The war for Super Earth continues to escalate, and Helldivers 2 keeps responding with increasingly destructive tools. One of the most exciting additions to the Stratagem arsenal is the TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI, commonly referred to as the Bastion Tank.

Unlike traditional frontline tanks, the Bastion is built as a heavy fire-support vehicle. It delivers devastating long-range firepower, rewards coordinated teamwork, and fills a specialized anti-armor role, particularly against the Automaton threat. If you're wondering how to unlock the Bastion Tank in Helldivers 2, how it works, and whether it's worth the investment, this complete guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is the Bastion Tank in Helldivers 2?

The Bastion Tank is a universal Stratagem vehicle that functions more like a mobile tank destroyer than a durable brawler. While it doesn't boast extreme survivability, it compensates with overwhelming offensive power.

Key features include:

·A devastating 120mm main cannon

·A coaxial heavy machine gun

·Seating capacity for a full squad

·Heavy anti-armor specialization

Its battlefield identity revolves around raw damage output and squad coordination. For players pushing deep into Automaton-controlled planets, the Bastion offers some of the most powerful anti-vehicle firepower currently available.

When compared to other Helldivers 2 Items, the Bastion stands out as a high-impact, mission-defining asset rather than a flexible utility tool.

How to Unlock the Bastion Tank

Unlocking the TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI isstraightforward- but expensive.

Bastion Tank Unlock Requirements

To unlock the Bastion Tank:

1. Go to your Super Destroyer

2. Open the Ship Management Console

3. Navigate to the Hangar section

4. Locate the TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI Stratagem

5. Pay 35,000 Requisition Slips

Once purchased, it becomes permanently available and can be equipped like other Helldivers 2 Items in your Stratagem loadout.

Because of the steep cost, many players focus on optimized Requisition farming routes. Some also choose to buy Helldivers 2 Items indirectly by accelerating mission completion and unlocking higher-tier rewards faster.

Is There a Level Requirement?

At the time of writing, there is no clearly displayed level requirement for the Bastion Tank. However, similar heavy Stratagems-like mmechanicstypically require mid-to-high-level progression.

If you don't see it available in the Hangar:

·Continue leveling up

·Complete higher-difficulty operations

·Increase your rank through mission success

The Bastion is classified as a universal Stratagem, meaning any Helldiver can unlock it as long as they meet progression requirements and can afford the Requisition cost.

How to Use the Bastion Tank

Once unlocked, the Bastion Tank can be equipped during mission loadout selection.

During a mission:

·Enter the Stratagem code

·Call it down via drop pod

·Deploy and board immediately

However, the Bastion requires coordination to reach its full potential.

Team-Based Operation Mechanics

The Bastion Tank is not designed for solo efficiency. It requires at least two players for optimal performance:

Driver

·Controls movement

·Positions the vehicle

·Aligns targets for the gunner

Gunner

·Fires the 120mm main cannon

·Operates the coaxial heavy machine gun

Unlike traditional tanks in other games, the Bastion's turret does not rotate freely. The cannon has limited barrel movement, meaning the driver must carefully align the vehicle for accurate shots.

Without proper coordination, the Bastion's effectiveness drops significantly.

Bastion Tank Weapons Breakdown

120mm Main Cannon

This is the Bastion's primary strength.

Best used against:

·Automaton walkers

·Heavy armor units

·Fortified objectives

·Enemy vehicles

The damage output is massive, capable of deleting high-priority threats in seconds. However, ammunition is limited, so accuracy and discipline are critical.

Coaxial Heavy Machine Gun

The mounted machine gun provides sustained fire against:

·Light infantry

·Swarming enemies

·Suppression scenarios

It complements the cannon by covering lighter targets while conserving main shell ammo.

Ramming Potential

Due to its size and weight, the Bastion can flatten smaller enemies simply by driving over them. While situational, this makes it useful for crowd control during chaotic engagements.

Cooldowns and Limitations

Despite its power, the Bastion Tank comes with several limitations:

·Cooldown: Over 12 minutes

·Ammo: Limited for both primary and secondary weapons

·Durability: Less tanky than expected

·Crew Dependency: Weak in uncoordinated teams

Because of the long cooldown, you'll typically deploy only one Bastion per operation unless the mission runs exceptionally long.

This makes strategic timing essential. Calling it down too early-or in a poorly defended position- can waste its potential.

Best Use Cases for the Bastion Tank

The Bastion performs best in structured, high-intensity scenarios.

Ideal Scenarios:

·Automaton-heavy missions

·High-difficulty operations

·Defensive holds

·Extraction zones

·Coordinated squad play

It is less effective in:

·Solo missions

·Fast-paced mobility-heavy objectives

·Small-map skirmishes

If your squad already runs strong Helldivers 2 Items focused on crowd control and support, adding a Bastion Tank provides elite-level anti-armor capability.

Is the Bastion Tank Worth It?

For coordinated squads, absolutely.

The Bastion Tank offers:

·Massive burst damage

·High-impact battlefield presence

·Squad synergy gameplay

·Satisfying anti-armor destruction

However, solo players may struggle to maximize their value due to coordination requirements.

Players aiming for top-tier Stratagem collections often prioritize unlocking high-impact Helldivers 2 Items like the Bastion early. Others choose to buy Helldivers 2 Items indirectly by accelerating progression through optimized mission farming and resource acquisition.

Ultimately, the Bastion is a high-risk, high-reward investment.

Final Thoughts

The TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI is one of the most destructive Stratagems in Helldivers 2. While it lacks the durability of a traditional frontline tank, it compensates with overwhelming firepower and strong squad synergy.

If you have 35,000 Requisition Slips and a team willing to coordinate driver-gunner positioning, the Bastion Tank is one of the most powerful upgrades you can unlock.

In the escalating war for Super Earth, sometimes the best defense isn't thicker armor-it's a bigger cannon.