Defending the drill is one of the most intense and demanding moments in Deep Rock Galactic’s Escort Duty missions. Whether you are protecting the hulking Drilldozer known as Doretta as she carves through solid rock or holding the line during a swarm while the drill refuels, your weapon choices can mean the difference between a smooth extraction and a catastrophic wipe. The right loadout not only shreds the endless waves of Glyphid bugs but also ensures you can react swiftly to special threats like Menaces, Bulk Detonators, and the occasional Korlok Tyrant-Weed that loves to spawn right in your path. Here is how to arm yourself for success.
This guide breaks down the best weapons for every class in the drill defense scenario. We will cover primary and secondary options, highlight essential modifications and Overclocks, and share positioning and team synergy tips that turn a chaotic defense into a well oiled, bug splicing machine. Whether you play Gunner, Driller, Engineer, or Scout, you will find tailored advice to keep Doretta safe and your team standing.
Understanding the Drill Defense Phase
In Escort Duty missions, your team must protect the Drilldozer as it tunnels to the Heartstone. The drill moves in segments, stopping occasionally while you clear obstacles and fend off swarms. The most difficult part occurs during the final phase when Doretta breaks into the Heartstone chamber and you face constant enemy waves while also having to defend the drill and later the uplink. Enemies spawn from all directions, and the terrain is often uneven and full of hazards. Your weapons need to handle both crowd control and single target burst damage, often at close to medium range.
Key threats include: Grunts and Slashers that swarm directly onto the drill, Mactera Spawn and Tri-Jaws that attack from above, Praetorians and Oppressors that require concentrated fire, and disruptive specials like Menaces and Acid Spitters that pick off dwarves from afar. A balanced team composition is vital, but every dwarf can optimize their loadout for this specific challenge.
Best Weapons for Each Class
Gunner
The Gunner is the backbone of drill defense. Their primary role is sustained, high volume firepower. The “Thunderhead” Heavy Autocannon with the Carpet Bomber or Splintering Shells Overclock is arguably the strongest choice. It deletes waves of Grunts before they even reach the drill and can be built for massive AoE damage. Pair it with the Bulldog Heavy Revolver (with Elephant Rounds or Six Shooter) or the BRT7 Burst Fire Gun (with Experimental Rounds) to quickly eliminate high health targets like Praetorians and Menaces. Alternatively, the “Lead Storm” Powered Minigun with the Burning Hell or Lead Storm Overclock excels at shredding both swarms and heavy armor, especially when you can position yourself with a clear line of sight down the tunnel. Always bring the Shield Generator for emergency revives and to protect Doretta when a Bulk Detonator approaches.
Driller
The Driller thrives in the chaos of drill defense by controlling the battlefield. The CRSPR Flamethrower with the Sticky Fuel or Fuel Stream Diffuser Overclock can create walls of fire that decimate any bug foolish enough to walk through. Position yourself near the drill and spray the ground to deny entire lanes. For single target damage, the Experimental Plasma Charger with Thin Containment Field (TCF) is a high skill ceiling weapon that can vaporize Mactera swarms and chunk Oppressors. Alternatively, the Corrosive Sludge Pump with Goo Bomber Special or Disperser Compound lays down puddles that slow and melt enemies, perfect for guarding the drill’s backside. The Colette Wave Cooker as a secondary can spread status effects and finish off burning or corroded bugs. Do not forget your Impact Axe grenade for quick kills on Praetorians and Oppressors.
Engineer
The Engineer is the king of area denial and burst damage, both critical for drill defense. The “Warthog” Auto 210 shotgun with the Mini Shells or Cycle Overload Overclock is reliable and ammo efficient for clearing close range pests. However, the “Stubby” Voltaic SMG with EM Refire Booster or Turret EM Discharge can lock down entire sections when paired with turrets. Speaking of turrets, always bring the LMG Gun Platform with the Hawkeye or Defender System mod; place them on elevated positions covering the drill’s flanks. For secondary, the Deepcore PGL with the Fat Boy Overclock is legendary for evaporating dense swarms, but if you prefer precision, the Breach Cutter with Return to Sender or Spinning Death annihilates anything in a line. The Shard Diffractor is also excellent for melting high value targets from a distance. The Plasma Burster grenade or Proximity Mine further enhances your zone control.
Scout
Scout’s role shifts during drill defense from exploration to surgical support. You need a weapon that can kill priority targets quickly while keeping you mobile. The M1000 Classic with the Hoverclock or Active Stability System Overclock is perfect for sniping Menaces, Spitters, and Mactera before they become a problem. Pair it with the Jury-Rigged Boomstick with Special Powder for unmatched movement and panic shotgun blasts. Alternatively, the DRAK-25 Plasma Carbine with Aggressive Venting or Thermal Exhaust Feedback can clear groups and apply heat, while the Zhukov NUK17 with Embedded Detonators provides massive burst on Praetorians. Always run the Flare Gun to keep the battlefield lit and the Inhibitor-Field Generator grenade to slow down dangerous swarms.
Weapon Mods and Overclocks to Prioritize
When customizing your weapons for drill defense, focus on mods that increase ammo efficiency, area damage, and utility. For most primaries, choose larger magazines or faster reloads to keep up sustained fire. Damage resistance while firing (on Gunner’s minigun) or movement speed bonuses can help you stay alive on the drill. Overclocks that add crowd control or amplify existing strengths are top tier: Fat Boy for Engineer, Sticky Fuel for Driller, Carpet Bomber for Gunner, and Hoverclock for Scout. Do not overlook clean Overclocks like Expanded Ammo Bags or Lightweight Magazines if you simply need more uptime. Grenade choice is also crucial; prioritize AoE or slowing effects (Cryo Grenade for Scout, Neurotoxin for Gunner, HE Grenade for Driller) to control the battlefield.
General Tips for Surviving the Drill Defense
Beyond weapon loadouts, how you play matters enormously. Always assign one dwarf to remain on the drill to keep it moving and to serve as an early warning system. Have an Engineer set up turrets in overlapping fields of fire, and a Gunner lay down a zipline above the drill for easy access to the dozer’s top where you can shoot over the swarm. Driller should clear obstructions ahead of the drill and can create emergency tunnels for retreats. Scout must keep the area lit and pick off high value targets while being ready to revive fallen teammates with the grappling hook.
Communication is key. Call out Bulk Detonators immediately and focus fire; one stray explosion can instantly destroy a drill tread. When the drill stops, do not wander off alone; stick together near the drill and clear enemies as they funnel in. Use the terrain to your advantage, funneling bugs through narrow tunnels where AoE weapons excel. Finally, always be aware of your surroundings; a well timed power attack or a quick dash can save you from a Slasher’s stun and keep you in the fight.
