Conquering the Illuminate in Helldivers 2: Optimal Loadouts & Strategies
The Illuminate, with their advanced technology and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant challenge in Helldivers 2. This guide details three effective loadouts to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Success hinges on balancing weaponry to handle both light and heavy units.
Quick Links:
General Strategies: Effective Illuminate combat requires a strategic approach. You must efficiently eliminate both light infantry and heavier armored units. Neglecting either will render your loadout ineffective.
The Laser Cannon Loadout: Melting the Illuminate
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Siege-Ready |
| Stratagems | LAS-98 Laser Cannon (Support), AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog", Eagle Strafing Run, A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / Orbital Laser |
The PLAS-1 Scorcher/Purifier excels against Overseers, including airborne units, and the Voteless. Siege-Ready ensures ample ammunition for sustained combat. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo efficiently destroys warp ships: the Strafing Run removes shields, followed by a grenade into the exposed bay. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" effectively eliminates medium-armored Overseers. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry provides area denial, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters (target weak points after a Strafing Run). On higher difficulties (9-10), the Orbital Laser is crucial for multiple Harvesters.
The Lightning Loadout: Shocking (& Staggering) the Illuminate
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | ARC-12 Blitzer |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Electrical Conduit / Med-Kit |
| Stratagems | ARC-3 Arc Thrower (Support), Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser, Eagle Strafing Run, A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower |
The ARC-12 Blitzer and ARC-3 Arc Thrower handle both melee and ranged units. The Arc Thrower stuns Overseers, particularly effective against airborne units. It also damages Harvesters, though it requires multiple hits. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides crowd control, especially against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol are essential for warp ship destruction. The Orbital Railcannon Strike targets heavy units, while the Orbital Laser is better suited for multiple Harvesters (use Strafing Run first). This loadout excels at area denial and crowd control, especially when coordinated with teammates.
The Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | StA-52 Assault Rifle |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol / CQC-19 Stun Lance |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Peak Physique / Engineering Kit |
| Stratagems | MG-43 Machine Gun (Support), LIFT-850 Jump Pack, Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser, A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / A/G-16 Gatling Sentry |
The MG-43 Machine Gun is highly versatile, effectively eliminating light and medium units, including Harvesters. The Engineering Kit or Peak Physique passive improves handling and targeting. The high fire rate is effective against shields, negating the need for the Eagle Strafing Run for warp ships. Choose either turret sentry for crowd control or objective defense. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack aids mobility and repositioning. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavy units; the Laser is preferable against multiple Harvesters. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained fire.
These loadouts offer diverse strategies to combat the Illuminate. Choose the one that best suits your playstyle and remember that teamwork and strategic positioning are key to victory.
