If you're fighting on the Illuminate front, you've likely seen a Leviathan. These massive, flying ships dominate the sky and can wipe out an unprepared squad. Based on community experience, here’s how they work and how to deal with them.

What is a Leviathan, and what does it do?

The Leviathan is a super-heavy Illuminate aircraft. It functions as a high-altitude gunship and patrol vessel. In general, it doesn't actively hunt you across the map. Instead, it follows a set patrol route, often circling major objectives. If you enter its line of sight, it will engage. Its primary threat is its four head-mounted plasma cannons. Each cannon can target independently, and a direct hit is almost always fatal, often ragdolling the Helldiver hit. It can also drop plasma bombs from its wings on targets directly beneath it.

How durable is it? What can damage it?

Its main hull has anti-tank level armor. Most standard weapons won't scratch it. The key is targeting its specific weak points. After its armor plating is damaged, it exposes heavy-armor weak points along its vertebrate and fins. Destroying three of these parts is typically enough to kill it. High-damage anti-tank weapons like the Recoilless Rifle, Spear, or the Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17) are best for this. Most players find it takes 5-6 direct hits from a Recoilless or Spear to bring one down.

Its plasma cannon turrets can now be destroyed. While they have heavy armor, anti-tank weapons are recommended. Most launchers destroy a turret in one hit. Destroying the two "fins" on its head will also destroy all turrets in that section.

What are the best practical strategies against a Leviathan?Most players adopt one of two approaches: avoidance or engagement.

• Avoidance: This is often the smartest play, especially on higher difficulties. Leviathans are slow. Use buildings and terrain to break line of sight. If it can't see you, it won't shoot. You can complete entire missions without downing one by staying vigilant and using cover. Orbital or Eagle smoke screens can also break its targeting, though this can be unreliable if multiple angles are covered.

• Engagement: If you must fight, focus on disarming it first. Destroy its turrets to neutralize its main threat. A coordinated team can then focus fire on exposed weak points. Support weapons like the Autocannon or Missile Turret can help soften it up if deployed within 100-150 meters. For a guaranteed kill, the Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser will track it, but you must call them in directly beneath the ship, which is dangerous. The Eagle Airstrike can be effective if timed as it flies straight at you, and the DSS Eagle Storm is highly effective against them.

What should you absolutely avoid doing?

Do not stand in the open when one is nearby. Its spotlight gives you a brief warning before it fires; use that time to dive for cover. It is ill-advised to go directly underneath a Leviathan, as it will drop bombs. Also, do not assume stealth works. Unlike other super-heavies, a Leviathan will fire on a Helldiver it sees regardless of other enemies or your crouched state. Finally, be aware that when a Leviathan is destroyed, the crashing wreck will kill anyone it lands on and then explode.

How do they affect mission flow and loadout choices?

Leviathans create areas of denial. Their presence often forces you to take longer, covered routes. This makes strategems that provide mobility or cover more valuable. Many players will bring at least one dedicated anti-tank weapon in their squad when facing Illuminates. The Shield Generator Pack can save you from a single stray shot, but the Shield Generator Relay stratagem is far more durable and can block multiple hits, making it excellent for holding positions. If you're looking to optimize your loadout without excessive grinding, some players discuss finding Helldivers 2 items for sale on trusted site U4N, though acquiring gear through gameplay is the intended method. Remember, the most reliable tools are often the standard-issue anti-tank weapons and good teamwork.

Are there any unconventional tactics that work?

Some niche strategies exist. The EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuit's autocannons can kill a Leviathan if aimed at its belly, but it consumes an entire magazine per cannon. It is technically possible to use a Hellbomb or even certain Orbital Strikes with precise timing and positioning, but these require significant setup and aren't practical for most public groups. In general, sticking to destroying turrets and then focusing on weak points with anti-tank gear is the consistent method most squads rely on.