How to Melt Automatons with Thermite Grenades

We’ve all experienced it: everything’s going well with a mission, you’re effectively controlling the situation, and then disaster strikes. Suddenly, powerful enemies appear and your careful plan falls apart. That’s when you need something more than just a regular explosive – you need a solution. That’s where the Thermite grenade comes in. There’s nothing quite like watching a charging enemy stop dead in its tracks, burn, and fall apart thanks to a well-aimed throw. This guide will show you how to become the expert at taking down tough robots, turning desperate situations into blazing wins.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize High-Value Targets: Reserve your Thermite grenades for the toughest single enemies like Hulks, Tanks, and Fabricators. Use your primary weapon or other explosives for dealing with groups of weaker bots.
Use Fire for Area Control: Don’t just think about direct damage. Toss Thermites into chokepoints or onto dropship locations to create fiery barriers that deny areas to the enemy and control the flow of battle.
Build a Balanced Loadout: Since Thermites solve your heavy armor problem, pair them with primary weapons that excel at clearing infantry and Stratagems that provide wide-area crowd control to cover all your bases.

What Makes Thermite Grenades a Game-Changer?

If you’ve ever been chased by an Automaton and found regular explosives weren’t enough, you’ll appreciate the Thermite grenade. It’s a special weapon built to exploit the robots’ strong armor, turning it into a major flaw.

Thermite is a powerful weapon against the Automaton threat, unlike grenades which just explode once. It creates a continuous, intense heat that clings to both surfaces and enemies. This makes it especially effective against heavily armored enemies like Hulks – instead of slowly damaging them, Thermite melts through their armor quickly. It’s more than just a helpful tool; it’s a key component for any Helldiver looking to reliably defeat armored Automatons.

How Thermite Damage Works

Thermite grenades are so effective because they don’t just explode – they stick to surfaces and burn intensely for several seconds. This continuous burn deals damage over time, which is especially useful against heavily armored robots. While standard attacks might bounce off, the thermite’s heat bypasses armor and steadily destroys the enemy. They’re a fantastic addition to any strategy that needs extra armor-piercing power or a reliable way to eliminate tough opponents.

Area of Effect and Burn Duration

Thermite grenades aren’t powerful with a single blast, but they excel at creating lasting danger. The burning area they create can block enemies, forcing them to find another route or suffer damage. This makes them great for controlling narrow passages and dealing with groups of robots. While a stun grenade briefly stops enemies, a Thermite can completely eliminate them. The lingering flames seriously damage any robot that passes through, making it a very effective way to handle patrols or reinforcements arriving by dropship.

Breaking Through Automaton Armor

Thermite is exceptionally powerful against tough enemies. While most grenades struggle to penetrate the heavy armor of bots like Devastators and Hulks, Thermite bypasses armor completely. It adheres to the target and uses intense, sustained heat to destroy internal components and disable the bot within its casing. Some players even consider it overpowered, as a single, accurate Thermite can take out a Hulk without any anti-tank weaponry. This ability to ignore armor makes Thermite a vital asset on any mission against robotic opponents.

Your Best Anti-Automaton Strategies

Thermite grenades are different from standard explosives; they’re designed to take down the most heavily armored Automatons. Using them effectively requires a change in strategy – focus on eliminating single, high-threat targets instead of trying to deal with large groups. Prioritize which enemy to take out first, learn about their armor, and aim your grenades carefully. Thermite is a great addition to any weapon setup that has trouble damaging heavily armored enemies. If your usual weapons aren’t even denting a Hulk, a well-aimed Thermite grenade can quickly destroy it.

Primary Combat Approaches

Playing as Thermite means you’ll be the team’s expert at taking down heavily armored enemies. Your priority is to destroy those tough targets that are giving your squad problems. Let your teammates who have weapons good at dealing with large groups of weaker bots handle those threats. Focus solely on finding and attaching Thermite to the biggest, most dangerous Automaton. To be effective, use a main weapon that’s good at quickly eliminating weaker enemies, like the Sickle or Breaker. This way, you’ll be able to handle all types of enemies without completely relying on your Stratagems.

Which Automatons Fear Thermite the Most?

Thermite grenades are especially powerful against the strongest Automaton enemies. Their intense, long-lasting heat quickly destroys heavily armored units like Hulks, Tanks, and Cannon Turrets – making them a top priority target. A single Thermite can seriously damage or even eliminate these threats, protecting your team. They’re also great for taking out stationary targets like Automaton Fabricators. While other grenade types are better for dealing with groups of smaller bots, Thermite is the best choice for breaking through the toughest Automaton defenses. For a detailed look at all Automaton weaknesses and how to prioritize targets, check out the full breakdown.

Are Thermites Worth the Slot?

Thermite grenades are a popular topic of discussion among players. Some feel they’re exceptionally effective at quickly taking down tough enemy robots, but they don’t do much damage to multiple enemies at once. If your team already has plenty of ways to deal with armored enemies, regular frag or impact grenades might be more useful overall. But, if you’re frustrated by Hulks that can withstand most attacks, Thermite grenades are a great choice – they consistently eliminate the biggest threats.

When to Use Thermites (and When Not To)

It’s not enough to know how to use your Thermite grenades – knowing when to use them is equally important. Save them for truly valuable targets, like tough enemies or key objectives. Using one on a basic enemy is a waste, especially when a heavily armored threat might appear later. Thermite is best used to destroy objectives from a safe distance, such as attaching it to a Strider’s leg or throwing it into a Fabricator. If you can, equip armor that lets you carry more grenades, giving you more flexibility with how you use Thermite against both enemies and objectives. On harder difficulties, like Suicide Mission, a reliable way to deal with armored enemies can be crucial for successfully completing the mission. Don’t just throw them randomly – use your Thermite strategically.

How to Master Thermite Grenades

Thermite grenades aren’t just about tossing an explosive; they’re about using them strategically to take apart the enemy robot forces. When you become skilled with them, you can control the battlefield. A perfectly thrown thermite can halt a rushing Hulk, destroy a Fabricator before it creates more enemies, or create a fiery barrier that robots won’t risk crossing.

Becoming a truly skilled Helldiver means mastering more than just basic attacks. While anyone can throw a grenade, consistently hitting a tank’s weak point with thermite or perfectly landing a grenade in a Fabricator vent from a distance takes practice and precision. This guide will cover the essential techniques – including aiming, timing, and positioning – to help you become the expert bot-destroyer your squad needs. Let’s dive in.

Perfect Your Throw

Thermite grenades are all about accurate throws. Unlike other grenades, they need to stick to the enemy to be truly effective. Practice aiming ahead of moving targets like Striders and Hulks to ensure a direct hit. This grenade is especially useful for builds focused on breaking heavy armor, so try to stick it to the enemy’s most heavily armored parts. Get comfortable with how far and how high you can throw it – a quick practice session on an easy mission will help. There’s nothing quite like landing a perfect throw on a Tank’s turret or a Devastator’s faceplate!

Nail Your Timing

Timing is crucial when using thermite – just as important as aiming it correctly. Save thermite for tough enemies like Hulks or Tanks, as standard grenades aren’t very effective against heavily armored units that can quickly overwhelm your team. The best time to use thermite is when a large enemy is distracted, giving you a clear, stationary shot. Knowing the weaknesses of all enemy types will help you choose the right targets. A well-timed thermite can eliminate a major threat before they can attack, turning the tide of battle. Don’t waste thermite on weaker enemies; wait for the perfect moment to make a real impact.

Smart Positioning and Movement

Where you are on the battlefield greatly affects how well your grenades work. Before throwing, make sure you have a clear shot, as obstacles like rocks or trees can cause you to miss. Use cover to protect yourself – quickly peek out, throw a grenade, and immediately return to safety. If possible, equip armor that lets you carry more grenades, such as the CE-74 Breaker, to increase your damage output. Move strategically to get the best angle on important targets like Factory Striders or Fabricators. Avoid standing still in the open – move purposefully, use your surroundings, and make every grenade throw count.

Control the Battlefield

Thermite grenades are incredibly useful for controlling the battlefield and creating tactical advantages. The long-lasting fire acts as a temporary roadblock, forcing enemies to find alternate routes or risk taking damage. This is great for covering your team while reloading or reviving a downed ally. They’re also the most effective way to destroy enemy Fabricators – just one grenade down the vent will disable them permanently. Learning to use thermite grenades well gives you a significant edge, letting you dictate where enemies can move and ultimately control the flow of battle. Use them to create breathing room, secure key locations, and change the outcome of a fight.

Exploit Automaton Weaknesses

Mastering Thermite Grenades isn’t about making big explosions, it’s about precise targeting. Think of it as carefully taking apart the enemy robot forces. These robots rely on predictable behavior and logical systems, and that’s your advantage. Thermite grenades cling to the robots, burn through their armor, and let you strike at their weak points, bypassing their strongest defenses.

Treat each grenade like a tool for a specific job. Facing a powerful enemy like a Hulk? There’s a grenade for that. Are Devastators holding your team back? You can deal with them. Stop thinking of enemies as an unstoppable wave and start recognizing their individual weaknesses. With practice, you’ll learn to predict their moves and use tools like Thermites to exploit their predictable behavior. This turns you from just a soldier into a clever strategist.

Target Heavy Unit Weak Spots

While heavily armored units like Hulks and Tanks look tough, they all have critical weak spots. Thermite is perfect for exploiting these. Instead of slowly damaging them, Thermite’s powerful armor penetration lets you target those weak points for a quick takedown. Aim for small areas like a Hulk’s head visor or the glowing heat sink on the back of a Tank. Landing a Thermite on these spots is difficult, but incredibly effective, and can instantly change the outcome of a battle. It’s a challenging technique, but the payoff is huge.

Break Up Enemy Formations

Enemies often attack in neat, intimidating formations, but Thermite grenades are great for disrupting them. If you spot a group of tough enemies like Devastators or Marauders bunched together, throw a Thermite right into the middle. It’ll hurt one immediately, but the lingering fire will damage the others and force them to break formation. This creates chaos, ruining their attack line and letting your team take them down individually. Use Thermite to control the battlefield, turning a coordinated enemy push into a disorganized retreat.

Find Gaps in Their Defenses

Every robot setup has weaknesses, and Thermite is great for covering those gaps in your ability to destroy heavily armored robots. If your main weapon is better at taking out smaller bots, keep a Thermite handy to quickly deal with tougher enemies that appear unexpectedly. It’s a dependable way to handle threats your weapons struggle with. Watch for openings – like when a large robot is distracted or a powerful enemy is reloading – and use a Thermite to eliminate the threat before it can cause trouble.

Outsmart the Automaton AI

The AI opponents in Automaton are quite predictable, and skilled players can use this to their benefit. They follow set patterns, which can be broken up with a strategically placed Thermite. For instance, you can use the burning area to block their path or funnel them into a narrow space where your team has the upper hand. Some players have found that Thermites are particularly effective against the AI, almost to the point of being overpowered, because they easily overcome the AI’s defenses. Knowing how the AI behaves allows you to use Thermites not just to deal damage, but to control the battlefield and cleverly outmaneuver them.

Using Thermites with Your Squad

Thermite grenades are already strong, but they’re truly game-changing when your team coordinates effectively. By working together, you can use thermite to dominate the battlefield, quickly eliminate dangerous enemies, and handle even overwhelming swarms of robots with ease. Clear communication and understanding how to support each other are key. While one thermite can stop a powerful enemy like a Hulk, a coordinated team of four Helldivers can wipe out entire robot forces before they become a threat. Let’s explore how to turn your squad into a perfectly synchronized, robot-destroying force.

Integrate with Support Roles

Having a player specialize in destroying tough enemies can really help your team. If someone enjoys taking out armored targets, let them focus on that role. They can use armor with the Engineering Kit to carry more grenades, which is crucial for dealing with strong enemies like Hulks or clearing out Automaton Fabricators. This allows the rest of the team to concentrate on smaller threats or completing objectives. When that player announces they’re handling a big enemy, everyone else knows they can focus on something else.

Engage Multiple Targets

Thermite grenades aren’t just for taking down single, powerful enemies – they’re great for controlling groups. You can use them to create walls of fire, directing enemies where you want them to go, or to weaken tough enemies like Devastators before your team attacks. Because they block off areas so well, throwing a thermite at a dropship landing zone will instantly start damaging enemies as soon as they arrive. This is a fantastic way to manage large groups of enemies, prevent your team from being overrun, and give everyone time to reload and get into better positions.

Set Up Defensive Plays

Thermites are incredibly useful when you need to defend a location or hold your ground while waiting for pickup. They’re a great addition to any team that struggles to break through heavily armored enemies, and free up valuable Stratagem slots. By throwing thermites into narrow passages, you can create a fiery barrier that forces robots to either take damage or find a different path, giving your squad crucial time and making defense much easier. Essentially, they’re a fantastic trap for even the toughest enemies.

Essential Communication Callouts

Effective communication is crucial for success, particularly when using powerful tools like thermite. Always announce when you’re throwing one – a quick callout like “Thermite on the Hulk!” alerts your team to concentrate fire on the target or stay clear of the flames. Because thermite quickly destroys robots, teamwork prevents wasting grenades on already-destroyed enemies. Coordinating your attacks boosts effectiveness, saves resources, and avoids accidental friendly fire.

Create the Perfect Anti-Automaton Loadout

Grenades are helpful, but winning battles requires a complete and coordinated setup. A good loadout means you’ll be prepared for any enemy the Automatons send your way, whether it’s a group of Troopers or a massive Factory Strider.

Weapons That Pair Well with Thermites

Thermite grenades are best at destroying heavily armored enemies, so you’ll need a main weapon that can deal with the smaller, faster robots that attack you, or help weaken that armor. The JAR-5 Dominator is a great option because its explosive bullets can stun and damage even the strongest enemies, making it easier to successfully use a thermite grenade.

Okay, so if you like to move fast, the SG-225 Breaker is amazing for taking down groups of those little bots while you’re waiting for your thermite to charge up and deal with a Hulk. What I’ve learned is it’s all about having the right tool for the job. My thermite is my go-to for big, tough enemies, so I need a solid, dependable weapon to handle everything else in between.

Find the Best Stratagem Synergies

To create a really effective setup, focus on how your tools work together. Thermites are great for taking down tough, single enemies, so you’ll want other abilities to deal with groups. Things like the Eagle Cluster Bomb or Orbital Airburst Strike are ideal for quickly eliminating groups of robots before they can call for backup.

When choosing a support weapon, the Autocannon and Expendable Anti-Tank are both good options. The Autocannon is great for quickly eliminating Scout Striders and destroying fabricator vents from a distance, while the EAT-17 is a fast way to handle unexpected Tanks. Building effective Warzone loadouts is similar – it’s about choosing gear that works well with how you plan to play.

Choose the Right Equipment

Good armor is really important. Try to find sets that include the Engineering Kit bonus – it gives you two extra grenades. More grenades, especially thermites, let you destroy more heavily armored enemies like Tanks and Hulks without having to ask for backup, which can be crucial when things get hectic.

Okay, so for boosters, I’m telling you, Hellpod Space Optimization is awesome. It basically makes sure I always start every mission with a full loadout – ammo, grenades, the works. That means I can jump right into taking down those Automaton bases without even thinking about if I have enough stuff. It’s a huge time-saver and lets me focus on the action!

Know Your Other Grenade Options

Thermite grenades are very effective against armored enemies, but they aren’t ideal for every fight. For quickly eliminating builders or large groups of heavily armored enemies, High-Explosive and Impact grenades are a better choice. Stun Grenades are also incredibly useful – a timely throw can halt a rushing group of Berserkers, giving your team time to get into a better position and attack.

Consider what your team needs. If someone is already focusing on destroying tanks, you could be more helpful by bringing abilities that stun enemies and control the fight. A skilled Helldiver knows how to adapt their grenade selection to fit the situation.

Level Up Your Combat Strategy

Once you’re comfortable with the fundamentals of using thermite grenades, it’s time to think strategically. Simply throwing a grenade at a robot is different from using it to influence the battle. This is about shifting from reacting to the enemy to actively taking them apart, one piece at a time. It means making every grenade impactful, positioning yourself for the greatest effect, and knowing when to conserve your resources.

Effective strategy involves considering all your equipment and how thermite grenades contribute to your overall plan. Are they your main way to destroy heavily armored enemies, or a secondary option if your autocannon is out of ammo? Also, where you are on the map affects how well your throws work. We’ll cover managing your resources, finding the best locations to attack from, and avoiding mistakes that even veteran players make. Learning these skills will make you a valuable asset to any team fighting to defend Super Earth.

Manage Your Resources Wisely

Remember, every grenade you throw is one less you have, so make sure each one is effective. Thermite grenades are best used when you need extra power against heavily armored enemies. One player described them as a helpful addition when your weapons struggle to penetrate armor or clear out tough targets. If your main weapon is great against smaller enemies but ineffective against larger ones like Hulks, thermites are a good choice. However, if you’re already equipped with weapons like the EAT or Recoilless Rifle, it’s better to save thermites for important threats like Fabricators and Tanks. Don’t waste them on single, manageable enemies – a solid understanding of how grenades work will help you use them wisely.

Advanced Positioning Tips

Your location is just as crucial as your aim when throwing grenades. Before you throw, carefully check your surroundings for the best spot. Being higher up gives you a better view and allows you to hit enemies directly. Use cover to protect yourself while you aim and throw, avoiding enemy fire. Some players focus their whole game around grenades, using equipment that lets them carry more. This shows how your gear and where you stand can work together effectively. With a little planning, you can make even the toughest fights easier to win.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thermite grenades are powerful and satisfying to use, but it’s easy to become overly reliant on them. This is a dangerous habit because you’ll eventually run out when you really need one. Don’t waste thermites on easy targets that your rifle can handle – save them for the tough enemies that require extra firepower. Learning to use thermites strategically will make you a much more effective fighter in the long run.

How to Adapt on the Fly

The situation on the battlefield is always shifting, so you need to be flexible too. What works against one enemy might not work against another. For example, a thermite grenade is great for taking out a single, heavily armored enemy, but it won’t be very effective against a large group of fast-moving attackers. As one expert suggests, thermite is best for armor, while stun grenades are better for controlling crowds. The key is to quickly evaluate the threat – are you facing one big, tough opponent, or a swarm of smaller ones? Having a variety of tools and knowing when to use each one will make you a much more effective and valuable soldier.

What to Use When Thermites Aren’t Enough

Let’s face it: while it’s satisfying to obliterate robots with thermite grenades, they aren’t always the answer. You might encounter too many small bots, or find yourself in a position where you can’t throw them effectively. Depending on just one weapon is a quick way to get killed. Good Helldivers know when to use thermite and when to switch to something else. A well-rounded loadout and a plan for when thermite isn’t enough is what distinguishes experienced players from beginners.

Comparing Your Combat Tools

Consider your grenade as a set of tools. A thermite grenade is best for dealing with heavily armored enemies, but it’s not always the right choice. When facing groups of regular enemies, a standard explosive or impact grenade quickly clears them out, saving your thermite for tougher threats. Don’t underestimate stun grenades either – they’re great for controlling crowds, stopping powerful enemies like Berserkers or Devastators, and giving your team time to attack or move safely. The key is to choose the best grenade for the situation.

Your Best Heavy Weapon Choices

Think of your grenades and heavy weapons as a team. Since thermite grenades are best for close-range attacks on heavily armored enemies, choose a heavy weapon that excels at other things. The Autocannon is a great all-purpose option – it can eliminate distant Devastators or quickly destroy turrets. If you prefer accuracy, the Anti-Materiel Rifle can pierce the armor of smaller robots or target the vulnerable head of larger ones. And when you need to destroy something immediately, a Recoilless Rifle or EAT-17 can take down dropships before they release their cargo.

Pick the Right Strategic Equipment

Think of Stratagems as your go-to solutions for any challenge, and pick them carefully depending on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re attacking heavily defended Automaton bases, options like Eagle Airstrikes or 500KG Bombs are much better at destroying buildings and tough defenses than just using grenades. When you need to hold a position, Mortar or EMS Mortar Sentrys can block off entire areas to keep enemies away. A Shield Generator Pack is also incredibly useful, giving you the protection you need to get close enough to take out a tank or Hulk with a well-aimed thermite grenade.

Specialized Tactics for Tough Fights

Having good equipment isn’t always enough to win. When facing tough enemies like Factory Striders or well-protected bases, smart tactics are key. Use your surroundings for cover and try to break the enemy’s vision. Work with your team – for example, have one person distract a Hulk while another attacks its weak spot from behind. You can also combine tools for powerful effects, like stunning a group of Devastators with a grenade and then hitting them with an Orbital Railcannon Strike. Top players don’t just depend on strong gear; they find ways to combine their tools and exploit every weakness of the Automaton enemies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thermite grenades aren’t always the best way to deal with Automatons. They’re incredibly effective against single, heavily armored enemies like Hulks and Tanks, but they struggle with groups. If you’re facing a lot of fast-moving enemies like Berserkers or Devastators, a regular High-Explosive or Impact grenade, which covers a wider area, might be a better choice. Thermite is best used as a focused weapon against your most powerful opponents, not as a general solution for every fight.

The biggest mistake players make with Thermites is using them on enemies that are easily defeated. It’s tempting to use one on the first robot you see, but that’s a waste. While a normal gun can take out a weaker bot, it won’t do much against a stronger one. Instead, save your Thermites for tough enemies that your regular weapons struggle to damage. Think carefully before you throw them!

Your team might already have anti-tank options, but bringing Thermites is still a good plan. Those options have limited uses and cooldowns, but you can always use a Thermite grenade as long as you have one with you. It’s a dependable way to quickly deal with an unexpected Tank or Hulk when your other anti-tank weapons are unavailable, adding valuable flexibility to your team’s tactics.

Yes, you can use Thermites on Terminids, but they aren’t very effective. Terminids are dangerous because of how many there are and how quickly they move. Thermites don’t cover a large enough area or deal damage quickly enough to easily clear out large groups of bugs like Hunters and Warriors. You’ll get much better results using grenades, which can hit multiple enemies at once.

If you’re new to playing as Thermite, a good starting loadout is to use Thermite Grenades along with the SG-225 Breaker shotgun. The Breaker is great for quickly taking down smaller, weaker enemies, letting you concentrate your Thermite blasts on tougher opponents. As for Stratagems, bring an Autocannon for reliable, long-distance firepower and an Eagle Airstrike to eliminate Automaton builders and heavily defended areas. This setup gives you a well-rounded build that can handle most challenges.

2025-10-30 15:36