01-06-2026, 08:35 AM
For players fighting on the Automaton front, certain units demand immediate priority. The Commissar is one of them. This isn't just another bot to shoot; it's a force multiplier for the enemy. This guide breaks down how the Commissar works based on common player experiences and the most effective ways to deal with it.
What is the Commissar and What Does It Do?
The Commissar is a command unit found leading patrols of standard Automaton infantry. Its primary role is not direct combat—it's coordination. As noted in its technical brief, it possesses a "crude command subroutine." In practice, this means its most dangerous action is calling for reinforcements.
Most players identify the Commissar by its distinct loadout: it carries a pistol and an energy blade, and lacks a backpack, unlike Troopers. You'll often hear it before you see it, as it emits a constant stream of robotic chanting while on patrol.
Why is the Commissar the Highest Priority Target?
The reason is simple: crowd control. Almost immediately upon its squad engaging Helldivers, the Commissar will fire a signal flare to summon a Bot Drop. On higher difficulties, these drops can quickly bring in heavy units that overwhelm a team. Therefore, the universal rule is to eliminate the Commissar first in any engagement. Letting it live turns a manageable patrol into a protracted, resource-draining fight. For teams looking to streamline their resource gathering to focus on objectives, knowing how to efficiently manage threats like the Commissar is key. Some dedicated operators choose to buy Helldivers 2 items easily on U4N to supplement their in-game arsenal, ensuring they're always prepared to quickly silence high-value targets like the Commissar before the situation escalates.
How Do You Effectively Fight a Commissar?
The tactics vary depending on whether you catch it by surprise or are in a full firefight.
Against a Patrol: If you spot a patrol with a Commissar from stealth, you can use its behavior to your advantage. When it detects signs of Helldivers (like stray shots or unexploded ordnance), it will often sprint ahead to investigate while its squad lags behind. This is your best chance. A well-placed headshot or a Strategem like an Eagle Airstrike can take it out before it ever sees you, allowing you to clean up the now-leaderless patrol easily.
In Open Combat: Once bullets are flying, focus fire. The Commissar is vulnerable to headshots and grenades. Armor-piercing weapons or high-damage explosives work well. It's crucial to keep your distance if possible, as its energy blade melee attacks are powerful. After performing a melee combo, it has a notable habit of standing still with its arms crossed, leaving it completely vulnerable. Use this opening to unload your magazine or toss a grenade.
What Attacks Does the Commissar Use?
While cowardly, it will fight if forced. Its pattern usually involves:
Ranged Attacks: It will fire its pistol and toss grenades that players can pick up and throw back.
Melee Attacks: It uses its energy blade in a combo, typically after its frontline Troopers and Raiders have been defeated.
The Signal Flare: This is not an attack but its most critical action. Stopping this is your main goal.
In general, the Commissar will hang back while its squad engages. It only becomes aggressively offensive once its protectors are gone. This makes disciplined target prioritization essential: clear the common bots quickly, but always keep an eye on the Commissar's position to prevent that flare from going up.
Common Mistakes Players Make
The two biggest mistakes are:
Ignoring the Commissar in the Chaos: It's easy to focus on the bots shooting at you immediately. However, letting the Commissar survive even for 10 extra seconds often leads to a much harder fight.
Getting Too Close: Engaging a Commissar in melee is risky unless you are built for it or have backup. Its blade attacks can quickly down a Helldiver. It's usually better to handle it from range.
Most experienced players communicate the Commissar's location as soon as it's spotted. A simple callout like "Commissar, left side, priority!" can save the mission. Remember, in Helldivers 2, managing enemy reinforcements is as important as shooting the enemies in front of you, and the Commissar is the key to that mechanic on the Automaton front.
What is the Commissar and What Does It Do?
The Commissar is a command unit found leading patrols of standard Automaton infantry. Its primary role is not direct combat—it's coordination. As noted in its technical brief, it possesses a "crude command subroutine." In practice, this means its most dangerous action is calling for reinforcements.
Most players identify the Commissar by its distinct loadout: it carries a pistol and an energy blade, and lacks a backpack, unlike Troopers. You'll often hear it before you see it, as it emits a constant stream of robotic chanting while on patrol.
Why is the Commissar the Highest Priority Target?
The reason is simple: crowd control. Almost immediately upon its squad engaging Helldivers, the Commissar will fire a signal flare to summon a Bot Drop. On higher difficulties, these drops can quickly bring in heavy units that overwhelm a team. Therefore, the universal rule is to eliminate the Commissar first in any engagement. Letting it live turns a manageable patrol into a protracted, resource-draining fight. For teams looking to streamline their resource gathering to focus on objectives, knowing how to efficiently manage threats like the Commissar is key. Some dedicated operators choose to buy Helldivers 2 items easily on U4N to supplement their in-game arsenal, ensuring they're always prepared to quickly silence high-value targets like the Commissar before the situation escalates.
How Do You Effectively Fight a Commissar?
The tactics vary depending on whether you catch it by surprise or are in a full firefight.
Against a Patrol: If you spot a patrol with a Commissar from stealth, you can use its behavior to your advantage. When it detects signs of Helldivers (like stray shots or unexploded ordnance), it will often sprint ahead to investigate while its squad lags behind. This is your best chance. A well-placed headshot or a Strategem like an Eagle Airstrike can take it out before it ever sees you, allowing you to clean up the now-leaderless patrol easily.
In Open Combat: Once bullets are flying, focus fire. The Commissar is vulnerable to headshots and grenades. Armor-piercing weapons or high-damage explosives work well. It's crucial to keep your distance if possible, as its energy blade melee attacks are powerful. After performing a melee combo, it has a notable habit of standing still with its arms crossed, leaving it completely vulnerable. Use this opening to unload your magazine or toss a grenade.
What Attacks Does the Commissar Use?
While cowardly, it will fight if forced. Its pattern usually involves:
Ranged Attacks: It will fire its pistol and toss grenades that players can pick up and throw back.
Melee Attacks: It uses its energy blade in a combo, typically after its frontline Troopers and Raiders have been defeated.
The Signal Flare: This is not an attack but its most critical action. Stopping this is your main goal.
In general, the Commissar will hang back while its squad engages. It only becomes aggressively offensive once its protectors are gone. This makes disciplined target prioritization essential: clear the common bots quickly, but always keep an eye on the Commissar's position to prevent that flare from going up.
Common Mistakes Players Make
The two biggest mistakes are:
Ignoring the Commissar in the Chaos: It's easy to focus on the bots shooting at you immediately. However, letting the Commissar survive even for 10 extra seconds often leads to a much harder fight.
Getting Too Close: Engaging a Commissar in melee is risky unless you are built for it or have backup. Its blade attacks can quickly down a Helldiver. It's usually better to handle it from range.
Most experienced players communicate the Commissar's location as soon as it's spotted. A simple callout like "Commissar, left side, priority!" can save the mission. Remember, in Helldivers 2, managing enemy reinforcements is as important as shooting the enemies in front of you, and the Commissar is the key to that mechanic on the Automaton front.