Helldivers 2: How To Fight Illuminate Enemies

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive deep into the cosmic war and face a new kind of enemy? In Helldivers 2, the Illuminate are a formidable force, and understanding their tactics and weaknesses is crucial for survival. This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to effectively combat these technologically advanced foes and secure victory for Super Earth! Let's get started, soldiers!

Understanding the Illuminate

The Illuminate are one of the three main enemy factions in Helldivers 2, known for their cunning, advanced technology, and tricky combat tactics. Unlike the Terminids, who rely on brute force and overwhelming numbers, or the Automatons, who are masters of mechanical warfare, the Illuminate use psychic abilities, teleportation, and energy shields to gain an edge in battle. This makes them a particularly challenging enemy, requiring a shift in strategy compared to fighting the other factions. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is the first step to turning the tide of battle.

Illuminate Units and Their Abilities

To effectively combat the Illuminate, it’s essential to know what you’re up against. Here’s a breakdown of some common Illuminate units and their unique abilities:

• Illusionist: These units can create clones of themselves, making it difficult to target the real enemy. They often use this ability to flank or escape, so watch out for the telltale shimmer that indicates which one is the real deal. Focus on eliminating the clones quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Watcher: Watchers are the scouts of the Illuminate army, equipped with powerful energy shields and the ability to teleport short distances. They can be annoying to deal with due to their agility and defensive capabilities. Concentrate fire to break their shields and then take them down.
• Council Member: These are the heavy hitters of the Illuminate forces. Council Members wield devastating energy weapons and can teleport medium distances, allowing them to reposition quickly and launch surprise attacks. Prioritize taking these units out as they can quickly decimate your squad.
• Outcast: Outcasts are basic ranged units that can fire energy projectiles. While not as tough as other Illuminate units, they can still pose a threat in numbers. Keep moving and use cover to minimize the impact of their attacks.
• Shrieker: These flying units can quickly close the distance and unleash powerful melee attacks. They are fast and agile, making them a difficult target. Use weapons with high rates of fire to bring them down before they get too close.
• Obelisk: Obelisks are stationary turrets that fire high-energy beams. They have significant range and damage output, making them a priority target. Use stratagems like the Orbital Railcannon Strike to eliminate them from a safe distance.

Key Illuminate Weaknesses

Despite their advanced technology and tricky abilities, the Illuminate have several key weaknesses that Helldivers can exploit. Understanding these weaknesses is vital for developing effective strategies and loadouts.

• Armor Piercing: The Illuminate rely heavily on energy shields, but they are vulnerable to armor-piercing weapons. Weapons and stratagems that can penetrate armor are highly effective against them.
• Staggering: Many Illuminate units are susceptible to being staggered by explosive weapons and certain stratagems. This can interrupt their attacks and create opportunities for follow-up damage.
• Close Quarters Combat: While the Illuminate excel at ranged combat and utilizing their teleportation abilities, they are less effective in close quarters. Closing the gap and engaging them in melee can disrupt their tactics and force them into a disadvantageous position.

Essential Loadout and Stratagems for Fighting Illuminate

Choosing the right loadout and stratagems can significantly impact your success against the Illuminate. Here are some recommended weapons, stratagems, and gear to bring on your Illuminate missions:

Recommended Weapons

• Railgun: The Railgun is an excellent choice for its armor-penetrating capabilities. It can quickly dispatch Council Members and Obelisks, making it a versatile weapon for dealing with heavily armored targets.
• Breaker Shotgun: This shotgun is highly effective against groups of smaller Illuminate units like Outcasts and Shriekers. Its high fire rate and wide spread can quickly clear out enemies that get too close.
• Autocannon: The Autocannon is a great support weapon that can provide sustained fire against Illuminate units. It can also be used to destroy Obelisks and other armored targets.

Crucial Stratagems

• Orbital Railcannon Strike: This stratagem is invaluable for taking out high-priority targets like Council Members and Obelisks. Its high damage and armor penetration make it a reliable way to eliminate key threats.
• Eagle Airstrike: Eagle Airstrikes are effective for clearing out groups of weaker Illuminate units or destroying enemy fortifications. The versatility of this stratagem makes it a staple for many Helldivers loadouts.
• Shield Generator Pack: This backpack provides a personal energy shield that can absorb incoming fire, making you more resilient against Illuminate energy weapons. It’s particularly useful for surviving prolonged engagements.
• Jump Pack: The Jump Pack allows you to quickly reposition and avoid enemy attacks. It’s especially effective against the Illuminate, who often use teleportation and ranged attacks to keep you at a distance.
• Supply Pack: Running out of ammo in the middle of a firefight is a Helldiver's worst nightmare. The Supply Pack ensures you and your squadmates stay locked and loaded.
• Anti-Material Rifle: This sniper rifle boasts significant armor penetration, making it excellent for dispatching heavily armored Illuminate units at range.

Armor and Gear Tips

• Armor with explosive resistance: Given the Illuminate's penchant for energy projectiles and area-of-effect attacks, armor with explosive resistance can significantly increase your survivability.
• Stamina Enhancers: Staying mobile is key against the Illuminate, so gear that enhances your stamina can be a game-changer. This allows you to sprint, dodge, and reposition more effectively.
• Carry extra grenades: Grenades are a fantastic way to clear groups of enemies or stagger tougher units. Bring a healthy supply to keep the pressure on the Illuminate.

Tactics and Strategies for Fighting the Illuminate

Equipped with the right knowledge and gear, it’s time to discuss tactics. Here are some effective strategies for engaging the Illuminate in combat:

Utilize Cover and Terrain

The Illuminate excel at ranged combat, so using cover to your advantage is crucial. Move from cover to cover, and avoid standing in the open for too long. Utilize terrain features like hills and valleys to create advantageous firing positions and break line of sight.

Prioritize High-Value Targets

Focus your fire on high-value targets like Council Members and Obelisks. Eliminating these units quickly can significantly reduce the enemy’s firepower and create opportunities for your squad to advance. Use stratagems like the Orbital Railcannon Strike to take them out from a safe distance.

Exploit Teleportation Patterns

The Illuminate’s teleportation abilities can be used against them. Pay attention to their teleportation patterns and anticipate their movements. You can often predict where they will reappear, allowing you to set up ambushes or lay down suppressive fire.

Flanking Maneuvers

The Illuminate are less effective in close quarters, so flanking maneuvers can be highly effective. Coordinate with your squad to flank enemy positions and engage them from multiple angles. This can disrupt their tactics and create chaos in their ranks.

Stay Mobile and Avoid Chokepoints

Staying mobile is key to avoiding Illuminate attacks. Avoid chokepoints where you can be easily targeted by enemy fire. Keep moving and repositioning to make yourself a more difficult target.

Communication is Key

Communication is crucial in Helldivers 2, especially when fighting the Illuminate. Coordinate with your squad to prioritize targets, call out enemy positions, and share information about enemy movements. Effective communication can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Ready to take your Illuminate-fighting skills to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you dominate the battlefield:

Bait and Switch

Use yourself as bait to draw Illuminate units into advantageous positions for your squad. Then, switch positions to flank them or lay down a devastating barrage of fire.

Grenade Placement

Learn to use grenades effectively to clear out groups of enemies or stagger tougher units. Cook your grenades to reduce the enemy’s reaction time and throw them into areas where Illuminate units are likely to teleport.

Coordinate Stratagem Usage

Coordinate the use of your stratagems with your squadmates to maximize their effectiveness. Combine stratagems like the Eagle Airstrike and Orbital Railcannon Strike to create devastating attacks that can wipe out entire enemy formations.

Learn Enemy Spawn Patterns

Understanding enemy spawn patterns can give you a significant advantage. Pay attention to where enemies are spawning and position your squad accordingly. This will allow you to anticipate enemy attacks and set up effective defenses.

Adapt to the Situation

No battle plan survives first contact, so be prepared to adapt your tactics as the situation changes. If a particular strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch things up and try something new. The Illuminate are cunning enemies, and you’ll need to be just as adaptable to defeat them.

Conclusion: Triumphing Over the Illuminate Threat

Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 requires a different approach than combating the Terminids or Automatons. By understanding their units, abilities, and weaknesses, and by equipping yourself with the right gear and tactics, you can overcome this challenging enemy faction and secure victory for Super Earth. Remember to communicate with your squad, utilize cover, prioritize high-value targets, and adapt to the situation. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Illuminate threat.

So, Helldivers, gear up, dive in, and show those Illuminate what Super Earth is made of! The galaxy is counting on you!