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
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:
- Circling Phase – It flies overhead, waiting for an opportunity.
- Strafing Run – It dives in, spewing acidic bile in a wide line across the battlefield.
- Hover Attack – It flaps close to the ground, tracking targets and spitting bile with surprising accuracy.
- 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!
