How to Fight the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 – Helldivers 2, the much-anticipated sequel in the tactical co-op franchise, takes players on an action-packed journey to defend democracy across the galaxy. Among the enemies you’ll face, the Illuminate stand out as one of the most challenging factions. Their advanced technology, cunning strategies, and unique abilities require careful planning and execution to overcome. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, ensuring your team comes out victorious in every mission.
Who Are the Illuminate?
The Illuminate are a highly advanced alien faction in Helldivers 2. Unlike other enemies, they rely on cutting-edge technology, telekinetic abilities, and precision-based attacks to dominate the battlefield. Their units include everything from teleporting soldiers to devastating energy-based weaponry. The Illuminate’s unpredictable tactics can catch even experienced players off guard, making them a formidable foe.
Key Characteristics of the Illuminate
To effectively fight the Illuminate, it’s crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses:
1. Advanced Technology
They utilize energy weapons and shields that can deflect standard attacks.
Many Illuminate units can teleport, making them difficult to target.
2. Unique Abilities
Certain enemies can manipulate the battlefield by creating barriers, forcing you to reposition.
Their psionic powers can disrupt your team’s strategy, requiring quick adaptations.
3. Tactical Coordination
Illuminate units often work in synergy, with smaller enemies supporting larger, more dangerous ones.
Expect coordinated attacks that challenge both your positioning and timing.
Best Strategies to Defeat the Illuminate
Fighting the Illuminate requires a mix of teamwork, adaptability, and the right equipment. Here’s a breakdown of strategies to help you succeed:
1. Equip the Right Loadout
Your loadout can make or break your battle against the Illuminate. Here are some recommended weapons, stratagems, and perks:
Primary Weapons:
LHX-5 ‘Dragon’ Flamethrower: Effective against groups of smaller units.
LAS-98 Laser Cannon: Deals high damage and can penetrate shields.
Secondary Weapons:
AD-334 ‘Guardian’ Pistol: A reliable backup with precision and stopping power.
CR-9 Rocket Launcher: Ideal for taking out larger, heavily armored units.
Stratagems:
Thunder Orbital Strike: Use this to eliminate clusters of enemies or destroy high-priority targets.
Static Field Generator: Slows down enemies, making teleportation less effective.
Air-Dropped Turrets: These provide consistent firepower to control the battlefield.
Perks:
Heavy Armor: Provides extra durability when facing powerful enemies.
Quick Reload: Reduces downtime between attacks, especially important when fighting swarms.
2. Master Enemy Recognition
The Illuminate’s diverse units require different approaches. Let’s break down some of their most common enemies and how to deal with them:
Watchers
These flying drones patrol the battlefield, scanning for players and alerting other enemies.
How to Counter:
Take them out first to avoid triggering reinforcements. Use a silenced weapon or precision rifle for quick eliminations.
Obelisks
Large, heavily armored enemies that serve as the backbone of the Illuminate forces.
How to Counter:
Focus fire with high-damage weapons like rocket launchers or laser cannons.
Use teamwork to distract and flank them, exploiting any weaknesses.
Psionic Entities
These units disrupt your team by creating barriers or stunning players.
How to Counter:
Prioritize these enemies early in the fight to maintain mobility and control.
Equip stratagems that bypass barriers, such as explosives or area-of-effect attacks.
Wardens
Agile units that can teleport across the battlefield.
How to Counter:
Use static field generators or slow grenades to limit their movement.
Anticipate their teleportation patterns and adjust your aim accordingly.
3. Focus on Teamwork and Communication
The Illuminate’s coordinated tactics demand that your team works together effectively. Here are some tips for fostering teamwork:
- Establish Roles: Assign roles to each player, such as crowd control, heavy damage, or support.
- Call Out Targets: Use voice chat or quick communication tools to focus fire on high-priority enemies.
- Coordinate Stratagems: Avoid deploying stratagems haphazardly. Plan their use to maximize impact and reduce cooldown times.
4. Utilize the Environment
The Illuminate often manipulate the battlefield to their advantage, but you can turn the tide by leveraging the environment:
- Take Cover: Use natural barriers to block incoming fire and regroup.
- Control Choke Points: Funnel enemies into narrow spaces where your team can deal massive damage.
- Avoid Open Areas: Illuminate units thrive in open environments, where their mobility and range give them an edge.
5. Adapt Your Strategy for Boss Battles
When facing Illuminate bosses, expect a significant increase in difficulty. These encounters require precision, patience, and adaptability:
Key Boss Mechanics:
- Teleportation: Many Illuminate bosses can teleport, making it difficult to land consistent hits.
- Shielding: Some bosses are protected by energy shields that regenerate over time.
- Adds (Additional Enemies): Bosses often summon smaller units to distract and overwhelm you.
How to Win Boss Fights:
- Focus on burst damage to break shields quickly.
- Eliminate adds as soon as they appear to prevent being overrun.
- Save powerful stratagems for the right moment, such as when the boss is stationary or exposed.
6. Counter Teleportation Tactics
Teleporting enemies can frustrate even the most seasoned Helldivers. Use these tips to counteract their mobility:
- Equip weapons with a wide area-of-effect, like flamethrowers or grenades, to hit enemies as they reappear.
- Place turrets strategically to cover areas where enemies are likely to teleport.
- Stay mobile to avoid being cornered or surrounded after an enemy teleports behind you.
7. Stay Alert for Random Events
Illuminate missions often feature random events, such as ambushes or environmental hazards. Staying alert can save your team from unexpected wipes:
- Listen for Audio Cues: Many Illuminate units make distinct sounds before attacking or teleporting.
- Keep an Eye on the Map: Watch for red markers indicating incoming enemies.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Always keep at least one player on lookout while others interact with objectives.
Recommended Builds for Fighting the Illuminate
Here are two effective builds to help you dominate Illuminate missions:
1. Solo Build
- Primary Weapon: LAS-98 Laser Cannon
- Secondary Weapon: AD-334 ‘Guardian’ Pistol
- Stratagems: Static Field Generator, Air-Dropped Turrets, Thunder Orbital Strike
Perk: Heavy Armor
This build focuses on survivability and sustained firepower, making it ideal for solo players tackling Illuminate missions.
2. Co-Op Build
- Primary Weapon: LHX-5 ‘Dragon’ Flamethrower
- Secondary Weapon: CR-9 Rocket Launcher
- Stratagems: Group Heal, Anti-Tank Mines, Air Support Beacon
- Perk: Quick Reload
Designed for teamwork, this build provides crowd control and high damage while supporting your squad with healing and area denial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can fall into traps when fighting the Illuminate. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring Watchers: Always eliminate these units first to prevent reinforcements.
- Overextending: Stick with your team and avoid venturing too far ahead.
- Neglecting Objectives: Focus on completing mission objectives rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary combat.
Conclusion
The Illuminate are one of the toughest factions in Helldivers 2, but with the right preparation, teamwork, and strategy, you can emerge victorious. Equip yourself with the best weapons and stratagems, coordinate effectively with your team, and adapt to the unique challenges of each mission. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll not only survive but thrive in your battles against the Illuminate.