Helldivers 2 TD-220 Bastion Tank Pilot & Crew Guide

The TD-220 Bastion MK XVI has finally rolled onto the battlefield in HELLDIVERS 2, bringing the heavy firepower that Helldivers have been demanding since launch. This isn't just another stratagem - it's a game-changing vehicle that requires coordination, strategy, and proper positioning to unleash its devastating potential. Whether you're facing Cyborg forces or clearing bug infestations, mastering the Bastion tank will transform how your squad approaches combat.

What Makes the TD-220 Bastion Tank Special?

The TD-220 Bastion stands apart from other stratagems with its incredible firepower and unique crew requirements. Unlike solo-operated weapons, this tank demands teamwork to reach its full potential.

Helldivers 2 TD-220 Bastion Tank Pilot & Crew Guide

Here's what sets the Bastion apart:

How Does Crew Coordination Work?

Understanding crew roles is crucial for success with the Bastion tank. Each position has specific responsibilities that determine your battlefield effectiveness.

Driver Responsibilities

The driver controls movement and positioning, which directly affects the gunner's firing angles. Your job involves:

• Positioning for optimal firing lines
• Stationary turning for quick direction changes
• Terrain awareness to avoid limiting cannon movement
• Threat assessment for retreat timing

Gunner Operations

The gunner operates the devastating 120mm HV Cannon and coaxial machine gun. Key aspects include:

• Target prioritization based on threat level
• Ammunition management with 30 precious cannon rounds
• Arc limitations of roughly 30 degrees left/right
• Weak point targeting for maximum damage

Helldivers 2 TD-220 Bastion Tank Pilot & Crew Guide

Support Crew Benefits

The third crew member provides crucial support from the rear position:

• Anti-infantry coverage with personal weapons
• Stratagem deployment like Shield Generators
• Threat spotting for blind spots
• Emergency repairs when dismounted

Pro Tip: Coordinate voice communications before deploying. Establish clear callouts for targets, threats, and movement commands.

What Are the Best Positioning Strategies?

Positioning determines whether your Bastion dominates or becomes scrap metal. The tank's fixed cannon design requires strategic placement for success.

Why Stationary Combat Works Best

The Bastion handles like a heavy truck, making mobile combat challenging. Here's the solution:

1. Find elevated positions with clear sight lines
2. Stop completely before attempting turns
3. Use left/right inputs for immediate direction changes
4. Maintain distance from enemy spawn points

Terrain Considerations You Can't Ignore

Slopes and uneven terrain severely limit your cannon's effectiveness. What most players miss is how terrain affects your firing arc:

• Avoid steep slopes that restrict vertical aim
• Seek level ground for maximum cannon flexibility
• Position near cover for quick retreat options
• Maintain escape routes for emergency evacuation

Maximizing Weapon Systems

The Bastion's dual weapon systems serve different tactical roles. Understanding when and how to use each weapon determines your combat effectiveness.

120mm HV Cannon Mastery

This devastating weapon can eliminate most enemies with a single shot when properly used:

One-Shot Targets:

• Chargers (direct headshot)
• Impalers (through armor plating)
• Bile Titans (weak point hits)
• Fabricators (single shot destruction)
• Cannon Turrets (immediate elimination)

The cannon's explosive radius also eliminates 10-15 smaller enemies around the impact point, making it perfect for crowd control.

Coaxial Machine Gun Applications

The 2,000-round coaxial machine gun excels at:

• Chaff clearing for smaller enemies
• Sustained suppression during reloads
• Anti-personnel operations against human-sized targets
• Ammunition conservation when cannon shots aren't needed

What Combat Tactics Work Against Each Faction?

Different enemy factions require adapted strategies to maximize the Bastion's effectiveness.

Terminid Swarm Management

Bug factions present unique challenges due to their aggressive close-range tactics:

Effective Strategies:

• Maintain 100+ meter distance from bug breaches
• Target Bile Titans immediately upon spawn
• Use explosive radius for swarm clearing
• Coordinate with infantry for perimeter defense

Key Threats:

• Bile Spewers can destroy the tank in 2-3 hits
• Chargers require precise headshots
• Swarm tactics can overwhelm isolated tanks

Helldivers 2 TD-220 Bastion Tank Pilot & Crew Guide

Automaton Engagement Protocols

Bot factions suit the Bastion's long-range capabilities perfectly:

Optimal Tactics:

• Engage at maximum range to avoid return fire
• Prioritize fabricators to stop reinforcements
• Target cannon turrets for area denial
• Use terrain masking between shots

The Bastion's zero bullet drop makes long-range engagements highly effective against Automaton forces.

How to Handle the 15-Minute Cooldown?

The Bastion's lengthy cooldown requires careful resource management throughout missions.

Deployment Timing Strategy

With only 2-3 tanks per mission, timing becomes critical:

Mission Phases:

1. Early deployment for objective clearing
2. Mid-mission for major bug breaches
3. Final extraction for evacuation support

Tank Preservation Techniques

Keeping your Bastion alive extends its battlefield impact:

• Retreat before critical damage occurs
• Use supporting stratagems like Shield Generators
• Coordinate team positioning to draw aggro away
• Monitor threat indicators constantly

What Supporting Equipment Should You Bring?

The Bastion works best with complementary stratagems and loadouts that cover its weaknesses.

Essential Support Stratagems

Crew Loadout Recommendations

Driver Loadout:

• Primary: Any reliable assault weapon
• Secondary: Stun Grenades for crowd control
• Stratagem: Shield Generator or Reinforce

Gunner Loadout:

• Primary: Anti-material rifle for precision
• Secondary: Impact Grenades
• Stratagem: Recoilless Rifle for backup firepower

When Should You Avoid Using the Bastion?

Despite its power, certain situations make the Bastion ineffective or counterproductive.

Mission Types to Avoid

• Stealth operations where noise draws unwanted attention
• Tight indoor facilities with limited maneuvering space
• High-mobility objectives requiring constant repositioning
• Solo missions lacking necessary crew coordination

Environmental Hazards

The Bastion's fire immunity doesn't protect against all environmental threats:

• Ground fire can still damage the tank
• Extreme terrain limits positioning options
• Narrow passages restrict movement and escape routes

Advanced Bastion Tank Strategies

Experienced crews can employ advanced tactics to maximize the Bastion's battlefield impact.

Multi-Tank Coordination

With four-player squads, running two Bastions creates overwhelming firepower:

• Crossfire positioning for area denial
• Overlapping coverage eliminating blind spots
• Staggered deployment maintaining continuous presence
• Mutual support for threat elimination

Emergency Protocols

When things go wrong, having established protocols saves lives:

Tank Abandonment Signals:

1. "Bail out" for immediate evacuation
2. "Reposition" for tactical withdrawal
3. "Cover fire" for infantry support during retreat

For more tactical insights, explore our Helldivers 2 Guide: Best Builds for All Factions to complement your tank operations.

The TD-220 Bastion represents the pinnacle of Super Earth engineering, but its true potential only emerges through skilled crew coordination and strategic deployment. Master these techniques, and you'll transform any battlefield into a demonstration of overwhelming firepower. Remember, the tank is only as effective as the team operating it - coordinate, communicate, and dominate.