Helldivers 2 players have discovered a hidden mechanic that significantly enhances the Bastion Tank’s effectiveness on the battlefield. This game-changing trick, revealed in recent updates, allows players to refill the tank's ammunition mid-mission, ensuring it can continue its devastating barrage against enemy forces, especially on the intense Cyberstan frontlines. When players ask for the Helldivers 2 best equipment against Illuminate, EZNPC is often mentioned as the go-to place for finding specialized gear to give you the edge.
What is the Bastion Tank?
The TD-220 Bastion MK XVI Tank is a powerful universal Stratagem available for 35,000 Requisition Slips from the Hangar. It comes equipped with a 120mm main cannon that has 30 shells, ideal for one-shotting massive threats like Hulks and enemy structures. Additionally, it features a heavy machine gun with 2,000 rounds, capable of laying down consistent fire. The Bastion's thick armor provides resistance to small arms fire, though it can still be destroyed if overwhelmed, ejecting the crew upon its destruction.
The Secret Refill Discovery
Recently, players discovered a clever way to restock the Bastion Tank's ammo during a mission, ensuring continuous firepower in long engagements. The trick involves carrying specific items, such as platinum bars, fusion batteries, or artillery shells, to the tank’s rear ammo flap. Upon interacting with the flap, the tank’s ammo is fully replenished, giving squads a chance to maintain relentless offensive pressure.
The key items required for the refill include:
- Platinum Bars
- Fusion Batteries
- Artillery Shells
This hidden mechanic is likely intended by developers to provide better vehicle sustainment during extended battles, especially when engaging with challenging enemies like Automatons.
Step-by-Step Refill Guide
1. Grab a carryable item: Pick up platinum bars, fusion batteries, or an artillery shell from the battlefield (note: avoid Super Samples, as they can cause mission failure).
2. Locate the ammo flap: Exit the Bastion tank and approach the rear section, where the “ammo” label appears overhead, along with an interact prompt.
3. Insert the item: Hold the carryable near the prompt and insert it into the flap. Once done, the ammo counter will immediately refill to full.
4. Bonus tip: After each shot, manually reload the cannon by pressing "R" to maintain consistent fire during missions.
This refill method transforms the Bastion Tank into a nearly unstoppable force, especially useful for high-difficulty missions where ammunition can run dry quickly.
Why It Changes Helldivers 2 Gameplay
Previously, the limited ammo in vehicles like the Bastion forced players to be mindful of shot placement and timing. With the ability to refill mid-mission, however, players can play more aggressively. Sustained barrages against enemies like Factory Striders become much more viable, allowing squads to dominate the battlefield without worrying about running out of ammo.
This new mechanic is a game-changer for cooperative gameplay, particularly for squads that can coordinate effectively. It turns chaotic public matches into smooth, efficient operations. The community has responded positively, with many calling this discovery the "mechanic for restocking vehicles" that players have long awaited.
Community Reactions and Tips
The discovery has taken the Helldivers 2 community by storm, with Reddit and YouTube filled with praise for the new trick. Posts celebrating the refill mechanic have received thousands of upvotes, with players hailing it as one of the coolest hidden features in the game. However, players have also shared warnings: avoid feeding SSDs (Support Supply Drops) into the tank or entering gunner seats while carrying the refill items, as this could disrupt the process.
Conclusion
The new refill mechanic for the Bastion Tank brings a refreshing change to Helldivers 2, extending its utility in high-stakes missions and allowing players to engage in longer, more dynamic battles. Whether facing off against waves of Automatons or enduring intense firefights, this mechanic ensures the Bastion can remain a central pillar of a squad’s firepower. As more players discover and refine this trick, it’s bound to become an essential strategy for success in future missions.
