The Illuminate, a formidable alien faction in Helldivers 2, deploys a combination of advanced technology and overwhelming numbers to challenge players. Having earned a reputation as the toughest adversaries in the previous game, they are poised to further test players’ skills in this sequel, necessitating a strategic shift away from the tactics used against Automatons and Terminids.
To effectively confront the Illuminate, players must select optimal loadouts and employ specific strategies tailored to their unique characteristics. While a basic understanding of Helldivers 2 is essential for survival, mastering these Illuminate-specific tactics can elevate your gameplay experience.
Less Penetration, More Power
Illuminate units generally boast high health but lack substantial armor, relying primarily on energy shields for protection. This makes them exceptionally vulnerable to sustained damage, making it crucial to equip weapons that deliver either significant impact or a high rate of fire.
- Opt for weapons capable of delivering consistent damage over time.
Given their low armor but immense health pools, Illuminate enemies are best defeated with high-impact weaponry or those that can unleash rapid-fire salvos. Even their most robust units, like the Harvester, can be incapacitated with weapons that feature moderate armor penetration, so consider bringing firearms that excel in either power or speed—ideally, both.
Strip The Shields
Illuminate shields are exceptionally adept at absorbing bursts of damage. Thus, before engaging with heavy weaponry, it is beneficial to use rapid-fire guns to dismantle these defenses.
- Target shields using high RPM firearms prior to deploying anti-tank weapons.
The P-15 Redeemer stands out in this regard, capable of efficiently stripping away various Illuminate shielding. For instance, when faced with shielded Warp Ships, players can utilize small arms to disable their defenses before launching heavy attacks at the now-vulnerable vessels. Always aim for exposed entry points when executing your strategies.
Know Their Weakspots
Illuminates present a unique challenge, as conventional weak points may not apply. Players must adapt their targeting techniques to maximize damage output against tougher opponents such as the Overseers and Harvesters.
- Shoot for the chest of Overseers and the leg joints of Harvesters.
For Overseers, directing fire towards their torso can effectively compromise their defenses, while the leg joints of Harvesters offer a more accessible target than their notoriously difficult-to-hit eyes. Explosive weapons, such as the Purifier or Exploding Crossbow, are particularly effective in staggering these units.
Best Stratagems Against The Illuminate
Choosing the right stratagems can significantly enhance your effectiveness against the Illuminate, especially ones designed to handle energy shields and numerous small enemies.
- Include at least one stratagem focused on shield destruction in your loadout.
Effective stratagems include:
- Eagle Strafing Run: Efficiently mows down swarms, removes shields, and deals substantial damage to Harvesters.
- Orbital Gas Strike: Dissuades hordes while capable of damaging shielded ships on a direct hit.
- Guard Dog Rovers: Provides support against ambushing enemies (drones are especially useful).
- Machine Gun/Gatling Sentry: Dominates ground areas against infantry.
- Tesla Tower: Similar area control as the Machine Gun Sentry.
- Eagle 500KG Bomb/Orbital Precision Strike: Ideal for destroying high-value targets.
- 120mm Orbital Barrage: Outperforms the 500KG Bomb for obliterating Outpost structures.
How to Deal With Monoliths and Cognitive Disruptors
Encountering Monoliths and Cognitive Disruptors presents its challenges, as they scramble stratagem codes. However, unlike other enemy jammers, you can still call in stratagems, albeit with some timing adjustments due to frequent scrambling.
- Despite scrambled codes, don’t hesitate to launch assaults.
It is advisable to input your stratagems promptly after each scramble (approximately every three seconds). To eliminate these structures, direct bomb strikes from two 500KG Bombs or a single Hellbomb are effective. Alternatively, look for capsule-shaped power sources nearby and eliminate them to deactivate the buildings.
Don’t Bother With Incoming Warp Ships
Engaging Warp Ships often proves to be an inefficient use of resources. Instead of attempting to down these enormous vessels, focus your firepower on the reinforcements they drop.
- It is generally not worth the effort to shoot down Warp Ships; targeting the ground units is more effective.
Using heavy firepower like the SPEAR or Recoilless Rifle may not yield satisfactory results against these ships, and attempting to destroy them can lead to perilous situations, especially with debris obstructing movement or potential crush damage from falling wreckage.