Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2

Striders

Learn to defeat Striders in Half-Life 2. This guide details using the RPG weapon and positioning to counter these massive Combine war machines.

Location: Chapter 10: Entanglement, Chapter 11: Anticitizen One, Chapter 12: 'Follow Freeman!'

Striders are massive, three-legged Combine war machines. They are heavily armored and armed with a powerful pulse cannon and a smaller energy weapon.

Strategy:

  1. Rocket Launcher is Essential: The RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) is your primary weapon against Striders. It takes several direct hits (usually 3-4) to destroy one.
  2. Target the Head/Body: Aim for the Strider's head or central body mass. The legs are armored.
  3. Use Laser Guidance: The RPG's secondary fire activates a laser designator, allowing you to guide rockets to their target. This is crucial for hitting fast-moving Striders.
  4. Stay Mobile and Use Cover: Striders' pulse cannons are devastating. Constantly move, use buildings and large objects for cover, and avoid open areas.
  5. Explosive Barrels/Vehicles: In some areas, you can find explosive barrels or even abandoned vehicles. Use the Gravity Gun to launch these at Striders for additional damage, though rockets are more effective.
  6. Supercharged Gravity Gun (Citadel): In Chapter 13, with the supercharged Gravity Gun, you can literally tear Striders apart by grabbing and launching their own energy balls back at them, or by ripping off their armor plating. This is incredibly powerful.