In Helldivers 2, players face a wide array of hostile alien species across three major factions. Among the most fearsome are the Terminids—mutated insectoid creatures that range from small, fast-moving grunts to colossal monstrosities. While the Bile Titan once reigned as the largest threat in this faction, a new apex predator has emerged: the Hive Lord.
This guide will walk you through how to find Hive Lords, what signals to look for, and the best tactics and gear to bring if you want to survive the encounter and claim victory.
Where to Find Hive Lords in Helldivers 2
Hive Lords are elite boss-type enemies that appear exclusively on Terminid-infested planets, particularly those shrouded in Gloom. Their emergence is tied to mission difficulty and terrain conditions:
- Spawn Conditions: Hive Lords begin appearing at Difficulty Level 7 and become more frequent at higher levels.
- Terrain Clues: Look for wide, barren patches of land far from water sources and cave entrances. These open areas are prime locations for Hive Lord emergence.
- Visual Indicators: Red smoke grenades scattered on the ground often signal a potential spawn point. If you see these, prepare for a major fight.
- Bile Titan Presence: If Bile Titans are active in your mission, there’s a higher chance a Hive Lord could also appear.
While their spawn isn’t guaranteed, these signs can help you anticipate their arrival and prepare accordingly.
How to Kill Hive Lords: Strategy and Loadout Tips
Taking down a Hive Lord is no small feat. These massive, sand-burrowing creatures boast an enormous health pool—estimated at 150,000 HP—and are protected by thick armor plating. To defeat one, you’ll need a coordinated team, powerful strategems, and precision targeting.
Recommended Strategems and Weapons
Equip your squad with high-damage, anti-armor tools. Here are the most effective options:
Strategem / Weapon | Purpose |
---|
Eagle 500Kg Bomb | Massive area damage |
Portable Hellbomb | High single-target burst |
Orbital Laser | Sustained damage over time |
Orbital Railcannon Strike | Precision armor penetration |
Exo-45 Patriot Exosuit | Mobility and firepower |
E/MG-101 HMG Emplacement | Stationary heavy weapon |
EAT-17 Anti-Tank | Disposable armor-piercing |
ML5-4X Commando | Versatile support |
RS-422 Railgun | Long-range armor busting |
Targeting Weak Points
HiveLords are covered in segmented armor, but between each plate lies avulnerable gap. Aim for these joints to maximize damage. Additionally:
- Mouth: When exposed, the mouth is a critical weak spot. However, beware of its devastating breath attack—keep your distance.
- Burrow Zones: Stay clear of the ground where it tunnels. When it resurfaces, it can launch players sky-high, often fatally.
Team Coordination Is Key
Soloing a Hive Lord is nearly impossible. A full squad of four Helldivers is strongly recommended. Assign roles strategically:
- Crowd Control: One player should focus on clearing smaller Terminids to prevent being overwhelmed.
- Boss Damage: The remaining three should concentrate fire on the Hive Lord, using heavy weapons and strategems.
Communication, timing, and positioning are essential. The Hive Lord moves frequently,diving underground and reappearing unpredictably. Stay mobile and alert.
Final Tips for Victory
- Patience Pays Off: These battles are long and grueling. Don’t rush—wait for the right moment to deploy your strongest attacks.
- Watch the Terrain: Use elevation and cover to your advantage, but avoid areas where the Hive Lord might emerge.
- Luck Matters: Even with perfect execution, RNG plays a role. Be prepared to retry if things go south.
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Want help building a custom loadout or planning a squad strategy for your next mission? I’ve got ideas.
Tags: Cooperative shooter, Top-down shooter, Sci-fi action game, Helldivers 2 gameplay, Helldivers 2 tips, Helldivers 2 update
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Windows PC
Developer(s): Arrowhead Game Studios
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
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