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. This guide outlines three effective loadouts to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses, ensuring victory against this formidable foe. Success hinges on a balanced approach, addressing both light and heavy units simultaneously.

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

• Primary: PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier (The Scorcher and Purifier excel at eliminating Overseers, including airborne units, and are highly effective against the Voteless. Siege-Ready armor passive ensures ample ammunition and quick reloads.)
• Secondary: GP-31 Grenade Pistol
• Grenade: G-13 Incendiary Impact (Effective for clearing chaff.)
• Armor Passive: Siege-Ready
• Stratagems:
  • LAS-98 Laser Cannon (Support): Exceptional against Overseers and Harvesters. Use Strafing Runs to weaken shields before targeting weak points.
  • AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog": Effective against medium-armored Overseers, providing excellent flank protection.
  • Eagle Strafing Run: Crucial for stripping shields from warp ships.
  • A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / Orbital Laser: The Sentry secures areas; the Orbital Laser is vital for multiple Harvesters, especially on higher difficulties.

II. The Lightning Loadout: Stunning and Staggering Efficiency

• 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): Chains lightning, stunning and staggering Overseers, rendering them temporarily ineffective. Effective against unshielded Harvesters.
  • Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser: Railcannon for unshielded heavies; Orbital Laser for multiple Harvesters (preceded by Strafing Runs).
  • Eagle Strafing Run: Essential for weakening warp ship shields.
  • A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower: Excellent crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers.

III. The Machine Gun Loadout: Unrelenting Suppression Fire

• Primary: StA-52 Assault Rifle (High-capacity magazine for sustained fire.)
• Secondary: GP-31 Grenade Pistol / CQC-19 Stun Lance
• Grenade: G-13 Incendiary Impact
• Armor Passive: Peak Physique / Engineering Kit (Peak Physique reduces jump-pack drag; Engineering Kit reduces recoil.)
• Stratagems:
  • MG-43 Machine Gun (Support): Versatile and effective against a wide range of Illuminate units, including Harvesters.
  • LIFT-850 Jump Pack: Enables rapid repositioning and easier navigation.
  • Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser: Railcannon for unshielded heavies; Orbital Laser for multiple Harvesters.
  • A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / A/G-16 Gatling Sentry: Turret sentries for crowd control and objective defense.

These loadouts offer diverse strategies for tackling the Illuminate threat. Remember to adapt your approach based on the specific challenges presented in each mission. Coordination with teammates significantly enhances effectiveness.