In Helldivers 2, the Illuminate faction presents a formidable challenge with their advanced technology and powerful units. Among these, the Leviathans stand out as towering threats that can decimate unprepared squads. These massive, three-legged machines—also referred to by some as Harvesters—are equipped with devastating weaponry and resilient shields. To ensure mission success and the safety of your team, understanding how to effectively neutralize these behemoths is crucial.
Leviathans aren’t just large—they’re engineered for total battlefield dominance. Their primary weapon is a long-range laser that sweeps across wide areas, incinerating anything in its path. At closer range, they unleash a deadly electrical arc that chains between multiple nearby targets, making close-quarters combat a risky option.
What makes them even tougher is their regenerative shield. This energy barrier can absorb substantial damage, buying the Leviathan time to retaliate or reposition. These shields regenerate after a short delay, so once a window opens, it’s essential to strike hard and fast.
Identifying Weak Points
Despite their overwhelming presence, Leviathans are not invincible. Their major vulnerability lies in their leg joints. Targeting and destroying one of the legs destabilizes the entire machine, bringing it down in a thunderous collapse. This strategy is both ammo-efficient and effective, significantly reducing the time you’re exposed to enemy fire.
The Leviathan’s central eye can also be damaged, but it is better shielded and harder to hit under pressure. Precision weapons can exploit this target when the opportunity arises, but it should be treated as a secondary option.
Recommended Weaponry
When taking on a Leviathan, you’ll want weapons that combine armor-piercing capabilities with high burst damage. Standard assault rifles won’t cut it here—you need heavy-duty firepower.
- Recoilless Rifle: A portable and powerful anti-tank weapon, perfect for targeting Leviathan legs with pinpoint accuracy.
- EAT-17: A one-use launcher that delivers massive impact. It’s ideal for quick, decisive strikes against exposed joints.
- AC-8 Autocannon: This sustained-fire weapon delivers consistent pressure, great for shield stripping and follow-up leg shots.
- MG-43 Machine Gun: While not as powerful as the dedicated anti-tank options, its high rate of fire is effective in breaking shields and softening up leg armor.
Avoid energy-based weapons, as they tend to underperform against the Leviathan’s shielding. Ballistic and explosive tools will always give you better results in this kind of fight.
Tactical Approaches
Success against a Leviathan comes down to more than brute force. Tactical execution can mean the difference between mission success and a complete squad wipe.
- Flanking Maneuvers: Always try to engage the Leviathan from the sides or behind. This avoids its main laser beam and gives you cleaner angles to its vulnerable leg joints.
- Shield Disruption: Before you bring out the big guns, use rapid-fire weapons to take down its energy shield. Once the shield is gone, that’s your window to deploy explosive damage.
- Utilize Stratagems Wisely: Stratagems like the MLS-4X Commando or Orbital Railcannon are great tools, but their limited use means you need to time them carefully. Don’t waste them when the shield is still up.
- Maintain Mobility: Staying in one spot is a death sentence. Keep moving, use terrain to block its line of sight, and reposition often to avoid its electrical arc.
Team Coordination
Taking on a Leviathan solo is extremely risky. A well-coordinated squad is the key to surviving and taking down this colossal threat.
- Designate Roles: Assign team members to specific tasks like shield disruption, heavy weapon use, or distraction. Everyone should know their job before the fight begins.
- Synchronize Attacks: Don’t waste firepower by shooting at different legs or firing at random. Focused fire brings down a leg faster, giving you a tactical advantage.
- Revive Protocols: People will go down. Make sure someone is always ready to revive teammates and keep the group at full strength during long engagements.
Post-Engagement Considerations
Even after a Leviathan falls, your job isn’t done. The Illuminate often sends reinforcements after losing such a high-value unit. Use this time to reload, revive, and regroup. Secure the immediate area, redistribute ammunition, and prepare for another potential encounter.
You may also want to call in defensive stratagems like mines or turrets to hold your position while your team recovers. Staying alert after the kill ensures you don’t get overwhelmed by a surprise follow-up attack.
