Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

Conquering the Illuminate in Helldivers 2: Optimal Loadouts & Strategies

The Illuminate, with their advanced technology and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant challenge in Helldivers 2. This guide details three effective loadouts to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses, ensuring victory against this formidable squid-like faction. Remember, success hinges on balancing your arsenal to effectively handle both light and heavy units.

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

• Primary: PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier (The Scorcher's superior handling makes it slightly more user-friendly, while the Purifier offers increased ammo capacity.)
• Secondary: GP-31 Grenade Pistol
• Grenade: G-13 Incendiary Impact
• Armor Passive: Siege-Ready (For faster reloads and increased ammo)
• Stratagems:
  • LAS-98 Laser Cannon (Support): Melts Overseers and Harvesters with ease. Prioritize weak points (thighs/eyes for Harvesters).
  • AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog": Excellent for eliminating flanking Overseers.
  • Eagle Strafing Run: Quickly disables warp ship shields.
  • A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / Orbital Laser: Sentry for objective defense; Orbital Laser for multiple Harvesters (especially crucial on higher difficulties).

This loadout excels at eliminating priority targets like Overseers and Harvesters. Combine the Eagle Strafing Run with the Grenade Pistol to efficiently destroy warp ships. The Laser Cannon's range is a significant advantage.

II. The Lightning Loadout: Stunning & Staggering Control

• Primary: ARC-12 Blitzer
• Secondary: GP-31 Grenade Pistol
• Grenade: G-13 Incendiary Impact
• Armor Passive: Electrical Conduit / Med-Kit (Conduit boosts Arc Thrower damage; Med-Kit for survivability)
• Stratagems:
  • ARC-3 Arc Thrower (Support): Chains lightning, stunning and staggering Overseers, especially effective against airborne units.
  • Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser: Railcannon for unshielded heavies; Orbital Laser for multiple Harvesters (remember to use Strafing Run first).
  • Eagle Strafing Run: Essential for warp ship destruction.
  • A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower: Excellent crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers.

This loadout focuses on crowd control and stunning key enemies. The Arc Thrower and Tesla Tower work synergistically to lock down areas, while the Orbital stratagems handle heavier threats. Remember to use the Strafing Run before engaging shielded Harvesters.

III. The Machine Gun Loadout: Sustained Firepower & Versatility

• Primary: StA-52 Assault Rifle (High capacity, sustained fire)
• 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 reduces jump pack drag; Engineering Kit reduces recoil)
• Stratagems:
  • MG-43 Machine Gun (Support): Exceptional versatility against all enemy types.
  • LIFT-850 Jump Pack: Essential for mobility and repositioning.
  • 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.

This loadout prioritizes sustained firepower and adaptability. The MG-43 shreds through enemies, while the Jump Pack allows for quick maneuvers. Choose your sentry based on your preferred tactical approach. The Orbital stratagems are again crucial for dealing with heavier Illuminate units. Remember that the Machine Gun's reload animation is stationary.

These loadouts offer diverse approaches to combatting the Illuminate. Experiment and adapt your strategy based on the specific challenges presented in each mission. Remember teamwork and coordination significantly increase your chances of success!