The Dragonroach is a new enemy in Helldivers 2 that has been introduced with the Into the Unjust update. It’s a massive flying Terminid that causes damage with corrosive green bile fire from above. Defeating it can be a taxing challenge.
Unlike other enemies, a Dragonroach relies on acid attacks and aerial maneuvers, and this is the most challenging part of the fight. Its bile spray creates hazardous fire zones that are difficult to dodge outside of cover, and contact damage can quickly disable you.
Here’s everything you need to know about killing the Dragonroach in Helldivers 2.
Where to find the Dragonroach in Helldivers 2
Just like the Hive Lord, you can find Dragonroaches flying above your heads on Hive planets in the Terminid sector. However, unlike the giant bug, you can find these flying beasts around mid-difficulty levels, starting from five or six and up.
Dragonroaches have approximately 12,000 HP and prove to be quite a threat, especially in the higher difficulty missions, as they patrol the skies while spraying down devastating bile sprays before circling for another attack.
How to beat the Dragonroach in Helldivers 2
When the Dragonroach swoops in, simply dodge to the side. Its first attack is a wide and linear spray of toxic bile, so escaping that attack won’t be a problem. If you get caught in the fire damage, use a stim to heal up if needed.
After its initial pass, it hovers in place and targets you with a second, more focused bile spray. During this moment, use heavy weapons, turrets, or support strikes to deal the maximum damage.
You can even one-shot kill them. All you need to do is call down an Orbital Railcannon Strike while it’s hovering. If you prefer to engage with your own firepower, aim directly for the head for maximum damage.
Quasar Cannon, Spear, and Epoch can take it down in a few shots. If your loadout lacks high-powered options, damaging the wings will be effective.
Since it’s a Terminid at the end of the day, standing still will only call for more self-damage. Instead, dive, heal, and reposition as needed, especially during its acid spray attacks. Don’t waste light arms ammo to damage its body mid-air.
Best loadouts to kill the Dragonroach in Helldivers 2
There are three effective loadouts to kill Dragonroaches in Helldivers 2:
- Exosuit focused
- Mobile damage dealer
- Support and crowd control
In the first loadout, the primary focus is on the Exosuit. The Emancipator or Patriot can be great for tanking damage (by absorbing spray) and increasing firepower. Choose Quasar Cannon as the primary weapon for high burst damage with precision shots during the hover phase. For a secondary weapon, the Recoilless Rifle will be good for dealing wing damage. The Orbital Railcannon Strike Stratagem will be ideal for dealing more damage, but you have to time it properly. Other than that, keep Ammo Resupply and Stim Packs for continued ammo and health support.
In the second loadout, go with heavy armor that has fire resistance (like the I-44 Salamander and the I-92 Fire Fighter) if an Exosuit is not available. The Laser Cannon is a great primary weapon in this loadout due to its continuous sustained wing damage to break flight quickly. The Spear is an ideal secondary weapon for its effective multi-shot burst on the head and wings. For Stratagems, use Ammo Drop and Support Turret.
The third loadout is more about balancing crowd control with focused fire on the Dragonroach during hover phases. Use the Patriot Exosuit for survivability. Epoch will deal large area damage and is especially useful if multiple Dragonroaches spawn during higher levels. Use Rocket Pods for burst damage and stagger. For Stratagems, use Orbital Strike, Ammo Resupply, and Defensive Turret.
