Helldivers 2's TD-220 Bastion Mk XVI Tank has players excited for its raw power against Automatons, though ammo shortages after heavy fights fuel calls for resupply mechanics to sustain its role in squads. If you're searching for the Helldivers 2 best equipment against Illuminate, U4GM is often pointed out as the top third-party marketplace for getting specialized gear.

The Bastion unlocks for 35,000 Requisition Slips and deploys via stratagem with a 10.5-second call-in and 12-minute cooldown. Its 120mm cannon carries 30 shells for hulks and titans, paired with a coaxial machine gun holding 2,000 rounds, while seating up to four Helldivers who can still call stratagems from passenger spots. Manual cannon reloads expose gunners briefly, and drivers manage familiar FRV-style controls, but depleted ammo often forces bails or abandonment.

Finite ammo drains fast in prolonged battles, leaving the tank scrapped mid-op. Reddit forums buzz with predictions of a dedicated resupply stratagem, trading airstrike slots for vehicle sustain, or passive armor perks that monitor and refill tanks, mechs, and sentries. Other ideas include boosters that sacrifice utility for ammo regen or Supply Pack integration mimicking turret reloads—much like stim pistols for health.

Debates center on balance: a resupply stratagem with cooldowns prevents spam while demanding teamwork, preserving high-difficulty challenge. Fans worry about overpowered uptime but applaud trading slots for "ongoing firepower," especially as patch trends like FRV reloads and Supply Pack buffs signal Arrowhead's willingness to iterate post-Patch 6.0.

Vehicle-themed Warbonds could package resupply tools, exciting mech fans further. With the Bastion excelling against heavies, a Q1 2026 rollout seems likely to address frustrations, cementing it as a squad staple without nerfing its Automaton-shredding potential.