Spear Guide To Git Gud

Become a Spear Legend! This Helldivers 2 Guide will help you master the Spear without needing an update to improve the lock on system. As a Helldivers fan I think every weapon has it's place in bringing Glory for Super Earth!
**Quick Note**
Just wanted to answer a common question in the comments below. My line where I say "it's not broken or finicky, just precise" is just to point out that the requirements for a lock can be reliable, but it's a very strict set of requirements. The devs did say they would improve the lock on to make it easier and hopefully that means they will make it so the spear will lock when it sees 50% or more of the target. Right now it has to see almost 100% of the target to lock which is too "precise" in many situations. This guide will help you understand the requirements for a lock and how to achieve it as it currently is, and it may help with how lock on systems will work in this game moving forward. "Broken" typically means it doesn't work at all and I believe that is a poor description for the spear as it currently is. Thank you for every single comment though and hopefully that helps get us on the same page. I'll see you guys soon on the next one!
Music Acknowledgments:
Like the Music? Check out the artists below:
- Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

[@hertzdonut_]

I hope the bots hear that annoying "Warning! You're within range of enemy artillery" when we stroll up with the spear

[@shilombaba]

Someone get this man a democratic cookie !

[@PaiSAMSEN]

Also, just in case you haven't notice..... WARNING: YOU'RE WITHIN RANGE OF ENEMY ARTILLERY.

[@savagedeer7376]

Meaning they would always hear it! Because the SPEAR has no weakness

[@TrevPlaysPoorly]

They hear the battlefield heli lock on beep

[@thomasp506]

They hear that when you deploy mortar sentries

[@CheapCreep]

The spear knows where it is at all times, because the spear knows where it isn't.

[@makcraft]

Unlike 380mm barrage

[@Suslik3500]

@@makcraft380mm doesn’t know where it isn’t, but it knows where your teammates are.

[@The77Voice]

The spear is very good at math. It has a lot of experience subtracting.

[@rvrecandy3227]

Sun tzu said that

[@superstimpak1768]

The guidance subsystem uses deviations to generate corrective commands to drive the spear from a position where it is to a position where it isn't, and arriving at a position where it wasn't, it now is.

[@mahbuddykeith1124]

Step 1 of using the SPEAR: Gaslight yourself.

[@bondagekitty]

This entire video is this

[@SiD19884]

yeap he coping

[@waldamy]

Especially since developers have acknowledged that the spear lock on is unintentionally hard and is planned to be adjusted somewhere in the future.

[@slavicboi425]

Oh fr Dog, like i still believe it or not like the damn thing but it NEEDS a fix

[@sol-hunter2332]

The locking is buggy, but the Spear is still good. Getting solid elevation helps with the lock on bug.

[@LordRambo]

The Spear is Perfectly Fine and its All Your Fault: A Masterclass in Gaslighting

[@aaronho1914]

Adjust mindset. Devs already mentioned that the locking on is harder than intended. View the guide as an explanation of why it acts the way it does so you can still use it in its current state.

[@ShadowDaPk]

​@@aaronho1914 Adjust viewpoint. The guide is more of a guide on how to adapt to a tool that's malfunctioning rather than proper use of a fully - functional tool.

[@ARCx9]

Give them some slack. It's a developer skill issue. They'll get there.

[@Varmint111]

Alternatively, just run ANY other weapon then you don't have to deal with a weapon requiring a very specific set of conditions to do what other weapons to on demand 100% of the time without requiring a backpack slot. It's a new game. There are balance issues. The trick is to accept reality for what it is, wait for changes while playing with other weapons.

[@tjsantiago4500]

Sounds like what the devs would say lol

[@wubzt3r]

"It's not broken or finicky" my dude there are literally multiple instances in this video where you have clear, full line of sight and the targeting still doesn't work properly.

[@andrewking906]

Yeah this is pure copium. AH has literally acknowledged it doesn't work

[@BreadBox.]

skill issue

[@Phynellius]

@@BreadBox. would appear that the skill issue is on the programming side of things, if it was intended to be such a finicky POS they wouldn't have limited it to such a small ammo pool

[@scubascott94]

​@@Phynellius Get Gud lol

[@bread6435]

​@@scubascott94 nothing burger reply

[@richardachildress]

Spear vs bots is where it's at. Hang out in the rear and knock out towers/fabricators to make your point teams job easier.

[@renegadetomgaming]

I'm convinced every large map Bot mission needs at least one good Spear Helldiver. The benefits are just too good!

[@Semperf11]

Thanks for the intel

[@dongato77]

I agree last night we had a three man group with 1 spear and it was great (mainly level 7)

[@brawlmastr1]

its also a great way to get that blitz achievement

[@Orudaiken]

Spear damage is awful, possibly the host bug, but it took 4 rockets to destroy a cannon turret. Literally just use the Dominator and the Eruptor to do 99% of what the spear can do, but better.

[@HolyNatanil]

spear cannot recognize a hulk when 0.02% is obscured

[@caad5258]

Yeah that jet of flame roasting a hell diver alive really complicates the spears vision.

[@michaelweitzel10]

Bile titans are worse as the legs block locking

[@williamchamberlain2263]

OTOH if it _wasn't_ picky as heck it'd too overpowered and they'd have to nerf it somehow else

[@mr.equity1120]

@@williamchamberlain2263 Its not about being picky, its about having to work around a tool to make it functional and let me tell you son, tools are not supposed to work like that. You waste a stratagem slot with the spear only to be mildly good at a very odd and specific scenario it don’t seem worth it to me. Truth is, there’s better options available and they could have balanced it a different way that wouldn’t hurt the spear’s versatility like that. I’d much rather have a longer reload, and less ammo than a rocket that won’t lock when I need it to.

[@jasonanderson846]

oh no the grass is covering its toes

[@Boomchacle]

5:40 the fact that you need to walk in a circle to lock on to a target that’s 90 percent in the open and expose yourself completely makes it a finicky lock on mechanic.

[@Jaxx0099]

I agree. The weapon is fun but it is 100% jank. If it worked just like mw2 javelin it’d be perfect

[@TheWarHammer0392]

Its not finicky, this actually how a javalin in the military works. Its a precise fire and forget weapon which requires accurate sight picture to function properly. I've fired one of these back when I was in the Army.

[@ricsons5912]

​@@TheWarHammer0392 ☝🏼🤓🤓

[@renzodaihannya8644]

@@ricsons5912bro really over here calling someone else a nerd, in the comment section of a video… about a video game.

[@keeb__]

​@@TheWarHammer0392 basing your weapons on irl firearms is great and all, however we are playing a videogame and a gun should be satisfying to use. It shouldn't be finicky, it should be simple and give you understandable feedback as to what you are doing wrong.

[@michaelmorrigan614]

Despite my pretty frequent yelling at the spear to "just F'n lock on already" when a hulk is walking towards me, I still really love it

[@alexandsimba]

As someone who runs both frequently, recoiless rifle is better for dealing with hulks and especially dropship/gunship. When they fix the lockon for the dropship at least, then I will only run the spear.

[@Aleksandrgrc]

Well u awnsered my dropship question. :)

[@shilombaba]

Same, I spend 70% of the time insulting my spear, and yet, I keep coming back... like with that abusive girlfriend... a friend once knew.

[@Panzerschreck9]

I had that happen and when it finally locked on it went RIGHT over it's head and I threw my head back and wept

[@erichschroeder1024]

Best spear explanation I have seen by far

[@renegadetomgaming]

Thanks!

[@Nomanspie]

The devs said there's an issue with the lock on system. It's on the list of known issues under "spears lock on system is inconsistent" and they are working to fix it. So it's not precise...it's not working as intended. Once they fix it, this thing will be the go-to for objective map clearing and heavy unit destruction against bots.

[@Steir12]

In objective clearing role it is outmatched by quasar quite hard. If i remember correctly spear cant lock on on some objectives like broadcast towers and even if it can it might be incredibly finicky.

[@tinytimonfire]

@@Steir12 Not vs bots. you can clear bases from 200+ and they don't get to do anything about it. you kill flyers 1 hit with easy lock. cannon is amazing if you are in the shit but spear you avoid the shit all together.

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

Praise be. I really, _really_ want to be able to viably carry that weapon without feeling like a dead weight.

[@AngelTwilight]

​@@Steir12Spear almost useless against bugs, but it's have full power against robot's structures.

[@mobilememes1313]

​@AngelTwilight it can one shot biles titans, its good against bugs

[@shivalah]

Basically think of the spear lock-on system as like the one in Battletech: it’s checking for a wireframe match. Great.

[@renegadetomgaming]

You managed to explain that so much better than I did lol

[@fred3000]

Care to elaborate?

[@GHKiwi]

@@fred3000 if i understood that correctly it has the models of the things it can target in memory and is checking if what you are pointing it at is said model. Seems like a very counter intuitive way to code a weapon...

[@DanDan-eh7ul]

​@@GHKiwiIf I understand what you're saying correctly, this sounds like one of the dumbest ways to code a lock on system for a video game. As a software engineer myself, I can think of several better ways off the top of my head that would take less memory and CPU while also being less jank. Could use predefined offset points in the model such that if the player can see some number of points, the spear can lock on. Could also base lock on by what % of an object is obscured. That's a bit more involved, but still sounds easier than some algorithmic mesh match.

[@GHKiwi]

@@DanDan-eh7ul I was only trying to understand what OP wrote in his message and i fully agree with you that would be such a weird and inefficient way to code a lock on. I sincerly hope I misunderstood op and that the system in game is not that f*ed.

[@stilllife8]

If the spear starts locking on it should always be able to finish locking on. This bullshit where it starts to lock on and then decides not to should never happen. If it can't lock on then it shouldn't be "attempting" and failing. That wastes your time and can get you killed and THAT'S the frustrating part. That's the part they need to fix. I can understand it happening on moving targets, as they may be moving in a way that obscures the lock-on, but this even happens with structures and I would absolutely consider that to be a broken lock-on system.

[@brayenstekkel7185]

SEAF doesn't want to make it convenient💀

[@caad5258]

100%. It would be okay if gave you just an orange highlight to show you it's attempting to lock, but the animation for a partial lock is pure bait.

[@ElevenAce]

Agree. I just take the recoilless rifle canon thing. More fun and reliable and can be used on any target. Only reason to take the spear is if your bored and want to fk around.

[@NoFlyZone31]

@@ElevenAceexcept it can take 2-3 more shots to kill big targets, from a much shorter distance away.

[@arrebarre]

@@NoFlyZone31 at least it kills the target instead of never being able to fire cause it can't lock on lmao

[@harrisonhudson8497]

"The spear lockon isn't broken, it's not finicky, it's just precise." Except for the fact that the devs have acknowledged there are targeting issues and inconsistencies with the spear.

[@angusmckelvy1944]

Exactly, this video is pure cope. Anything it can do can be done better by eat, recoiless, and quasar

[@jacobbellamy7640]

There are definitely moments in the video which obviously contradicts some of the claims. "If there's any weather effects, objects, or smoke obscuring your target you can't lock it!" later on in the video in a field of nothing but green particle effects, it locks onto a shrieker nest that isn't at all visible. When going over it being stuck on yellow lock there are multiple instances when it doesn't get the lock but the target is highly visible. Then there are moments like when he takes out the factory + jammer where he can barely see the factory but can get the lock. The bit about how you if you are stuck with yellow locks it means you are "close to being in the right position" doesn't make much sense because what makes it the WRONG position? Its not distance because we have instances in the video where it takes out targets from longer and closer ranges. Then if you play around with the spear there is some other behaviour you'll likely spot that doesn't fit with this analysis either. For instance, sometimes it won't attempt to acquire a lock, but then if you highlight the target it will. Sometimes when you swap from first person to third person, or third person to first person, it can also suddenly start locking. That shouldn't make a difference at all for getting locks, unless the way locks are being granted IS actually inconsistent and a bit broken.

[@inkblooded1058]

Playing Devil's Advocate here, the devs can't really put: "you're all morons for not understanding the gun's mechanics, so we're fixing them to be easier" in the patch notes. Far easier to follow the trend of what the majority think and call it a bug. Is this what I think happened? Probably not. The spear does show inconsistencies; they can be worked around, but in almost any case, an autocannon or quasar cannon will do the job faster, with less effort. But it is potentially why this played out like it did.

[@Gwellir]

my favorite times are when it locks onto a fabricator or a bipod or something else which is directly behind the closer completely unobstructed fabricator which you are looking at you can not see them at all, but it is not a problem for the spear's targeting computer

[@kamikeserpentail3778]

​​@@inkblooded1058except one of them did say the railgun was nerfed partly because it was the most brain dead way of playing. And I don't know how one can say. The spear requires precise positioning and then claim it's not finicky, when that's basically the definition

[@Umnger110]

5:40 "The Spears lockon is not broken or finicky its just precise" Nah, its broken and finicky. Hence the reason they have acknowledged it in the patch notes for the last 2 weeks.

[@TheMemeSharky]

As good as this video is, there definitely are targeting issues that the Dev are aware of involving the SPEAR. The April 9th patch notes under the "Known issues" section states, "Spear’s targeting is inconsistent, making it hard to lock-on to larger enemies." This showcases that the SPEAR isn't at its best and I hope future tweaks to the targeting make this weapon less of a hassle to operate.

[@shilombaba]

Yes, I like that positionning is important, it adds the skill element... otherwise, it would be too over powered. That being said, a 1 meter high fence shouldn't block the locking of a 8 meters high building.

[@marcuso7350]

​@@shilombaba>it adds to the skill element It doesnt need to be this way the spear was already designed as a guided javelin that needs a full lock-on to even shoot, clear air space for the javelin to reach its target, low ammo capacity and stationary reloads as its downsides

[@user-pe8yi9uh7d]

​@@marcuso7350>stationary reloads youre playing with others to not just dish out dmg cooperatively

[@beantiful7414]

​@user-pe8yi9uh7d ok yes co-op reloads are a thing but honestly i've never found them very useful, especially at higher difficulties. You're asking a teammate to sacrifice a backpack slot AND their ability to shoot and forcing them to play close to you in a game where it can be very easy to get split up. I think even a dev admitted that team reloads are cool but not very practical at higher difficulties.

[@user-pe8yi9uh7d]

@@beantiful7414 team reloads are practical but not for every weapon imo spear specifically is viable with team reloads in my experience

[@Kizaru3314]

I don't know how you can say it isn't finnicky, when _your own footatge in this video_ demonstrates that it doesn't lock on even when you see the target in full (4:47). At 5:26, the mist obscures your vision from being able to see the full body of the object, yet the system locks on. By the time you _actually_ find the "right spot" to target from, your team has probably taken care of the problem with an Eagle strike. If the conditions to using the weapon are imprecise, then by definition, it is finnicky.

[@snoopymccloud1875]

Do you have sound on? Nobody's saying this is a good system, but in the first instance you linked, the player is slightly below the structure, so that a teeny tiny bit of the factory's bottom can't be seen. It's fixed by going to higher elevation. The second one he explains as there's a bunch of rocks in the fog. It's not a good system by a long shot, but this guy is explaining how it works right now, and he's right. You're not.

[@action-nerd]

I don't think they watched the video properly lol, both timestamps fully explained! 🤦‍♂️

[@K-tw4wb]

​@@snoopymccloud1875 Wrong, spear still sucks and doesn't even work on high ground

[@greatbrandini3967]

As counter intuitive as it sounds, bringing the Spear with a supply backpack is pretty great. Calling it in and having a teammate help with an emergency resupply can be pretty awesome

[@HiroTeaShi]

I am fond of playing the spear with a jetpack. really helps get that elevation it needs for easy locks

[@greatbrandini3967]

@@HiroTeaShi I'd thought about the jump pack, but thought the effort of jumping down to reload would make it terrible. Being able to get more consistent lock ons might be worth it though. I just wish blue beacons wouldn't bounce off of high ground

[@ebaocihc7085]

You can reload in the air using jet pack it’s ready to use when you land

[@pockets8548]

@@ebaocihc7085 i have done this with the machine gun alot but the main issue is for weapons that have a backpack for amunition meaning... you cant jet-reload

[@Dominus_Potatus]

The problem with Spear is it is more complicated but doesn't offer better reward than, let's say, recoilless rifle. It has fewer ammo and only shot when locked-on. The locked-on part is part that makes it hard. "You need to find correct position" The question will be, "What is considered as correct position?" Even when you are at higher position and has unobstructed line-of-sight, it won't lock the target. It is inconsistent and people hate inconsistency.

[@derrick1909]

Exactly RR basically does the same thing without the bs like I can’t shoot something because there’s a fence between me and the building foh 😂

[@tinytimonfire]

@@derrick1909 Does it though? I guess if you know the fall off at 200+? but most people wont. RR is amazing but spear can do things RR can't for clearing bot fabs.

[@derrick1909]

@@tinytimonfire agreed and I don’t mind the lock on having requirements but even when you meet those it rarely still works properly

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

Until the lock-on is significantly improved, there’s literally no incentive to take this thing over a Quasar or even a Recoilless, other than overcoming the inherent challenge of a buggy weapon.

[@SirBenton]

The only time I've actually used the spear is during the high value asset extraction defense It played out just like the preview video for the strategem.

[@TheBasedNinja]

Git Gud with the SPEAR! Step 1: Use the EAT Step 2: Use the Queso Cannon Step 3: Use the Recoiless Rocket

[@tinytimonfire]

None of them can kill a fab from the back at 200+ spear can and does.

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

@@tinytimonfireif it’ll lock the damn thing. I took a Spear for exactly this purpose on a Level 7 bot mission. Only half of the structures I tried to target were actually locked. Of those, only a relative handful were at significant range that most other weapons would have struggled against. The other half that I couldn’t lock at all got flattened by my teammates because I couldn’t get it to lock at 200+ meters before they got in there.

[@crazygrof]

​@@tinytimonfiresounds like you need to get gud I can and have done all of those with eats, recoilless and quasar

[@astrositic2698]

This video is basically telling you, to let the inanimate spear gaslight u into thinking its ur issue rather than the shitty lockon regardless, when the spear hits, its fucking hits

[@TheReapersSon]

Spear kills are the most satisfying in the game to me because you're spending a lot of time running around not getting a lock on, and when that reticle turns green, it's go time babyyyyy. The edging really makes the payoff that much better lol.

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

I will concur that, finnicky targeting aside, this thing _rocks_ fools when it actually hits them.

[@denodagor]

I gave up on the Spear when I tried to lock on to a Bile Titan 150m away in the clearest of paths and visibility conditions... and it took about 15 seconds to work. I have never had better visibility of a target in this game EVER and it'd still not lock on. Great video BTW

[@inconsideratebox3900]

4:35 First thing I thought of when hearing this is the "hot & cold" system. If you're not near a valid spot for the Spear computer, you're cold, and the triangle shows you when you're getting warmer. Super interesting.

[@syzygysum]

Great explanation, thank you, but 6:09 is a great example of how even your logic fails sometimes. You are standing higher than the fab, you see the whole thing, yet the computer is so finicky that you need to keep moving left to get a lock?

[@alexandsimba]

The spear is indeed broken. The lock-on for the dropships should be the thrusters not the engine or whatever is in the center that it current locks on. Had the developers not fixed the ammo issue, it would have stayed in the meme weapon tier list.

[@Gwellir]

I still love the meme value of the fact that they are fixing ammo economy for a weapon with main issue of not being able to shoot

[@kikkpod5887]

I used to be a hardcore spear enjoyer until I realized it is both precise and finiky. Had one mission in particular that made me stop using the weapon entirely. Had MASSIVE high ground advantage with perfectly clear lines of sight on 2 towers and 2 bot fabricators and I could not lock any of them. No visual obstruction, not to close either as I have used it a lot. Just frustrated me so much I stopped using it.

[@Wonzling0815]

The engine has a few very silly elements regarding aiming and blocking of "sight" lines. Once I was standing on a rock outcropping trying to hit a far away target with my sickle. But all my shots hit an invisible wall in front of me. Turns out there was a tiny bit of dry vegetation on the corner of the outcropping and it blocked any projectiles within about three meters radius. Tried the autocannon next, exploded in my face. Considering these idiosyncrasies, I can imagine that the targeting mechanic for the spear has a lot of elements that may or may not block line of targeting.

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

Spear lock-on is currently marked as a known bug that the devs will fix. It’s not you, as the video suggests. It really is just a sloppy weapon atm.

[@HarryVoyager]

So, that's still a finicky lock-on, but knowing how it works, and how to work with it is absolutely thew coolest thing. Thank you very much for the explanation. I'm going to have to try it out.

[@renegadetomgaming]

Glad you found the vid helpful! And yeah finicky is a fair description, there's too much exact criteria for the lock in my opinion. I think it should be better at locking when there's just a half wall or rock nearby. But since I understood the requirements I've had a lot more fun times with the weapon than not. Hope it works well for you too!

[@ReddwarfIV]

​@renegadetomgaming Honestly would be great if it could lock onto tags.

[@HarryVoyager]

@@renegadetomgaming Trying it out, and still getting a handle on when it will and won't lock. Does not seem to like night or hazy maps. Kind of reminds me of stories of the early guided missiles. Will have to try this at lower difficulties and work my way up. And it'll give the devs time to fix the packing bug too.

[@OneBiasedOpinion]

Yeah, it IS nice to know a bit more about the targeting behavior. Even if it aggravates me, at least I’ll have a better understanding of WHY it is aggravating me.

[@kelticowl9400]

This is one of those weapons I've avoided, may be time to give it a shot

[@renegadetomgaming]

Awesome! Let me know how you like it!

[@awesom6588]

It’s a lot of fun when it works. It’s super cool

[@TheGriff306]

@@awesom6588 How bout the other 99% of the time though? Stil lfun?

[@therandomlaniusedward2140]

​@TheGriff306 spear users live for that 1%, where you can one shot a hulk and tanks...

[@MadNitr0]

this video is the helldivers equivalent of "apples your holding your phone wrong"

[@codymoore6765]

The Devs already acknowledged that the spear has finicky lock on and have planned to fix it. It came up in “known issues” in one of the recent patches. I Love the spear and am excited for a “Buff”

[@gVert404]

As someone who loves the Spear it’s definitely bugged. In the last update the devs said they would be trying to fix the lockon inconsistency

[@Wravenflight]

Real title: "How to pamper your finicky Spear." Devs already said it's inconsistent and they're working to fix it. Still can be a lot of fun though when the stars are aligning, it didn't rain on Monday before tea time in Spain, and Jupiter isn't in retrograde.

[@brenonweed923]

Tiny channel, almost no views, one of the best HD2 KZbin videos I've seen so far. 11/10

[@ohlisamarie]

Agreed!!!

[@Odog78]

7/3

[@hayden6583]

Thank you for this, now that I know what the spear wants for a lock on it's a lot easier to actually get them and a lot more fun to use this launcher (plus, i'm sure this will come in handy if we ever get more lock-on weapons in the future)

[@renegadetomgaming]

Thanks! That's what I was hoping to share with the video. I'm glad it made the spear more fun and useful for you!

[@clipso9061]

minimum lock on distance misses high i can confirm

[@renegadetomgaming]

I've had it lock on distant objects and the missile ended up hitting a pole or something that was near it. I've also thought I was locked onto the bot factory but instead it was targeting a walker that was in front of it. So yeah its not perfect for sure

[@ramonbdelrosario]

Spear Main here. Treat it as a “Sniper anti tank” spear works better when there is a great distance between you and your target. I don’t use it against Dropships because of the damage. But for the rest, it works fine

[@ReddwarfIV]

TBH it's not been worth it to shoot down dropships since they stopped killing their passengers in the crash. Sure, you trap them for a bit, but that just means you're trading time for a slightly less hectic battle. Waste of a Spear even if you do hit the engine.

[@danielgudi7446]

It isn't even anti-Tank TBH since you need 3 spears to kill one

[@ReddwarfIV]

@@danielgudi7446 Usually takes 2 for me.

[@jammerthebaws4287]

@@danielgudi7446 wrong. depends where u hit. if the spear arcs upwards and rains down on the turret it will likely hit the vent and one shot it. I found if ur closer to the tank (counterintuitive, sure) it will arc HIGHER UP and come down, and if ur far it will be more a straight line and thus hit the turret directly. the spear is about aiming your body, not the gun. Sometimes u just get unlucky and that's real too. I don't find ammo to be a problem though you just gotta scavenge. Personally I bring rocketpods alongside it for when I need to kill multiple tanks at once

[@user-pe8yi9uh7d]

@@danielgudi7446 you know, spear is basically a javelin. It needs some space to get top attack off to actually oneshot a tank. And even then it isnt a GUARANTEE that it will pull of an actual top attack instead of hitting front armor from top (that is the case where you need 3 spears for that) threat it like any modern weapon: its high tech, but doesn't guarantee success when shot, especially without good conditions

[@Azrael178]

So, what i have gathered from this is that instead of praying to the machine god for a lock on i should be treating the spear like a todler with no object permanence, position accordingly, AND pray to the machine god for a lock on

[@keeb__]

So essentially the definition of finicky, which the funny internet KZbinr seems to plug his ears and pretends isn't the generally understood definition of that word

[@Bombless]

This is generally good advice, but the Spear lock-on is part of the known issues as per the devs, so hopefully it'll get fixed soon enough and it rightfully takes its place at the top of the anti-tank food chain (next to the Quasar).

[@petercottantail7850]

I'm so thankful (even though it took them TWO MONTHS) the devs finally said something about it so that garbage comments and videos saying it's a skill issue can be put to rest

[@Odog78]

This is the difinitive guide. I went from waiting for a fix to loving it vs bots. Great work, good job!

[@texthere1378]

So what you’re saying is that I can bring literally any other Anti Armor options (EAT, RR, AC, QC etc) and it will out perform the spear because of its really, really, REALLY strict lock on requirements.

[@tinytimonfire]

They will outperform it if you plan to kill lots of bots and get shot at. You use the spear to not even need to fight them and get the bases from 200+ distance.

[@cusman]

Very insightful video. I've been getting instinctively better with it, but not really knowing why but watching and listening to this video it starts to make sense.

[@dukedynamite3d]

Handy little tip from a spear wizard for you and the viewers. You can continue to lock on while reloading, you'll notice the camera shift slightly while you hold right click and are loading a new rocket in. That's the gun locking on, you'll get to fire a rocket instantly once you're reloaded.

[@tank_dempsey]

This is pretty helpful, I wouldn’t say it isn’t buggy tho bc arrowhead literally listed spear targeting in known issues in the patch notes

[@kylerbest3208]

They acknowledged in the last patch notes that the spear's lock on is inconsistent

[@v.thirteen5504]

I hope this “Git gud” with a certain item becomes a lengthy series, even if I don’t need it for everything, I enjoy these types of videos, and I still learn things I don’t know and/or new ways to use something. This is awesome

[@user-vh7fp7fc7m]

Really well made video. Especially verbally-wise. I didn't intend taking up spear before this video nor will I consider doing so in the near future BUT your video was so well made and captivating that I didn't even notice when it ended.

[@aka_miso]

With the introduction of the quasar as much as I love the spear its power creeped. Little to no drop off lets you use it at around the same long ranges with infinite ammo a free backpack slot and a you dont need to see the full target. The charge time is about as long as the lock on time and a recharge as slow as a reload but without needing to stop as well. While you can say you can team reload it for more dps you can also just have that teammate fire their own quasar to increase damage or just use the recoilless since you wont need to lock on and still get the team reload bonus.

[@action-nerd]

This is a fantastic vid, one of a kind, I really appreciate the thought and effort that went into explaining how the lock on works, or rather how to think about it. The thing is powerful as hell, so it's quite an interesting way to balance that out. As someone that enjoys the more tactical side, I'm keen to give this weapon another run.

[@momorgan9793]

This make a whole lot of sense. Thank you, I love the way it hits targets.

[@dynamite2065]

The arc thrower feels like it has the same aiming system as the spear, which you've explained beautifully. Appreciate it!

[@jeremymcarthur1930]

This is super helpful. I liked the spear a lot as it really feels punchy but its frustrating. This explanation helps a lot and makes complete sense, even in game.

[@Bffgjhyfffgg]

These tips are amazing! Been using them and the Spear is way more consistent for me now

[@michalinaw2587]

5:52 "the spear is not buggy, it's just precise. it FEELS buggy," My cousin in dives. The game developers have "the spear is buggy and does not lock on when it should" as an open and public fix in the works. The spear IS buggy, even if people use it poorly in addition!

[@chumangix4799]

Damn just found you, I was shocked when I heard “get to 1000 followers”, really good quality and information. Thought I was watching a 200+k followers creator. Keep up 💪🏽💪🏽

[@sammorgan5352]

Good video but devs literally said that the spears lock on is broken and they will be fixing it

[@renegadetomgaming]

It can only get better from here right, I'll make a part 2 once the dev's make some changes to it. For now at least we've figured out what it takes to get a lock on. If the dev's allow it to see a target through obstacles like a half wall or flag then it will be so much better!

[@killsode4760]

The players identifying it broken are absolutely correct. Because their gameplay feel for something they believe should just work doesnt- like a bile titan right fucking there Infront of you all of it visible and clear as day -it IS broken. Of course, they can be using it incorrectly, but maybe again its correct use circumstances aren't quite right. I've had the bloody thing fight with me to lock onto a gunship that's harassing me in open terrain, its lockon absolutely needs a buff.

[@AC-hj9tv]

Someyear

[@Subject-106]

​@@killsode4760 No your right. There will be times where the target is in clear view, and we're both on even ground with distance between us. But it still doesn't lock on. I do hope this gets fixed.

[@arrebarre]

@@killsode4760 obviously you should have had the high ground against a flying target :)

[@atimeforjuice]

Honestly transformational video. Just had a series of incredible bot maps with this. Thanks for describing how to best use it.

[@justincombs5311]

Thank you! I like to play solo and this block of instruction was very helpful!

[@FranticSloth420]

so do you still have to hit the "fire" button? pull the trigger if you will...? or when the icon turns green it fires automatically? thanks in advance

[@Varatrix]

Really helpful video. Gonna give it another go. Had tried it and was left pretty whelmed by it.

[@TheKayShawn]

You got all it takes to git gud on KZbin brother, keep it up and you'll go a long way, FOR SUPER EARRRTH!

[@seneka3636]

Wow thats make a lot of sense and im gonna try it, because this weapon is sick and very fun to watch in action! With this informations is more reasonable. Thanks!

[@dragonblackwell3750]

Thank you very much, finally i know how to better use it, because most tipps are: use something else I did not have many trouble so far with spear cause i only used it on bile titans at mid range or far away, but knowing how it works makes it much stronger and gives more utility

[@grimgrahamch.4157]

Finally someone releases a clear guide after 3 bloody months! I've heard so many tips about this thing, some even made it onto yhe wiki! "You need to keep the triangle centered", "You need to track your target's speed", "You need to lead your shots", "It locks better if you mark the target first". At that point the Spear was like some holy relic the Ad Mech would pray to and coat in intense in hopes that at least one of these superstitious rituals actually works. The best way I can describe the Spear is that it's a toxic, unhinged girlfriend who has mood swings and expects you to know how to deal with it all while acting really passive aggressive and never communicating.

[@PaPaPhantom]

Thanks for the info! I was using it today and it’s can really come in clutch but it’s super unreliable. Basically 70% of the time something is in the way of the target including smoke. I’d use it way more if they buffed it. But I will say it works nice on factory striders and bike titans and it works amazing on gun ships. Almost an instant lock on every time one hit k.o

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

this info is invaluable. i’d never heard any of it before now

[@gorog15]

I've started using the spear for most of the missions after I saw this video. Can confirm, line of sight and high grounds make wonders for the locking system ! We saved some good minutes using it properly.

[@user-gu3zm1yx6l]

Should do a video on the quasar cannon. You got great tips, presented very simply. I use the quasar all the time, but I don’t really go out of my way to learn about anything in the game, you’re a great resource!

[@panzershuriken6590]

I will use this explanation later, may i ask what armor you use when solo?

[@ryan_908]

Hey, I just wanna say thank you for letting me know that Spear is actually fun as hell. I used to extremely despise Spear. But after I gave it another shot understanding how the aim system actually works thanks to your video, I find this AT weapon really good against bots. Being able to snipe fabricators, heavy armor units, CANNON TURRETS (You can even lock onto the one on Factory Strider.) from miles away feels really fucking awesome. THANK YOU.

[@KennyMinigun]

Thanks, this actually inspired me to try out the spear. And indeed it was easier to work with it having that basic understanding.

[@LOBOTOMINIZER]

this was best guide on youtube regarding Spear

[@Flakeytie]

I learned more from you than all my time trying to understand this weapon.

[@hexroberts7204]

See I am super thankful that you made this video, but equally frustrated because the weapon shouldn’t need a video explaining why it feels so clunky

[@marclee293]

They mentioned in one of the latest patches that the targetting is inconsistent, making it harder to lock on to larger enemies. Do you think if they patch this it'll affect this guide?

[@IRMentat]

Seen more lock ins in this video than I have personally since I bought the game. Needing to view top down and able to see the full height of a building/enemy and it not having a backup laze-sight is the very essence of a finicky weapon system. It’s also make it so maps with jagged terrain or enemy bases on high-ground become effectively no-go zones for the spear. I retain that the targeting system is if not broken then functionally broken for the average end user, a simple “hood aim/shoot for 8 seconds without moving to shoot at targeted point” would at the least trim off many of It’s current rough edges.

[@IAmNumber4000]

When they fix the spear lock on and the new ship upgrade that gives full backpack ammo from a single resupply box, this thing will be able to wipe out all armor vs level 9 bots easily.

[@renegadetomgaming]

Looking forward to that!

[@kilocharlie1100]

Thanks for this. I ignored the spear because i heard of the issues. But now I'm gonna give it a shot. By the time it's fixed, I'll be able to fully appreciate the weapon.

[@ten-xlegacy4033]

It's really good when it works, but some maps just don't let you use it, due to obstructions and no high ground to aim from. Sometimes I can solo bases on my own and chew through all the ammo we can find, others I get to fire maybe 2 shots at fabricators and end up circling the bases trying to find an angle to shoot from while my team runs in and does all the work for me

[@SuppahTenko]

How much is the spear affected by the fog that seems to be present a whole lot on bot planets? Often the visibility is so poor that you can't even see things more than 100m out. Would the spear still lock on things if pointed into the right direction, despite them being beyond visual range?

[@zaniatnik]

Spear is a ton of fun for me, but unless you are hellbent on using spear and only spear, there is a bit of a problem with team reload advice. If you can have a reliable loader for your spear, you can have a reliable loader for your recoilless, too. And that one is far more effective when it can spam its shots. I do recognize that this video is about the Spear, not other guns, but I felt like it is still worth pointing out. Also, it is nice to know that I was right about how Spear works: I figured out the same ideas you are offering on my own. And that means you’re definitely right: your research can be replicated!

[@liucoliuko1655]

I really appreciate this vedio, having a hard time with this bad boy weapon here. And can't wait for Devs said they know there's some issues on its locking system

[@xxmlgtwinkiegamerxx7916]

I always shied away from the spear solely because everyone was telling me it was frustrating and inconsistant, but this guide has made me want to try it out finally. I appreciate you making this video as this vid has taught me way more

[@TheGriff306]

I was you 30 minutes ago, no reason to try it. It sucked. I wish I could back to never had tried it.

[@xxmlgtwinkiegamerxx7916]

@@TheGriff306 I like it. I played a match with it and it's actually pretty decent. There's guns that do things better than it, but it's definitely not useless

[@TrixTrix228]

@@xxmlgtwinkiegamerxx7916 I'm a spearman myself and would regularly carry it in bot missions, when it works it's great. but most of the time you're wrestling with the inconsistent lock on that teases you with its random disengage right at the last second then goes away again. i feel like i'm doing weird voodoo stuff just to make sure the immobile bot fabricator that i have a clear shot of would lock on be it far or close

[@TheGriff306]

At high difficulties you don't have time for the computer to decide what it wants to shoot. I mean, if you like it, use it! This thread has at least encouraged me to try out other guns I haven't used before. Recoilless is pretty good!

[@TrixTrix228]

@@TheGriff306 It becomes a specific niche use in higher difficulties yeah. i've also been using the HMG placement thanks to the defense missions. variety and all that

[@chrisshaw4632]

This explanation is exactly what I was changing. Awesome work 👍🏻

[@paul.grohmann]

I‘ve been using it a bit recently since I just wanted to not go on yet another mission with quasar, shield gen pack/rover, 110 rockets/500kg and airstrike. For most missions that‘s what I run in my team and over time it‘s just a bit boring to bring the same things all the time so i tried the spear and actually got better results then i remembered, but this will help. Thx

[@arcshadowstorm]

I love the spear, my first helldive I was our team's spear guy, and I remember my team calling for me when their stratagems were on cooldown and I delivered liberty. The spear has a special place in my heart and i am usually happy to take up the mantle of spear guy.

[@TheLordnaga]

I was able to complete Gone in 360 Seconds with the spear. I learned everything you said in the video but also tried using it only during daylight missions which seems to help the lock on signifigantly.

[@slayzet4293]

I've been running AMR with supply pack to support my team and hyper focus on hulks and devastators (tanks if i can yeet airstrike on it) Lets just say devs fixed spear's lock on and it locks on reliably. How good is its dmg and what it can do to heavies compared to quaso, eat, rr?

[@KolMan2000]

So basically what you’re saying is it’s a very user-un-friendly lock-on mechanic that could easily just be replaced with the concept of laser guided or heat seeking missiles. If I’m playing a game that gives me the options of a point and shoot rocket launcher and a backpack that makes me invulnerable then I’m less likely to take the launcher with the bad lock on mechanic. I like the spear but it needs a serious rework

[@danielcarlsen9228]

It can one-shot BTs, chargers, tanks, factories and turrets from very far away. On the right map it's very effective if you know how to use it.

[@hampdog5716]

I'm your 1,000 sub! Good video and good tips!

[@BAMFZone95]

I like your voice and will encourage you to make more videos! Ill try the spear again today but ive already had bad experiences with it before. And if its busted, im not going to try it again until the devs are able to fix it. Since theyve acknowledged its not where they want the lock on is.

[@BAMFZone95]

Played with the spear on level 7 bots. When it works, it feels great. But it barely works great. A half 70 meters away, nothing blocking the view. Refuse to lock on. It edges itself while locking on a lot of the time. Also no more free back slot. Just use the queso cannon. You'll have a better time. And won't worry about ammo or reloading.

[@Remedy151]

Thanks to this vid I’ve given the Spear another chance and have been getting consecutive locks left and right!!! ❤

[@Arcaev]

You're saying that it's not finicky and just precise, but at 5:53 where you say "you're standing in the wrong spot" you see the spear lock on, then disengage without you moving at all. That sounds very finicky to me.

[@crusadr_4966]

Amazing information, definitely trying out the spear in my next game!

[@warmachinept92]

awsome guide ! tks

[@Dorianjay]

Was just trying it after the video, interesting but I can't seem to one-shot Hulks, is that normal?

[@Davidmorales597r]

Is the spear really qorth using if its so damn hard to use I mean Ive seen titans and i guess i cant lock onto them because thier foot is alil too covered?

[@BlenderGeek]

Another problem I have found with the lock on is multiple targets in its lock field seam to confuse it. I have struggled to lock on a hulk in clear view, but next to some striders. Once I angled my lock window so the hulk was the only possible lock target it immediately started locking on.

[@Skeptic_Tank]

this is the most useful video on the Spear. After watching it, i still think it needs a buff. In order to use it, so many circumstances have to be met, and in a game where you are constantly getting rushed or cornered by dozens of enemies. Taking the time to always get a high ground and then take the time to stand still and aim down something... it's asking too much. I rather just have a quasar, or EAT, or recoiless on me.

[@jaredbowman7764]

Okay this helped a lot. Because I have had missions where the spear is crushing my foes and others where I might get one or two locks the entire mission. So I think the difference is topography of the mission map and how I moved through it not a buggy or broken targeting system. It's just stupid and precise.

[@adamporter3402]

If gaslighting was a tutorial

[@keeb__]

This is a reply i wrote to someone but i feel this comment can stand on its own. Team reloads are completely impractical for the spear. For the recoiless its a blast, so this isnt a critique of the mechanic as a whole but for the unique issues and use cases the spear has. 1. Most things die to 1 shot with the spear making fast reloads completely unnecessary 2. Your teammates only can carry 3 shots. 3. Immobile reloads don't really matter if you have to be far away to shoot the gun in the first place, and you are basically immobile anyway when aiming with your mate. A crawling pace is basically the same as sitting still. 4. your teammates having to reposition with you when you can't get a lock on. It's possibly the least useful team reload in the game. At least the autocannon can do a full auto spray with a teammate. I see little practical purpose of the spear team reaload. In the video itself there is only a single clip where you didnt oneshot an enemy and need that extra quick reaload, and that could have easily been solved with better positioning as you have argued. In the time your buddy took to do it, they could have easily been doing something more helpful, and let you reload it yourself in the downtime. Dont get me wrong its quite fun team realoads, but you would be having more of a blast with the recoilless than the spear for those reasons.