How to Beat Dragon Roaches in Helldivers 2 – Spawn Locations, Weak Points & Best Weapons

The Dragon Roach is one of the deadliest additions to Helldivers 2, introduced in the Into the Unjust update. Think of it as a flying Bile Titan with the mobility of a Shrieker—fast, relentless, and armed with devastating bile spray. Beating this monster requires preparation, sharp aim, and the right gear.

Where to Find Dragon Roaches

Dragon Roaches begin spawning on Difficulty 5 and above, most commonly on Gloom hive planets in the Terminid sector. They patrol the skies much like Shriekers, though spawns aren’t guaranteed on every mission; enemy seed variations or bugs sometimes prevent them from appearing.

See also: Helldivers 2 Best Weapons Against Illuminate: Top Loadouts & Strategies

Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2

$69.00

Protect the peace in Lumiose City.

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Game only

Hurry — Deal Ending Soon on Amazon

20K+ bought in past month.

The most reliable way to know one is coming is by sound: a horrid screech will echo across the battlefield before it swoops down to join the fight. When you hear it, immediately scan the skies and be ready to engage.

Tip: On lower difficulties (1–4), you won’t see them at all.

How Dragon Roaches Attack in Helldivers 2

The Dragon Roach isn’t a mindless flier—it behaves like a predator that sets up its attacks in a looping rhythm:

1. Circling Phase – It flies overhead, waiting for an opportunity.
2. Strafing Run – It dives in, spewing acidic bile in a wide line across the battlefield.
3. Hover Attack – It flaps close to the ground, tracking targets and spitting bile with surprising accuracy.
4. Reset Loop – After its attacks, it circles back to repeat the cycle.

These patterns create some of the biggest hazards in the game:

• The bile spray has a very wide hitbox, making it hard to avoid completely.
• If you’re clipped, a dive roll extinguishes the burning bile before it drains your health.
• When hovering, the Roach tracks your movement, forcing you to keep running or use mobility gear like the Warp Pack to teleport out of danger.
• Unlike ground-based Bile Titans, staying still almost guarantees death—you must keep moving.

Dragon Roach Weak Points

To take it down efficiently, target its face or wings:

• Wings – Sustained fire tears holes in the wing membranes, eventually bringing it crashing down.
• Headshots – A precise heavy-armor penetrating shot to the mouth or face can one-shot it.

Best Weapons Against the Dragon Roach

Because the Dragon Roach moves quickly and rarely stays still, you’ll need weapons that combine accuracy and burst damage.

See also: Best Stealth Build in Helldivers 2 – Weapons, Armor, and Stratagems Guide

Recommended Support Weapons

• EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank – Reliable anti-air strike with precise aim.
• GR-8 Recoilless Rifle – Balanced choice for accuracy and stopping power.
• LAS-99 Quasar Cannon – Can one-shot with a perfect headshot, or drop the Roach in just a few hits.
• AC-8 Autocannon – Excellent sustained fire for tearing wings.
• FAF-14 Spear – Works, but it’s unreliable for headshots and usually requires multiple shots.

Recommended Stratagems

• Orbital Railcannon Strike – Powerful and effective against its weak points.
• E/AT-12 Anti-Tank Emplacement – Creates a defensive zone and forces damage windows.
• EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuit – Soaks up bile sprays and adds consistent anti-air firepower.

Stratagems to Avoid

Most Eagles and Orbitals are unreliable due to long call-in times against a moving aerial target. If you attempt them, time the strike during the hover phase to maximize your chance of hitting.

Loadout & Survival Tips

• Bring an Exosuit (Patriot or Emancipator) – Absorbs acid spray and provides sustained firepower.
• Use Fire Resistance armor – Helps mitigate bile burn damage.
• Carry plenty of Stims – Essential for surviving multiple bile hits.
• Team Fire on Wings – If your squad can’t land precise headshots, coordinate to shred its wings quickly.
• Always keep moving – Staying still is a death sentence.

Loadout Templates

• Solo Build: LAS-99 Quasar + GR-8 Recoilless (or EAT-17), Warp Pack, Fire-Resist armor, 6x Stims. Ideal for precise headshots and instant repositioning.
• Squad Build: 1x Autocannon, 1x HMG, 1x EXO-49, 1x Recoilless. Use Orbital Railcannon as the finisher. Focused team fire quickly shreds wings and secures kills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Standing still during hover spray—the bile will track you.
• Wasting long-delay Orbitals instead of firing during hover windows.
• Relying on Spear for one-shots—it rarely delivers.
• Forgetting to dive roll to extinguish bile burns.

The Dragon Roach is designed to test Helldivers’ coordination and adaptability. It isn’t just another big bug—it’s a predator that forces you to react quickly and punish its openings. With the right support weapons, a prepared team, and good positioning, you can bring this flying nightmare down and continue spreading democracy across the galaxy. Play Now!