Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

Conquer the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 with these Optimized Loadouts!

The Illuminate, with their advanced tech and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant challenge in Helldivers 2. This guide details three effective loadouts to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. Each build balances crowd control and heavy unit takedowns for maximum effectiveness.

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

The PLAS-1 Scorcher and PLAS-101 Purifier excel at eliminating Overseers, including Elevated units, and are highly effective against the Voteless. Siege-Ready ensures ample ammunition and quick reloads. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo swiftly disables and destroys warp ships. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flank protection against Overseers. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures objectives, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters with pinpoint accuracy, especially effective at long range. An Orbital Laser is crucial on higher difficulty levels with multiple Harvesters.

The Lightning Loadout: Shocking (& Staggering) the Illuminate

The ARC-12 Blitzer and ARC-3 Arc Thrower effectively handle both melee and ranged Illuminate units. The Arc Thrower's chaining lightning stuns Overseers, especially effective against Elevated units. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides excellent crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol are essential for warp ship destruction. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavy units, with the Strafing Run used to weaken Harvester shields beforehand. This loadout is highly effective when coordinated with teammates.

The Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate

The MG-43 Machine Gun is incredibly versatile, effectively shredding light and medium units, including Harvesters. Pair it with the Engineering Kit for reduced recoil or Peak Physique for reduced jump pack drag. The high fire rate is effective against shields, eliminating the need for the Eagle Strafing Run for warp ship destruction. Choose between turret sentries to control crowds or defend objectives. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack allows for quick repositioning. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavy units. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained, high-damage fire.