Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is filled with fearsome enemies, but none are quite as intimidating as the Heldrake. This monstrous, dragon-like creature serves as a major boss in the game and can be a significant challenge for even the most skilled players. To beat the Heldrake, you’ll need a combination of strategic movement, the right weaponry, and patience. Here’s a guide to help you bring this Chaos beast down.
The Heldrake is a terrifying fusion of flesh and machine, a Daemon Engine unleashed by the forces of Chaos to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Its massive size and ability to fly make it a difficult enemy to track and deal with. What makes the Heldrake especially dangerous are its devastating ranged and melee attacks. It can unleash fiery breath that deals heavy damage and dive toward you with deadly speed.
To beat the Heldrake, understanding its patterns is crucial. Like many boss fights, it has telegraphed attacks that give you a chance to dodge or counter, but missing these cues can be lethal.
Key Strategies to Defeat the Heldrake
- Use Mobility to Your Advantage: The Heldrake excels in both close-quarters and ranged combat, so constantly staying on the move is essential. Avoid staying in one place for too long, as this makes you an easy target for its fiery breath and claw attacks. Utilize your character’s dodge and sprint abilities to evade incoming damage.
When the Heldrake is airborne, it often performs sweeping attacks. Keep an eye on its movements and dodge at the right moment. The key is not to panic and maintain your distance during these moments. - Target Weak Spots: The Heldrake’s armor can be tough to penetrate, but there are moments when its weak spots are exposed, particularly after performing certain attacks. When it dives or crashes after an aerial assault, it can become vulnerable for a brief period. This is your chance to land powerful hits and deal maximum damage.
Aim for the joints and the head for the best results. Weapons like plasma guns, bolters, and grenade launchers are effective at weakening its defenses. - Utilize Heavy Weapons: During the battle, you may find heavy weapon caches around the arena. These are not there by accident. Heavy bolters and meltas (short-range but high-damage weapons) can help you break through the Heldrake’s thick armor. Save your most powerful weapons for when the Heldrake is grounded or after a big attack leaves it open for critical damage.
Grenades are also useful, especially when thrown at the right time during its dive attacks. They can stun the Heldrake temporarily, giving you precious moments to regroup or go in for more hits. - Master Parrying and Dodging: When the Heldrake closes in for melee combat, dodging is your best bet to avoid getting crushed. Parrying some of its slower attacks can also give you a tactical advantage. However, many of its moves are unblockable, so focus primarily on dodging to survive these close encounters. Keep your shield topped up by executing smaller enemies if they appear during the fight, as this can replenish your health and shields.
- Stay Patient and Time Your Attacks: The Heldrake’s most dangerous weapon is its ability to overwhelm you, both in terms of physical size and powerful attacks. It’s crucial to stay calm during this fight. Don’t rush in for melee combat unless it’s safe to do so, as the Heldrake’s melee attacks can deal massive damage.
Wait for the moments when it’s vulnerable, particularly after it’s exhausted from its aerial dive or fire-breathing attack. Once it’s on the ground, unload with everything you have. In many cases, this may be the only time you’ll get to land significant damage.
Key Weapon Choices
- Heavy Bolters and Plasma Guns: These are your go-to weapons for the Heldrake fight. Heavy bolters deal consistent damage at medium-to-long range, while plasma guns provide strong burst damage that can be crucial for those moments when the Heldrake is grounded.
- Grenade Launcher: The grenade launcher can be a lifesaver during this fight, especially when dealing with the Heldrake’s aerial attacks. Launching grenades at it when it’s about to swoop down can disrupt its rhythm and leave it open for attack.
- Melta Weapons: Short-range but incredibly powerful, melta weapons can shred through the Heldrake’s armor when you’re up close. Save these for moments when the Heldrake is grounded and you need to deal maximum damage quickly.
Health and Shield Management
It’s easy to get tunnel vision during the battle with the Heldrake, but managing your health and shields is vital. Throughout the battle, execute smaller enemies (if they appear) to replenish your shields and health. This tactic may seem small, but in such a chaotic battle, every bit of shield and health regeneration can make the difference between victory and defeat.
Keep an eye out for health stims scattered around the arena. Make sure you’re using these wisely, especially during the later stages of the battle when the Heldrake’s attacks become more aggressive.
The Heldrake is one of the toughest challenges in Space Marine 2, but with the right strategy, it’s a battle you can win. By staying mobile, using heavy weapons effectively, and timing your attacks, you’ll eventually bring this beast down. Remember to remain patient and use the environment and weaponry at your disposal to overcome the Heldrake’s ferocious attacks.
