Helldivers 2: Top Weapons Against The Illuminate

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Helldivers 2: Top Weapons Against the Illuminate

So, you're diving headfirst into the chaotic world of Helldivers 2 and facing off against the tricky Illuminate? Awesome! But let's be real, those glowing baddies can be a pain if you're not packing the right heat. Don't sweat it, though! This guide will break down the absolute best weapons to bring along for the ride, ensuring you're not just surviving, but thriving against the Illuminate menace. We're going to cover everything from crowd control to armor penetration, making sure you're ready for anything those sneaky aliens throw your way. Let's get started, Helldivers!

Understanding the Illuminate Threat

Before we dive into the armory, let's quickly break down what makes the Illuminate such a challenging enemy. Unlike the Automatons who rely on brute force and overwhelming firepower, the Illuminate favor psychic trickery and advanced technology. They can teleport, create illusions, and use energy shields to protect themselves. This means your standard run-and-gun tactics might not cut it. You need weapons and strategies that can counter their unique abilities.

  • Teleportation: This is their bread and butter. Illuminate units will constantly teleport around the battlefield, making them hard to pin down and even harder to hit. Weapons with a wide spread or area-of-effect damage are your friends here.
  • Illusions: Get ready to see double! The Illuminate love to create illusory copies of themselves, which can quickly overwhelm you if you're not careful. Look for visual cues to identify the real target (usually the one taking cover or actively firing).
  • Energy Shields: Many Illuminate units are protected by energy shields that can absorb a significant amount of damage. Weapons with high armor penetration or energy damage are crucial for stripping away these shields quickly.
  • Psionic Attacks: Some Illuminate units can unleash psionic attacks that can stun, slow, or even mind control you. Staying mobile and maintaining situational awareness is key to avoiding these debilitating attacks.

Knowing what you're up against is half the battle. Now, let's get you equipped with the tools you need to dominate the Illuminate.

Top Weapon Choices Against the Illuminate

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the most effective weapons for dealing with the Illuminate in Helldivers 2. We'll break down what makes each weapon so good and how to use it effectively.

Primary Weapons

  • AR-23P Liberator Penetrator: When facing the Illuminate, precision is your friend. The Liberator Penetrator variant shines because of its improved armor penetration. This allows you to shoot through the Illuminate's cover and deal damage to the squishy aliens hiding behind it. Its controlled rate of fire also helps conserve ammo, which is crucial in longer engagements. This is your go-to assault rifle for taking down shielded enemies and those pesky snipers. Remember to aim for weak points to maximize damage.

    The Liberator Penetrator, a variant of the standard AR-23 Liberator, is a powerhouse when pitted against the Illuminate, primarily due to its enhanced armor-piercing capabilities. Illuminate units frequently utilize energy shields and take cover, making standard firearms less effective. The Liberator Penetrator overcomes this challenge by allowing Helldivers to effectively shoot through cover and inflict damage on shielded targets. The rifle's controlled rate of fire is a significant advantage, particularly in prolonged engagements where ammunition conservation is crucial. This balance of firepower and ammunition efficiency ensures that you can maintain a sustained offensive without constantly scavenging for resources. To maximize the weapon's effectiveness, it is recommended to target the weak points of Illuminate units. Precision shots can quickly neutralize even the most heavily shielded enemies, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield. Additionally, the Liberator Penetrator’s accuracy makes it well-suited for engaging snipers and other long-range threats, further enhancing its versatility. Understanding the rifle's strengths and employing it strategically can significantly improve your success rate against the Illuminate, making it an indispensable asset in your arsenal. For Helldivers seeking a reliable and effective primary weapon that excels in armor penetration and controlled engagements, the Liberator Penetrator stands out as an excellent choice. Its consistent performance and adaptability make it a valuable tool for any mission targeting the technologically advanced and defensively oriented Illuminate forces.

  • SG-225 Breaker: Need to clear a room fast? The Breaker is your shotgun of choice. Its high damage output and wide spread are perfect for dealing with groups of teleporting Illuminate. While it might not have the best range, it excels in close-quarters combat. Use it to blast through illusions and quickly eliminate nearby threats. Just be mindful of the recoil and reload time.

    The SG-225 Breaker stands out as an exceptional shotgun for Helldivers facing the swarming tactics of the Illuminate. Its most significant advantage lies in its high damage output and wide spread, making it ideally suited for clearing rooms and dealing with groups of teleporting enemies. The Illuminate are known for their ability to rapidly reposition and overwhelm players with numbers, making the Breaker’s close-quarters combat effectiveness invaluable. When confronting illusory copies created by the Illuminate, the Breaker allows you to quickly eliminate multiple targets, increasing your chances of hitting the real enemy. While its range may be limited, the Breaker excels in situations where you are facing a horde of enemies at close range, providing the necessary firepower to blast through their ranks. However, it is essential to manage the weapon's recoil and reload time effectively. The Breaker's strong recoil can make follow-up shots challenging, and its reload time leaves you vulnerable. Proper positioning and timing are crucial to maximize the weapon's potential and minimize its drawbacks. For Helldivers who prefer an aggressive playstyle and need a reliable weapon for close-range engagements, the Breaker is an excellent choice. Its ability to quickly dispatch multiple enemies makes it an indispensable tool in any arsenal designed to combat the fast-moving and deceptive Illuminate forces. Whether you are breaching a fortified position or defending against a sudden teleporting assault, the Breaker delivers the stopping power needed to secure victory.

Support Weapons

  • GR-8 Recoilless Rifle: For taking down heavily armored targets, the Recoilless Rifle is a must-have. It deals massive damage and can penetrate even the toughest Illuminate defenses. The downside? It requires a teammate to reload it efficiently. Coordinate with your squad to maximize its effectiveness and rain destruction on the enemy.

    The GR-8 Recoilless Rifle is an essential support weapon for Helldivers tasked with dismantling heavily armored Illuminate units. Its most significant attribute is its ability to deal massive damage, enabling it to penetrate even the most formidable defenses the Illuminate can muster. This makes it particularly effective against larger enemy types and heavily shielded units that would otherwise prove difficult to eliminate with standard weaponry. The Recoilless Rifle's high damage output ensures that you can quickly neutralize key threats, thereby controlling the battlefield and reducing the pressure on your squad. However, the Recoilless Rifle does require a teammate to reload it efficiently, which means effective communication and coordination are crucial to maximizing its potential. When used in tandem, one Helldiver can focus on firing while the other reloads, significantly increasing the weapon's rate of fire and overall effectiveness. This collaborative approach not only enhances the weapon's performance but also fosters teamwork and strategic cooperation among squad members. Employing the Recoilless Rifle effectively involves careful planning and tactical awareness. You need to position yourself strategically to take advantage of its range and firepower while ensuring your teammate can safely reload the weapon. Coordinating your movements and communicating enemy positions will enable you to rain destruction on the Illuminate, turning the tide of battle in your favor. For Helldivers seeking a powerful anti-armor solution that rewards teamwork and strategic planning, the GR-8 Recoilless Rifle is an indispensable asset. Its capacity to deliver devastating blows to heavily armored targets makes it a critical component of any well-rounded squad facing the Illuminate threat.

  • FLAM-40 Flamethrower: While it might seem unconventional, the Flamethrower can be surprisingly effective against the Illuminate. The flames can disrupt their teleportation and deal continuous damage, even through shields. It's also great for clearing out groups of enemies in confined spaces. Just be careful not to set yourself or your teammates on fire!

    The FLAM-40 Flamethrower offers a unique and surprisingly effective approach to combating the Illuminate in Helldivers 2. While it may not be the first weapon that comes to mind when considering anti-Illuminate tactics, the Flamethrower's ability to disrupt enemy teleportation and inflict continuous damage makes it a valuable asset in certain situations. The Illuminate's reliance on teleportation for both offense and defense can be severely hampered by the Flamethrower's continuous stream of fire. By blanketing an area with flames, you can force enemies to reconsider their teleport maneuvers, making them more predictable and vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Furthermore, the Flamethrower's damage-over-time effect can bypass energy shields, gradually wearing down even the most heavily protected units. This can be particularly useful for dealing with enemies that are difficult to target directly. In addition to its anti-teleportation and shield-bypassing capabilities, the Flamethrower is also highly effective for clearing out groups of enemies in confined spaces. Its wide area of effect ensures that multiple targets are engulfed in flames simultaneously, making it ideal for holding chokepoints or clearing out entrenched positions. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using the Flamethrower, as friendly fire is a significant risk. The weapon's indiscriminate nature means that you can easily set yourself or your teammates on fire, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. Therefore, communication and situational awareness are paramount when wielding the Flamethrower. For Helldivers willing to embrace a slightly unconventional approach and prioritize crowd control and area denial, the FLAM-40 Flamethrower can be a surprisingly effective tool against the Illuminate. Its unique capabilities make it a valuable addition to any squad looking to disrupt enemy tactics and gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

Stratagems

  • Orbital Railcannon Strike: Need to eliminate a big target fast? The Orbital Railcannon Strike is your answer. It delivers a devastating blow that can take out even the toughest Illuminate units in a single shot. Use it strategically to eliminate high-priority targets like Obelisks or heavily armored enemies.

    The Orbital Railcannon Strike is the ultimate solution for Helldivers needing to eliminate high-value targets swiftly and decisively. This stratagem delivers a devastating blow from orbit, capable of taking out even the most heavily armored Illuminate units with a single, well-placed shot. Its pinpoint accuracy and immense firepower make it an indispensable asset for dealing with priority threats that pose a significant risk to your squad. When facing the Illuminate, the Orbital Railcannon Strike is particularly effective against high-priority targets such as Obelisks, which serve as critical command and control nodes for the enemy forces. Eliminating these structures can disrupt enemy coordination and significantly weaken their overall effectiveness. Additionally, the Railcannon Strike is ideal for neutralizing heavily armored enemies that are otherwise difficult to engage with conventional weaponry. By targeting these units, you can quickly eliminate key threats and create openings for your squad to advance. Employing the Orbital Railcannon Strike strategically involves careful planning and coordination. You need to assess the battlefield, identify high-priority targets, and communicate your intentions to your squad. Proper timing is crucial to ensure that the strike hits its intended target without endangering friendly forces. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the stratagem's cooldown time, as it cannot be used continuously. For Helldivers seeking a reliable and devastating means of eliminating high-value targets, the Orbital Railcannon Strike is an essential addition to their arsenal. Its ability to quickly neutralize key threats can significantly improve your squad's chances of success against the Illuminate.

  • Eagle 500kg Bomb: Sometimes, you just need to level the playing field. The Eagle 500kg Bomb is perfect for clearing out large groups of enemies or destroying fortified positions. Use it wisely, though, as it has a large blast radius and can easily kill your teammates.

    The Eagle 500kg Bomb provides Helldivers with the means to level the playing field and obliterate large concentrations of Illuminate forces or fortified positions. This stratagem unleashes a massive explosion, capable of clearing out entire areas and leaving little standing in its wake. Its sheer destructive power makes it an invaluable tool for dealing with overwhelming enemy numbers or dismantling heavily defended strongholds. When confronting the Illuminate, the Eagle 500kg Bomb is particularly effective for clearing out groups of enemies that have taken up defensive positions or for destroying structures that provide cover and concealment. Its large blast radius ensures that multiple targets are caught in the explosion, significantly reducing enemy numbers and creating opportunities for your squad to advance. However, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when using the Eagle 500kg Bomb, as its destructive power comes with a significant risk of friendly fire. The bomb's large blast radius means that teammates can easily be caught in the explosion, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. Therefore, communication and coordination are paramount when employing this stratagem. You need to clearly communicate your intentions to your squad, mark the target area precisely, and ensure that all friendly forces are clear of the blast radius before calling in the strike. Employing the Eagle 500kg Bomb effectively requires careful planning and tactical awareness. You need to assess the battlefield, identify high-value targets, and coordinate your movements with your squad to minimize the risk of friendly fire. Proper timing is crucial to ensure that the bomb hits its intended target and achieves its desired effect. For Helldivers seeking a powerful and decisive means of clearing out large groups of enemies or destroying fortified positions, the Eagle 500kg Bomb is an indispensable asset. Its sheer destructive power can turn the tide of battle in your favor, but it must be used with caution and precision to avoid unintended consequences.

General Tips for Fighting the Illuminate

  • Stay Mobile: The Illuminate's teleportation abilities make them difficult to hit, so staying on the move is crucial. Don't stay in one place for too long, and always be ready to dodge incoming attacks.
  • Use Cover: While the Liberator Penetrator can shoot through some cover, it's still important to use cover to your advantage. Use buildings, rocks, and other obstacles to protect yourself from enemy fire.
  • Communicate with Your Team: Coordination is key to success in Helldivers 2. Communicate with your team about enemy positions, call out targets, and coordinate your attacks.
  • Prioritize Targets: Focus on taking down the most dangerous enemies first, such as Obelisks, snipers and heavily armored units.
  • Adapt Your Loadout: Don't be afraid to experiment with different weapons and stratagems to find what works best for you. The Illuminate can be unpredictable, so it's important to be flexible.

Final Thoughts

Taking on the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 can be challenging, but with the right weapons and strategies, you can emerge victorious. Remember to adapt your loadout to the situation, communicate with your team, and stay mobile on the battlefield. With a little practice and a lot of firepower, you'll be spreading managed democracy to those pesky aliens in no time! Good luck, Helldivers, and may your aim be true! Now get out there and show those Illuminate what you're made of! For Super Earth!