Flying enemies in Helldivers 2 can be some of the most frustrating foes you’ll face. Whether it’s the shrieking Terminid Chargers with wings or the Automaton drones that pepper you from above, dealing with airborne threats requires more than just quick reflexes. It demands the right tools, tactics, and teamwork. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively counter flying enemies and keep your squad from being wiped out mid-mission.

1. Choose Weapons with Reliable Anti-Air Potential

When you’re up against flying units, accuracy and range become your best allies. Weapons like the AR-23 Liberator and BR-14 Adjudicator offer stable aim for tracking fast-moving targets. However, for serious anti-air defense, the EAT-17 or Recoilless Rifle can make short work of larger drones if your timing is right.

For squad loadouts, it’s worth designating one player as a dedicated anti-air specialist. Equipping them with the AC-8 Autocannon or MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun allows them to suppress flying enemies while the rest of the team focuses on ground units.

2. Use Stratagems for Air Denial

Stratagems are the backbone of survival in Helldivers 2, and several are perfect for dealing with air threats. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry is a reliable option to cover your back and shoot down approaching flyers automatically. If you prefer area control, the A/G-16 Gatling Sentry provides sustained firepower that can thin out drone waves before they get too close.

The Eagle Airstrike and Eagle Strafing Run are also excellent for clearing clusters of flying enemies, especially when they hover in groups around objectives. Just make sure to time the call-ins correctly to avoid friendly fire.

3. Maintain Situational Awareness

One of the biggest mistakes new Helldivers make is ignoring the skies until it’s too late. Keep your camera tilted upward occasionally to scout for shadows or glowing eyes in the distance. Flying enemies often announce their approach with distinct sounds—learning these cues can help you react before they strike.

In high-level missions, communication is everything. Assign one squad member to call out incoming air threats. Staying grouped but not clustered ensures you can support each other without becoming an easy target.

4. Optimize Your Armor and Perks

Flying enemies often deal burst or energy-based damage, so selecting armor with balanced mobility and durability is crucial. Light armor lets you dodge quickly, but heavy armor gives you more room for error if a drone gets a lucky hit. Combining perks like Engineering Kit (for faster turret deployment) or Strong Arm (for longer grenade throws) can further enhance your defensive setup.

5. Manage Resources Efficiently

If you’re playing longer missions or farming for rewards, it’s important to plan ahead. High-difficulty planets often feature flying enemies in mixed waves, so bringing loadouts suited for both ground and air combat saves time and effort. Many players aim to buy Helldivers 2 medals or other resources to speed up their progress and unlock better stratagems faster. It’s understandable—these medals are essential for upgrading gear and customizing your build.

When looking for a trusted seller, players often mention U4GM for offering cheap Helldivers 2 medals quickly and safely. Having enough medals allows you to adapt your loadout efficiently and stay ahead of new challenges introduced in updates.

Countering flying enemies in Helldivers 2 isn’t just about firepower—it’s about awareness, coordination, and flexibility. Once you learn to predict their movements and prepare the right tools, even the deadliest swarms become manageable. Whether you’re grinding for medals or pushing deep into the galaxy, mastering aerial combat is key to surviving—and thriving—in the ongoing war for Super Earth.