The GATER Mission in Helldivers 2: A Frustrating but Rewarding Operation Killer

The war for Managed Democracy in Helldivers 2 has never been more challenging. As players push deeper into the new Nod-Krai region, a new mission type has emerged that has quickly earned a reputation as an “Operation Killer.” The Conduct Mobile E-711 Extraction mission, which requires players to escort and defend a mobile oil rig known as the GATER, is a brutal test of skill, communication, and strategy, often ending in a swift and devastating failure for unprepared squads.

The Challenge of the GATER Mission

The GATER mission, which is part of the new “Into the Unjust” update, tasks Helldivers with escorting a massive, slow-moving oil rig to different drilling sites. At each location, players must activate a drill and hold their position against relentless waves of Terminids while the GATER siphons the oil. The mission’s fail condition is simple and unforgiving: if the GATER is destroyed, the entire operation fails instantly.

This is where the mission’s difficulty truly shines. The GATER is an armored vehicle, but it’s not invincible. It has no visible health bar and cannot be repaired. It is also susceptible to instant destruction from a few key sources, including:

• The Hive Lord: The new Hive Lord, a colossal, heavily armored boss, poses the single greatest threat to the GATER. If a Hive Lord emerges from the ground directly underneath the rig, it will instantly destroy it, ending the mission in a flash.
• Bile Titan Attacks: The powerful Bile Titans can also cause significant damage with their bile and stomp attacks, though they are less likely to one-shot the GATER.
• Environmental Hazards: While less common, certain environmental hazards or player-inflicted damage can also lead to the GATER’s demise.

The GATER mission’s strict fail condition and the sheer power of the new enemies make it a chaotic and unpredictable experience, often leading to a sudden and frustrating end to a long operation.

Strategies for GATER Mission Success

Despite its difficulty, the GATER mission is not impossible. Experienced Helldivers have developed a few key strategies to increase their chances of success:

• Prioritize the Hive Lord: The most crucial rule for a GATER mission is to prioritize and eliminate the Hive Lord as soon as it appears. Don’t engage with smaller enemies; focus all of your fire on the boss to prevent it from getting close to the rig.
• Bring Anti-Armor Stratagems: Your loadout should be heavily focused on anti-armor. The Hive Lord, like the Bile Titan, is heavily armored and requires powerful support weapons to take down quickly. The Orbital Railcannon Strike and Eagle 500kg Bomb are highly effective against it.
• Communication is Key: Unlike other missions, a GATER mission requires constant communication. One player should be designated as the GATER driver, while the others scout ahead, clear threats, and protect the rig from all sides.
• Split the Squad: A popular strategy is to have two players focus on the GATER’s path while the other two divert and eliminate patrols and side objectives. This helps to prevent being overwhelmed at the drilling sites.

The GATER mission, while difficult, offers a new and exciting challenge for veterans of Helldivers 2. It forces players to adapt their strategies, work together more closely than ever, and face some of the toughest enemies the game has to offer. It’s a mission that tests not only a player’s combat skills but also their patience and resolve in the face of immense adversity.