Helldivers 2 continues to get bigger and better with regular updates, and following the long-awaited launch on Xbox, a new enemy type has arrived in the form of the Hive Lord.
Added in the Into The Unjust update, the Hive Lord now sits atop the throne as the most dangerous enemy in Helldivers 2 and can quickly derail any missions when it appears.
Taking down a Hive Lord is not an easy endeavour, but if you want to successfully quell the beast, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Can You Kill The Hive Lord in Helldivers 2?
Yes, the Hive Lord in Helldivers 2 can be killed, though it will take a hefty amount of firepower and isn’t a challenge for the faint-hearted.
Hive Lords in Helldivers 2 appear on Hive planets in the Terminid sector at the highest difficulty levels, with the lowest level reported for a Hive Lord appearance being seven. If you push the difficulty up to 10, you’re pretty much guaranteed to come face-to-face with this terrifying beast.
Their arrival in the most recent Helldivers 2 update provides a stern challenge to even the most experienced Helldiver, with teamwork and communication required. Without preparation, defeating a Hive Lord is pretty much impossible, so enter any mission prepared.
Anti-tank Stratagems and weapons are a necessity due to the armor covering the Hive Lord. Once an armor piece is broken, the soft tissue underneath can be targeted as a weak spot, with another point to focus on, being its open mouth.
Steer well clear of it’s lunging attacks and bile-spewing, however, as they will kill you in an instant.
How Much HP Does The Hive Lord Have in Helldivers 2?
Hive Lords in Helldivers 2 have the most HP of any enemy introduced in the game so far, with a whopping 150,000 health.
To put that massive health bar into perspective, the Stratagem dealing the highest damage in the game is a Hellbomb with 10,000, meaning it would take 15 of them to take down a Hive Lord.
Clad in Tank 1 Armor across the body and Tank 2 Armor in the head, the huge HP pool of the Hive Lord is only part of the challenge. Without the right weapons, it’s comparable to throwing a tic-tac at the Great Wall of China and hoping for the entire thing to collapse.
Best Loadout to Defeat Hive Lord in Helldivers 2
Hellbombs are an absolute necessity if you’re on the hunt to defeat a Hive Lord, but Anti-Tank weapons and movement-boost Stratagems are also must-haves.
Alternative options for explosive firepower are the Orbital 120mm HE Barrage, Orbital Gatling Barrage, Eagle 500KG Bomb, and Orbital Railcannon Strike. Really, you need as many of these as possible across your squad for consistent damage.
Weapon-wise, anti-tank heavy weapons are another necessity, allowing you to continue dealing decent damage while your Stratagems cooldown. The EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank, GR-8 Recoilless Rifle, MLS-4X Commando, RS-422 Railgun, FAF-14 Spear, and StA-X3 W.A.S.P Launcher are all suitable options.
Movement-boosting Stratagems like the LIFT-850 Jump Pack and LIFT-182 Warp Pack are also a solid bet, as you can avoid the Hive Lord’s attacks, but don’t neglect the basic Stratagems like the Support Pack, as you’re going to need a ready supply of ammunition and weaponry.
Have you encountered a Hive Lord yet in Helldivers 2? How did the fight go? Share your experience in the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Helldivers 2, check out confirmation that split-screen is a “feasible” addition to the game, and take a look at our rundown of the best Warbonds to purchase.
