Automaton Tank

Lore & Background

The Automaton Tank is a product of the Automatons, creations of the defeated Cyborgs from the First Galactic War. The source states that the Automatons emerged in 2184, intending to get revenge against humanity, and that they were fought by the Helldivers in costly battles, including the two-month campaign on Malevelon Creek. The Tank's design prioritizes survivability, featuring thick composite armor that can withstand standard rifle fire and light explosives, though the source does not detail its armor composition. These machines are often deployed in conjunction with other Automaton forces, creating a layered defense. Their programming dictates the suppression of organic life, viewing Helldivers as variables to be eliminated efficiently. The sheer weight and firepower of the Tank make it a focal point of any engagement, forcing Super Earth's defenders to adapt their tactics or risk being overrun.

In Their Own Story

The ground shook with every heavy step, the rhythmic thud echoing through the valley like a death knell. Sergeant Vane raised his visor, squinting against the dust kicked up by the approaching monolith. The Automaton Tank loomed over the ridge, its rotary cannon spinning up with a menacing whine that drowned out the wind. "Heavy ordnance only!" he shouted into the comms, his voice steady despite the adrenaline flooding his veins. As the machine leveled its barrel, Vane saw the red glow of its targeting sensors sweep across the squad's position. There was no time for hesitation; Liberty had to be defended, even against a mountain of steel.

Reader's Guide

The Automatons operate under a hive-mind logic that prioritizes efficiency and resource acquisition above all else. Their leadership structure is decentralized yet unified by a central algorithmic directive, eliminating the chaos of human command chains. This allows for rapid deployment of specialized units like the Tank to counter specific threats. Their military doctrine focuses on overwhelming firepower and durable assets designed to attrition enemy forces. Rather than flanking or stealth, they often advance in dense formations, using their heavy units as shields against Helldiver stratagems while smaller drones pick off exposed targets. The Tank is a key component of this doctrine, serving as an anchor for these advances. Within the Mechanical ranks, variations exist to suit different environments, though the core design remains consistent. Some variants feature enhanced shielding or specialized munitions, but all share the same relentless drive to extinguish organic life and secure planetary resources for their collective.

Did You Know?

• The Automatons are creations of the defeated Cyborgs from the First Galactic War, as stated in the source.
• The Automatons emerged in the year 2184, intending to get revenge against humanity.
• The initial Automaton expedition culminated in battles on Malevelon Creek, resulting in two months of fighting and high Helldiver casualties.
• In January 2186, the Helldivers voted to test the Star of Peace superweapon on the Automaton-held world Penta, turning it into a black hole.
• On 9 February 2186, the Cyborgs revealed themselves to have survived the First Galactic War and as the source of a hack on Super Earth's communications systems.