When you're fighting Terminids on higher difficulties, you'll quickly learn which enemies can disrupt a smooth operation. The Hive Guard is one of them. This guide breaks down what it is, how it works, and—most importantly—how most experienced players deal with it effectively.

What is a Hive Guard and when do I see it?

The Hive Guard is a medium-armored Terminid, essentially a larger and tougher variant of the basic Warrior. It starts appearing from Easy difficulty onward, so it's one of the first armored enemies new players encounter. You'll often find them stationed directly at bug hole entrances, acting as a living barrier. On higher difficulties, they also lead patrols across the map, frequently escorting more dangerous units like Brood Commanders.

How does its "hunker down" ability work?

This is the Hive Guard's defining trait. When you shoot at it from the front, it will often stop moving and crouch, positioning its armored head and claws as a shield. In this state, it is completely immobile and will block all incoming fire from light penetration weapons. It also acts as cover for smaller bugs behind it, like Scavengers. A good visual cue is that its tail will swish back and forth while it's hunkered. Most players learn that continuing to fire at its front plate is a waste of time and ammo.

What are its weak points and how do I kill it?

Like other Terminids, the head is a weak point, but its medium armor complicates things. A direct headshot with a medium-armor-penetrating weapon won't always cause an instant kill; sometimes it will just make the Guard bleed out over a few seconds. The key vulnerability is its flank and rear. When it hunkers down, its sides and the lower part of its body near the ground are exposed. To hit this lower spot, you often need to crouch. Some veterans choose to buy Helldivers 2 items like the Grenade Launcher or specific strategems specifically to handle clustered, armored enemies like Hive Guards more efficiently, though standard gear works fine with good tactics.

What are the best practical tactics against it?

Here’s how squads usually handle Hive Guards based on common in-game behavior:

Flank and Punish: The most reliable method. When it hunkers down against one player, a teammate simply moves to the side for a clear shot. It cannot turn while shielding.

Use Explosives: Grenades are excellent because they bypass the front armor. However, most players don't waste a grenade on a single Guard unless it's in a dense group. Be careful with Grenade Launchers; aim for the ground beside it, as the armor can deflect rounds.

Exploit Its AI: It only stays hunkered while actively taking fire. If you turn away or reload, it will often stand and advance. Use this to bait it into moving where you want it. Also, fleeing is a valid option—it cannot attack or chase while shielding, letting you regroup.

Avoid Melee: Never try to gunbutt it from the front. The armor will negate all damage. This is crucial if it goes berserk (which happens if its head is heavily damaged) and charges you.

Use Strategems Wisely: Any aerial strike (Eagle, Orbital) will wipe out a group. Do not try to land a strategem directly on a Guard that is chasing you, as you'll likely get caught in the blast. Call it on their position as they hunker down.

What happens when it goes berserk?

If you damage its head severely—you'll see its armor crack and yellow blood—it can enter a berserk state. It becomes more aggressive and faster. In this mode, the safest tactic is to keep your distance and focus fire on its legs to slow it down or its exposed sides.

The Hive Guard is a tactical checkpoint enemy. It teaches players to stop shooting blindly, to reposition, and to coordinate with their team. In general, treating it as mobile, intelligent cover rather than just another bug to shoot will make your missions against the Terminids much smoother. Prioritize flanking shots, use explosives for groups, and never get caught in front of one when you're reloading.