Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

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. Success hinges on strategically chosen loadouts that exploit their weaknesses while mitigating their strengths. This guide details three effective loadouts for tackling this formidable foe.

I. The Laser Cannon Loadout: Superior Anti-Squid Power

• Primary: PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier (The Scorcher's superior handling makes it slightly preferable for many)
• 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 (Orbital Laser recommended on higher difficulties with multiple Harvesters)

This loadout excels at eliminating high-priority targets. The PLAS weapons melt Overseers, including Elevated units, and are effective against the Voteless. Siege-Ready ensures ample ammunition and quick reloads. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol combo efficiently destroys warp ships; first, use the Strafing Run to disable shields, then a grenade into the open bay. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flanking defense against Overseers. The A/MG-43 or Orbital Laser provides area denial or anti-heavy support. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon's range allows for long-range target elimination, particularly effective against Harvesters (target their thighs/eyes after a Strafing Run).

II. The Lightning Loadout: Chain Reactions and Crowd Control

• Primary: ARC-12 Blitzer
• Secondary: GP-31 Grenade Pistol
• Grenade: G-13 Incendiary Impact
• Armor Passive: Electrical Conduit / Med-Kit (Med-Kit for survivability)
• Stratagems:
  • ARC-3 Arc Thrower (Support)
  • Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser (Orbital Laser preferred against multiple Harvesters)
  • Eagle Strafing Run
  • A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower

This loadout focuses on crowd control and stunning enemies. The Blitzer and Arc Thrower effectively handle both melee and ranged units, with the Arc Thrower's chaining lightning stunning Overseers. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides consistent crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol combo remains crucial for warp ship destruction. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser provides anti-heavy support, with the Orbital Laser being more effective against multiple shielded Harvesters (preceded by a Strafing Run).

III. The Machine Gun Loadout: Versatile Suppression Fire

• Primary: StA-52 Assault Rifle
• Secondary: GP-31 Grenade Pistol / CQC-19 Stun Lance (Stun Lance for close-quarters)
• Grenade: G-13 Incendiary Impact
• Armor Passive: Peak Physique / Engineering Kit (Peak Physique enhances mobility)
• 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

This loadout provides sustained, versatile firepower. The MG-43 Machine Gun shreds light and medium units, including Harvesters. Peak Physique or Engineering Kit enhances the weapon's effectiveness. The high fire rate effectively depletes shields, negating the need for the Eagle Strafing Run against grounded warp ships. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack provides mobility, crucial given the MG-43's stationary reload. A turret sentry provides area denial or objective defense, while the Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavy threats. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained fire support.

Remember to adapt these loadouts to your playstyle and the specific challenges of each mission. Coordination with teammates is also crucial for maximizing effectiveness against the Illuminate.