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In Helldivers 2, combating the Illuminate faction poses a distinctive challenge due to their unique blend of Automaton and Terminid traits. Players are faced with swarms of weak infantry alongside formidable heavy units equipped with powerful ranged weaponry. Fortunately, Super Earth offers a robust array of weapons to tackle this tentacled menace.
This guide compiles the most effective weaponry against the Illuminate, particularly following the Omens of Tyranny update. Most of these weapons can be acquired through various Warbonds; thus, players might need to accumulate Super Credits to obtain them.
Tenderizer AR
The Tenderizer AR stands out among assault rifles for its versatility. While it may lack the armor-penetrating power of the Adjudicator and Liberator Penetrator, its high damage per shot offsets this limitation, particularly since Illuminate infantry often have minimal armor.
Despite its limited magazine size, pairing the Tenderizer with the Siege Ready perk, which enhances reload speeds by 30%, mitigates this drawback. If the Tenderizer doesn’t suit your playstyle, consider the Sickle as an efficient alternative.
Pummeler SMG
Submachine guns, with the possible exception of the Knight, generally fall short against the heavy firepower of assault rifles when facing the Illuminate. Although the Pummeler from the Polar Patriots Warbond may struggle against larger enemies in a single magazine, it excels at stunning targets for extended durations, including agile Elevated Overseers utilizing jetpacks.
It’s particularly useful on missions requiring object transport, yet players should temper their expectations regarding its lethality compared to other available firearms.
Halt Shotgun
The Halt shotgun is highly adaptable, equipped with Flechette rounds that can effectively engage both Voteless and Overseers. Should your team encounter pesky jetpack units, switching to Stun rounds provides optimal crowd control.
While other shotguns can hold their own against the Illuminate, the Halt’s ability to switch ammo types gives it a distinct edge in dynamic combat scenarios.
Eruptor Explosive Sniper Rifle
Sniper rifles traditionally struggle against the Illuminate, as Overseers maintain heavily armored weak spots while Voteless easily fall irrespective of shot placement. Currently, the Eruptor stands out as the top choice in this category. Its capacity to efficiently eliminate groups of Voteless and Overseers, as well as its ability to dismantle parked Warp Ships and stagger Harvesters, makes it an indispensable weapon.
The Diligence rifle serves as a solid alternative; however, to dominate as a sniper against the Illuminate, the Anti-Materiel Rifle typically proves essential.
Purifier Plasma Rifle
After receiving a major balance update, the Purifier has emerged as one of the premier weapons in Helldivers 2. It’s capable of tackling groups and Overseers in a few shots, and it can stagger or even destroy Harvesters with precision fire. Furthermore, it functions well as a rapid-fire option in urgent situations requiring shield breaches.
For those focusing on infantry combat, the Scorcher remains a viable option. Nevertheless, the Purifieroutperforms the Exploding Crossbow due to its larger magazine and versatility in diverse combat scenarios.
Blitzer Energy Shotgun
Offering distinct qualities, the Blitzer deserves special mention. This energy shotgun features infinite ammo, auto-aiming, area-of-effect damage, and stunning abilities. Despite its slow rate of fire and limited range, it stands as an excellent choice for players focused on completing objectives quickly, particularly since the majority of Illuminate units engage at close ranges.
MG-43 Machine Gun
The MG-43 emerges as a top-tier support weapon prescribed against the Illuminate due to the absence of heavily armored units within their ranks. It excels at decimating both infantry and Harvesters, providing speed comparable to the Laser Cannon and enhanced handling over the HMG. As an adaptable option, the MG-43 secures its status as a reliable choice for players desiring all-around performance against these foes.
Crisper and Redeemer
The Crisper flamethrower and the Redeemer machine pistol represent the finest sidearms for confronting the Illuminate. The Crisper excels in eliminating Voteless and Overseers, while the Redeemer effectively depletes shields in a single magazine. These sidearms are invaluable backups when the situation grows dire, ensuring players can withstand pressure in crucial moments.
Torcher
Among the limited options for Special weapons in Helldivers 2, the Torcher decisively outperforms the Dominator. While the Dominator is heavier and yields fewer shots per magazine, making it less effective against Voteless hordes, the Torcher offers similar firepower without suffering significant deficiencies against large groups.
However, its limited range may present challenges in confrontations with Elevated Overseers. To compensate, consider pairing the Torcher with an MG-43, Laser Cannon, or Senator to ensure effectiveness against all enemy types.