Conquering the Illuminate in Helldivers 2: Optimal Loadouts and Strategies
The Illuminate, with their advanced technology and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant challenge in Helldivers 2. This guide details three effective loadouts designed to exploit their weaknesses and secure victory. Success hinges on a balanced approach, addressing both light and heavy units simultaneously.
I. Quick Links
- Laser Cannon Loadout: Melting the Illuminate
- Lightning Loadout: Shocking the Illuminate
- Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate
The Laser Cannon Loadout: Melting the Illuminate
| Weapon Type | Weapon Choice |
|---|---|
| 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 and PLAS-101 Purifier excel against Overseers, including Elevated units, and the Voteless. Siege-Ready's increased ammo and faster reloads ensure sustained firepower. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo efficiently destroys warp ships; use the Strafing Run to eliminate shields, then grenades for the kill. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" effectively handles medium-armored Overseers. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures objectives, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters (replace the Sentry if necessary). The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters with its long range. On higher difficulties (9 or 10), the Orbital Laser becomes essential for multiple Harvesters.
The Lightning Loadout: Shocking (& Staggering) the Illuminate
| Weapon Type | Weapon Choice |
|---|---|
| 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 effectively handle both melee and ranged units. The Arc Thrower's chaining lightning stuns Overseers, particularly effective against Elevated units. It also damages unshielded Harvesters. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides crowd control, especially against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol combo remains crucial for warp ships. The Orbital Railcannon Strike targets heavies, while the Orbital Laser is effective against multiple Harvesters (remember to use a Strafing Run first). This loadout excels in coordinated teamwork.
The Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate
| Weapon Type | Weapon Choice |
|---|---|
| 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 incredibly versatile, shredding light and medium units, including Harvesters. The Engineering Kit reduces recoil, while Peak Physique reduces drag for easier targeting of flying units. Its high fire rate effectively depletes shields, negating the need for the Eagle Strafing Run against grounded warp ships. Choose either turret sentry to control crowds or defend objectives. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack aids mobility during reloads. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser provides heavy unit support. The StA-52 Assault Rifle offers sustained fire.
These loadouts provide a strong foundation for tackling the Illuminate. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the specific challenges of each mission. Good luck, Helldiver!
