If you've been fighting on the Automaton front recently, you've likely encountered a new, more fiery threat. This isn't just a standard patrol; you've run into the Incineration Corps. For players trying to understand this new enemy and how it changes the game, here’s a breakdown based on how they operate on the battlefield.

What is the Incineration Corps?

The Incineration Corps is a specialized Automaton force first detected in March 2185. They are distinct from standard Automaton units, marked by a white and red phosphorus paintjob and a flame insignia. In practice, this means you’re facing bots specifically designed for area denial and inflicting damage-over-time through fire. Their stated goal is arson on a planetary scale, which translates to mission conditions with more environmental hazards and persistent fire effects.

How do they change mission gameplay?

Their introduction significantly alters your tactical approach. Most players find that the standard strategies for dealing with common Automaton units fall short here. The core difference is their weaponry: almost everything they use sets the ground or you on fire. This makes holding positions, especially during defend or extraction objectives, much more challenging. You’ll need to be constantly aware of your footing and have an exit route from any static defense point. The fire also limits visibility and can quickly cut off paths for your squad.

What units should I prioritize?

The Corps consists of several unique units that require immediate attention. In general, the priority target for most squads is the Pyro Trooper. This light unit with a backpack flamethrower is deceptively dangerous. They can quickly engulf a choke point in flames. Their backpacks can explode when damaged, so focus fire on them from a distance. The Incendiary MG Devastator and Conflagration Devastator are medium units with ballistic shields. They are tough and should be flanked; the shotgun variant can bypass even fire-resistant armor at close range. The heaviest unit, the Hulk Firebomber, acts as artillery, lobbing incendiary grenades over cover. Staying mobile is key to avoiding its indirect fire.

How do they differ from the Jet Brigade?

While the Jet Brigade is another elite Automaton force, the Incineration Corps operates on a larger scale strategically. The Jet Brigade typically moves as one or two concentrated divisions. The Incineration Corps, however, can deploy up to three separate divisions across different planets simultaneously. This means they can spearhead broad offensives, making them a more persistent and widespread threat on the Galactic War map. You might be dealing with their attacks on multiple fronts at once.

What is the best loadout to counter them?

Experience has shown that loadouts favoring long-range engagement and mobility are most effective. Armor with the "Fire Resistance" or "Med-Kit" passive is highly recommended to mitigate the burn damage. Weapons that can destroy targets quickly before they close the distance are valuable. Strategems that offer area control from a safe distance, like artillery or aerial strikes, help clear patches of fire and clustered units. Remember, standard Troopers in these forces also carry incendiary grenades with a larger blast radius than ours, so keeping your distance is crucial. Some players, looking to quickly acquire specific gear for such challenges, might be tempted to buy helldivers 2 super credits cheap from third-party sites, but this is generally discouraged due to security risks and potential violations of the game's terms of service.

What was their impact on the Galactic War?

Historically, the Corps has been a formidable adversary. Their initial appearances led to the rapid fall of several planets like Bekvam III and Julheim. They have a pattern of launching concentrated, devastating assaults that require a coordinated Helldiver response to repel. Their actions have often stretched Helldiver resources thin, especially when we are also fighting the Terminids and the Illuminate. Their presence usually indicates a high-difficulty, high-intensity combat zone.

How should my squad approach a mission against them?Communication and positioning are more important than ever. Stick to open areas where you can see fire pools forming and have space to maneuver. Designate a player to focus on taking out Pyro units immediately. Use the terrain to your advantage; fire does not spread on all surfaces equally. Most importantly, do not bunch up. A single incendiary grenade or flamethrower sweep can incapacitate an entire squad if they are too close together. Always have a fallback plan and expect the mission environment to become increasingly hazardous as the engagement continues.