Players tackling Super Earth’s more challenging defence missions in Helldivers 2 will inevitably encounter the formidable leviathan – a massive Illuminate battleship that soars through the skies. These colossal flying fortresses demolish buildings in their path whilst unleashing devastating cannon fire upon anyone brave enough to venture within range. Though these aerial behemoths appear invincible at first glance, determined Helldivers can bring them crashing down with proper tactics and equipment.
Understanding Leviathan Combat Mechanics
Whilst eliminating leviathans doesn’t currently contribute to mission objectives or provide additional rewards, the satisfaction of toppling these sky-bound titans proves worthwhile for many players. The tactical approach requires coordination and specific equipment, making it more demanding than simply seeking cover or avoiding their flight paths entirely.
Essential Equipment for Leviathan Elimination
The most effective approach involves deploying support weapon stratagems, particularly the Recoilless Rifle or the Spear launcher. These heavy weapons pack sufficient punch to damage the creature’s vulnerable sections when properly targeted. The Anti-Tank Emplacement presents another viable option, though this requires progression through the Urban Legends Warbond and unlocking it on the final page. Additionally, positioning these static defences proves challenging due to the leviathan’s constant movement and the urban environment’s towering structures that frequently obstruct firing lines.
Coordination becomes crucial since support weapons require teammate assistance for reloading. Having supply drops nearby ensures sustained engagement capability throughout the encounter.
Targeting Leviathan Weak Points
Leviathans possess several vulnerable areas that skilled marksmen can exploit:
The blue circular section beneath the head serves as a prime target for Spear missiles, which automatically lock onto this region. Successful hits trigger explosive damage, though whether this deals additional harm or merely disrupts the creature’s bombing capabilities remains unclear.
The joints connecting each body segment present another vulnerability. Laser cannons fired from below can damage these connection points, though maintaining accurate aim proves extremely difficult given the leviathan’s rapid movement speed.
The Wing Destruction Strategy
The most reliable elimination method involves destroying one of the leviathan’s front wings. Concentrated fire on either the left or right wing eventually severs it completely, exposing a blue flaming wound on the creature’s flank. This vulnerable opening takes significant damage from heavy weapons including autocannons, laser cannons, and turret emplacements.
Unfortunately, orbital stratagems like the Railcannon Strike and Orbital Laser cannot lock onto leviathans, rendering them largely ineffective. Some barrage-type stratagems can still connect if players position the beacon between the target and the sky, though the creature’s speed makes this technique extremely challenging to execute consistently.
The most practical approach combines a Recoilless Rifle or Spear with reliable team support for ammunition management and readily available supply drops. Focus fire should target the wings first, then exploit the resulting damage opportunities until the leviathan succumbs.