Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Operations: how to defeat the Helbrute miniboss

The Helbrute is one of the three minibosses that you can find yourself up against in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Operations PVE mode. Unlike the Carnifex and Neurothrope minibosses which share moves with lesser enemies, the Helbrute is a unique Terminus-level enemy of the Chaos faction. The Helbrute’s goal is to close the gap between itself and players so that it can use its massive Warp Chaos Hammer.

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Helbrute green projectile

The Helbrute goes for one of three moves when it is out of melee range. Its first option is to fire a volley of projectiles from the Chaos Cannon mounted on its right arm. Much like the Neurothrope’s green projectile shots, the Helbrute’s projectiles track players’ movements. Those who are fond of dodging/rolling should be wary of the Helbrute’s ranged attacks and make use of cover when possible to avoid getting clipped.

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Helbrute charge attack

The Helbrute’s second option is to use its charge attack which, upon hitting players, knocks them down and leaves them vulnerable. A Helbrute often attacks with its Warp Chaos Hammer after a successful charge, so players should get away just in case it isn’t done with them. The Helbrute’s final attack option when it is out of melee range is to simply teleport near players and whack them with its Warp Chaos Hammer. Though both the Helbrute’s charge and teleport attacks are easily telegraphed, players should be wary of the high damage they do should they land.

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Helbrute Warp Chaos Hammer AoE attack

When at close range, the Helbrute will use its Warp Chaos Hammer to damage and mislead players with its AoE attacks. Some Warp Chaos Hammer strikes have small hitboxes that cover the attacked surface. The deadlier attacks come in the form of glowing purple circles that emanate from the Warp Chaos Hammer’s striking area. These circles crackle for a few seconds before exploding and knocking back players caught in their vicinity. The Helbrute alternates between single hammer strikes that randomly emit the glowing AoE attacks and a multi-hammer strike combo which always has the AoE attack at the end.

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Helbrute head weakpoint

Thankfully, the Helbrute has the same cranial weakness as that of the Carnifex and Neurothrope. Its massive head can easily be shot between its attacks, allowing players to whittle down its massive health bar. Sadly, this is another miniboss that melee builds will have trouble fighting, as the Helbrute loves to switch between parriable and unparriable attacks with potential AoE damage. Getting used to fighting a Helbrute takes a little more effort and a lot more dodging but through enough encounters with the beast, you will gain the experience to defeat this large Chaos foe.

Minibosses in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Operations PVE mode are like twice-removed family members. You don’t know if or when they’ll show up but when they do, they make their presence known. While they don’t have dedicated stages and mechanics like the Hive Tyrant and Heldrake do in Operations mode, the Carnifex, Neurothrope, and Helbrute can quickly make an operation go south because of their random appearances. Proper knowledge of these minibosses’ moves and adapting accordingly to the situation is the key to defeating them, and now you should have some knowledge under your belt!