Mastering the Illuminate: Top Loadouts in Helldivers 2
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. Success hinges on balancing weaponry to handle both light and heavy units.
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The Laser Cannon Loadout: Melting the Illuminate
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier |
| 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 |
The PLAS-1 Scorcher and PLAS-101 Purifier excel against Overseers (including Elevated units) and the Voteless. Siege-Ready's increased ammo and faster reloads ensure sustained firepower. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo effectively destroys warp ships: the Strafing Run removes shields, followed by a grenade into the open bay. The G-13 Incendiary Impact handles chaff. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flank protection against Overseers. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures areas, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters (target weak points after a Strafing Run). On higher difficulties (9-10), the Orbital Laser is crucial for multiple Harvesters.
The Lightning Loadout: Shocking (& Staggering) the Illuminate
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| 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) Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser Eagle Strafing Run A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower |
The ARC-12 Blitzer and ARC-3 Arc Thrower effectively handle both melee and ranged units. The Arc Thrower stuns Overseers, especially effective against Elevated units with repeated attacks. It also damages unshielded Harvesters. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol are essential for warp ships. The Orbital Railcannon Strike targets heavies, while the Orbital Laser is effective against multiple Harvesters (after a Strafing Run). This loadout excels in coordination with teammates.
The Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | StA-52 Assault Rifle |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol / CQC-19 Stun Lance |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Peak Physique / Engineering Kit |
| 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 |
The MG-43 Machine Gun is incredibly versatile, shredding light and medium units, and even Harvesters. The Engineering Kit reduces recoil, while Peak Physique lessens drag. Its high fire rate helps deplete shields, making the Eagle Strafing Run less crucial for warp ships. Choose either turret sentry for crowd control or objective defense. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack aids mobility during reloads. The Orbital Laser or Railcannon Strike handles heavies; the Laser is better against multiple shielded Harvesters. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained fire.
These loadouts offer diverse strategies to combat the Illuminate threat. Experiment and find the build that best suits your playstyle. Remember, teamwork significantly increases your chances of success.
