Helldivers 2: Guard Dog VS Rover Stratagem, which is best?

The best Guard Dog Stratagem in Helldivers 2. Lasers VS Bullets? We've got the answers you need to know

Contents

1. AX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Rover laser drone – HD2
2. AX/AR-23 “Guard Dog” bullet drone – HD2
3. Best “Guard Dog” drone, Laser VS Bullets – HD2

Helldivers 2 is all about Stratagems. Yes, shooting is a big part of things, but as the games get more difficult, Stratagems become even more essential. One of the most helpful Stratagems is the Guard Dog, a drone that follows you around while blasting enemies to bits. These Guard Dog Stratagems make short work of low-level bugs, which means you’re less likely than ever to get caught off guard or flanked by a Terminid troupe.

The thing is, there are actually two Guard Dog Stratagems to choose from, and both of them can be unlocked at level 10. You can only bring one into battle, so the question is, which? In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the two Guard Dog Stratagems, and which is best in Helldivers 2.

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AX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Rover laser drone – HD2

Infinite ammo / Arrowhead Games

Found in the Engineering Bay Stratagems list, the “Guard Dog” Rover is equipped with a laser rifle. The laser rifle is pretty great, as all it needs to do is recharge. Yes, its DPS is lower overall than the machine gun version, but the ability the reload infinitely with just a quick recharge means you’ll be able to use it throughout every mission, from beginning to end, without ever needing to manage its ammo or output.

If you just want a drone that helps you with minimal messing around, then the Rover laser drone is the one to choose.

AX/AR-23 “Guard Dog” bullet drone – HD2

Higher firepower / Arrowhead Games

Found in the Robotics Workshop Stratagems list, the “Guard Dog” works the same way as the Rover, but it has a Liberator assault rifle instead of a laser rifle. The Liberator is the standard starting AR, so it’s nothing too fancy, however, it does do more damage overall than the Rover laser drone.

The downside to the bullet drone is that you will need to use your primary weapon ammunition to reload it. If you’re ready to pick up regular ammo drops and call in a Resupply whenever possible, then the bullet drone will be a more efficient killing machine overall, but that’s a lot to think about, especially if you already find ammo to be relatively limited.

Best “Guard Dog” drone, Laser VS Bullets – HD2

Pick the drone that's best for you / Arrowhead Games

Overall, for convenience and utility, the best drone is the “Guard Dog” Rover laser drone from the Engineering Bay Stratagems list. Not having to use your own ammunition supply to reload this device makes it far more convenient than the Liberator bullet drone, and the difference in firepower and usefulness is incredibly minor. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages here, so you should use the “Guard Dog” Rover laser drone in Helldivers 2.

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