heavy targets such as turrets
- Very effective against armored Automatons
- Can run over light and medium enemies
- Provides mobile cover for the squad
Weaknesses
- Sluggish steering and large turning radius
- Vulnerable to flanking attacks
- Severely limited turret movement
- Long cooldown
Its handling feels more like a heavy truck than a nimble combat vehicle. On hills, in narrow canyons or between rocks, you will quickly lose mobility. Drive defensively, plan your route and avoid unnecessary risks. Fortunately, you can easily crush or destroy smaller obstacles, trees or plants with the tank.
Tactics Against Terminids, Automatons and Cyborgs
Against Terminids, the Bastion excels at range. Keep your distance from bug nests and prioritize large targets such as Titans or heavily armored attackers. The cannon’s blast radius helps thin out swarms. Make sure not to get surrounded. The tank is strong from the front, but vulnerable from the rear.
In combat against Automatons, the Bastion is particularly valuable. Fabricators, turrets and heavy units can be eliminated with precision. Use long sightlines and remain as stationary as possible to maximize accuracy. Between cannon shots, suppress infantry with the machine gun.
The new Cyborgs add further dynamism to the battlefield. They combine durable units with aggressive advances. Target prioritization is key here. You should engage heavy Cyborg variants with the main cannon, while the rest of the team secures the surroundings. Pay close attention to your flanks, as Cyborgs can apply pressure from multiple directions.
Positioning and Timing Within the Squad
The Bastion is not built for chaotic pushes. Its greatest strength unfolds from prepared positions with clear lines of sight.
Proven fundamentals include:
- Seek elevated, preferably even terrain
- Come to a full stop before turning
- Keep retreat routes clear
- Never leave the tank unsecured
Early mission objectives with heavy resistance, large outposts or the final extraction are typical deployment scenarios. Do not waste it on small outposts that can be cleared with grenades or a Stalwart.
Support the tank with complementary stratagems such as shield generators, repair options or additional anti-armor capabilities within the team. A single Bastion does not replace a full anti-armor setup, but rather functions as part of a coordinated overall strategy.
