How to Unlock and Master the Bastion Tank in Helldivers 2

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Valencia

Guide Curator at GladiatorBoost

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Heavy armor has officially rolled onto the battlefield in Helldivers 2 with the introduction of the TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI, a devastating tank destroyer designed to bring Managed Democracy to even the most fortified enemy positions. Equipped with a high-velocity 120mm cannon and a powerful coaxial machine gun, the Bastion Tank is one of the most impactful co-op Strategems currently available.

The best part? Every player can access it without purchasing a Warbond. That said, it’s still a major investment, and using it incorrectly can waste both time and resources. This guide explains how to get the Bastion Tank, how it works, and how to use it effectively against Automatons, Terminids, and Illuminate forces.

How to Get the Bastion Tank in Helldivers 2

The Bastion Tank is unlocked using Requisition Slips, not premium currency.

Unlock Requirements

• Cost: 35,000 Requisition Slips

• Warbond Required: None

• Category: Hangar Strategems

To purchase it:

1. Open the Ship Management menu

2. Navigate to Hangar Strategems

3. Purchase the TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI

Once unlocked, it becomes available in your mission loadout under the Supply Strategem category.

Bastion Tank Call-In Details

Understanding the tank’s deployment limits is critical before bringing it into a mission.

• Call-in Time: 10.5 seconds

• Strategem Input:
  Left → Down → Right → Down → Left → Down → Up → Down → Up

• Cooldown: 741 seconds (approximately 12 minutes)

• Usage Limit: Unlimited (after cooldown)

Although the cooldown is long, the Bastion Tank can be redeployed endlessly as long as the mission lasts. If it’s destroyed, simply wait out the timer and call in another.

Bastion Tank Crew Roles Explained

The Bastion Tank is a true co-op vehicle designed for teamwork. It supports up to four players, each with a specific function.

Driver (Front Seat)

• Controls movement and positioning

• Responsible for angling armor and maintaining distance

• Critical role for survivability

Gunner (Rear Seat)

• Operates the 120mm main cannon

• Controls the coaxial machine gun

• Primary damage dealer

Passengers (Top Seats, 2 Players)

• Can fire their primary weapons while seated

• Provide additional crowd control

• Useful for clearing light enemies or aerial threats

⚠️ Important: Solo players cannot operate the tank efficiently. You need at least two players—one driving and one shooting—for it to function as intended.

How the Bastion Tank Should Be Used

The Bastion Mk XVI is not a frontline brawler like the Exosuit. Treating it as one is the fastest way to lose it.

Best Use Cases

• Long-range destruction of enemy bases and objectives

• Eliminating heavily armored enemies

• Shooting down dropships and reinforcements

• Clearing nests, fabricators, and fortified structures

The tank excels when positioned at medium-to-long range, where its cannon can operate safely without being swarmed.

Tactical Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

1. Positioning Is Everything

Find elevated or open terrain where the driver can maintain visibility and retreat paths. Narrow choke points are dangerous if enemies flank the tank.

2. Use the Cannon Sparingly

The 120mm cannon is extremely powerful—save it for:

• Heavy armor

• Buildings

• Dropships

Use the coaxial machine gun or passenger fire for lighter enemies.

3. Coordinate With the Squad

Callouts matter. The gunner should communicate reload timing, while the driver focuses on spacing and angles.

4. Pair With Support Strategems

Excellent pairings include:

• Resupply drops (for the team, not the tank)

• Anti-air Strategems

• Orbital strikes to cover flanks

The tank is strongest when supported, not isolated.

Faction Matchups

Against Automatons

• Excellent for destroying factories and walkers

• Cannon easily punches through heavy armor

Against Terminids

• Strong at clearing nests from range

• Vulnerable if surrounded—keep distance

Against Illuminate

• Useful for objective destruction

• Requires awareness due to shields and teleporting enemies

Known Issues to Be Aware Of

There is currently a known bug where the Bastion Tank may spawn with only one artillery shell instead of a full load. This issue is expected to be fixed in a future update, but if it occurs:

• Avoid engaging major objectives

• Use the tank defensively

• Consider abandoning it until cooldown resets

Is the Bastion Tank Worth It?

For coordinated squads, absolutely.

Pros

• Massive firepower

• No Warbond requirement

• Unlimited redeploys

• Excellent against armored targets

Cons

• Long cooldown

• Requires teamwork

• Poor solo viability

If you regularly play with friends or organized squads, the Bastion Tank is one of the most powerful force multipliers in Helldivers 2.

Short on Time or Resources?

Grinding Requisition Slips and learning optimal Strategem usage can take time—especially with high-difficulty operations. Many players turn to Helldivers 2 Boosting at GladiatorBoost to speed up progression, unlock key Strategems like the Bastion Tank faster, and complete tough missions efficiently. It’s a solid option if you want access to top-tier tools without excessive grinding.

Final Tips Before Deployment

• Always assign a dedicated driver and gunner

• Avoid tight terrain and urban choke points

• Use the tank for objectives, not kill farming

• Communicate constantly with your crew

Used correctly, the Bastion Mk XVI turns difficult missions into controlled demolitions—and brings Super-Earth one step closer to victory.