Helldivers 2: Top Weapons Against The Illuminate

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Helldivers 2: Top Weapons Against the Illuminate

So, you're gearing up to face the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, huh? Smart move! Those psychic alien dudes can be a real pain if you're not prepared. Choosing the right weapons is absolutely crucial for turning the tide of battle in your favor. Let's dive into the best weapons that will give you the edge against the Illuminate, ensuring you spread democracy effectively and efficiently.

Understanding the Illuminate Threat

Before we get into specific weapon recommendations, let's talk a bit about what makes the Illuminate so challenging. These guys aren't your average bug or bot. They rely heavily on advanced technology, psychic abilities, and cunning tactics. Here's what you need to watch out for:

  • Shields: Many Illuminate units have energy shields that can absorb a significant amount of damage. Weapons that deal energy damage or can bypass shields are incredibly valuable.
  • Teleportation: The Illuminate love to teleport, making them hard to pin down. Weapons with a high rate of fire or area-of-effect damage can help you hit them even when they're zipping around.
  • Illusions: They can create illusions to confuse you and your team. Staying alert and communicating with your squad is key to identifying and eliminating the real threats.
  • Psionic Attacks: Some Illuminate units can unleash powerful psionic attacks that can disrupt your abilities or even kill you outright. Having a balanced team composition with strategems that provide support and defense is crucial.

Knowing these threats, we can now select weapons that specifically counter their strengths.

Primary Weapons: Your Bread and Butter

Your primary weapon is what you'll be using most of the time, so it's important to choose wisely. Here are a few top contenders against the Illuminate:

1. AR-23 Liberator

The Liberator is a solid all-around assault rifle that's effective against a variety of enemies, including the Illuminate. Its high rate of fire and decent accuracy make it a reliable choice for taking down shielded enemies and dealing with teleporting foes. The Liberator is a great starting point for any Helldiver, offering a balance of firepower and ease of use.

  • Why it's good: The Liberator's versatility is its greatest strength. It can handle most situations you'll encounter while fighting the Illuminate, making it a dependable choice for both new and experienced players. Its moderate recoil makes it easy to control, even at longer ranges. Remember to aim for the head to maximize your damage output.
  • Tips for use: Equip the Liberator with a scope for improved accuracy at medium ranges. Use short bursts to conserve ammo and maintain control. Coordinate with your team to focus fire on high-priority targets like the Illuminate's powerful psionic units.

2. SG-225 Breaker

Need something with a bit more punch? The Breaker shotgun is an excellent option for close-quarters combat against the Illuminate. Its high damage output and wide spread can quickly eliminate shielded enemies and clear out groups of teleporting foes. If you like getting up close and personal, the Breaker is the weapon for you.

  • Why it's good: The Breaker excels in situations where the Illuminate try to overwhelm you with numbers. Its ability to quickly dispatch multiple enemies makes it a lifesaver when you're surrounded. Plus, the satisfying boom of each shot is incredibly rewarding.
  • Tips for use: Get in close to maximize the Breaker's damage. Use cover to your advantage and reload frequently to avoid getting caught with an empty magazine. Consider pairing the Breaker with a secondary weapon that's effective at longer ranges.

3. PLAS-1 Scorcher

For those looking to bring some serious firepower, the PLAS-1 Scorcher is a top-tier choice against the Illuminate. This plasma rifle fires explosive rounds that deal significant energy damage, making it highly effective against shielded enemies. Its area-of-effect damage can also disrupt teleporting foes and clear out groups of enemies.

  • Why it's good: The Scorcher's ability to deal energy damage and area-of-effect damage makes it a perfect counter to the Illuminate's defenses and tactics. It can quickly shred through shields and disrupt enemy formations, giving you a significant advantage in battle.
  • Tips for use: Be mindful of the Scorcher's limited ammo capacity and relatively slow reload speed. Use cover to reload safely and avoid getting caught in the open. Aim for groups of enemies to maximize the effectiveness of the explosive rounds.

Support Weapons: Bringing the Big Guns

Support weapons are where you can really start to specialize your loadout and bring some serious firepower to bear. Here are some of the best support weapons for taking on the Illuminate:

1. GR-8 Recoilless Rifle

The Recoilless Rifle is a powerful anti-armor weapon that can be incredibly effective against heavily armored Illuminate units. While it requires a teammate to reload, its high damage output and armor-piercing capabilities make it a valuable asset in any squad.

  • Why it's good: The Recoilless Rifle can quickly eliminate high-priority targets like the Illuminate's powerful robotic units. Its ability to penetrate armor makes it a reliable choice for dealing with enemies that are otherwise difficult to take down. It's particularly effective against the larger Illuminate enemies that pose a significant threat.
  • Tips for use: Communicate with your teammate to coordinate reloads and ensure continuous fire. Use the Recoilless Rifle to eliminate high-priority targets from a distance. Be mindful of the weapon's recoil and adjust your aim accordingly. Consider using a backpack that increases your ammo capacity to sustain your firepower for longer periods.

2. EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank

Need something with a bit more punch but don't want to rely on a teammate? The EAT-17 is a single-use rocket launcher that packs a serious punch. It's perfect for quickly eliminating heavily armored targets or clearing out groups of enemies. Its expendable nature means you can call it in frequently, making it a versatile option for any mission.

  • Why it's good: The EAT-17 provides a quick and easy solution for dealing with heavily armored enemies. Its high damage output and armor-piercing capabilities make it a reliable choice for eliminating high-priority targets. Plus, the satisfaction of launching a rocket into a group of Illuminate soldiers is simply unmatched.
  • Tips for use: Use the EAT-17 strategically to eliminate high-priority targets or clear out groups of enemies. Be mindful of its single-use nature and call it in frequently to ensure you always have one available. Aim for the weak points of heavily armored enemies to maximize your damage output.

3. MG-42 Machine Gun

For sustained firepower and crowd control, the MG-42 is an excellent choice. Its high rate of fire and large magazine capacity allow you to mow down waves of Illuminate soldiers with ease. While it lacks the armor-piercing capabilities of other support weapons, its sheer volume of fire can quickly overwhelm enemies.

  • Why it's good: The MG-42 excels in situations where you're facing large numbers of Illuminate soldiers. Its high rate of fire and large magazine capacity allow you to suppress enemies and keep them at bay. It's particularly effective against the Illuminate's weaker units, such as their basic soldiers and teleporting scouts.
  • Tips for use: Find a good position with a clear line of sight and set up your MG-42. Use short bursts to conserve ammo and maintain control. Coordinate with your team to focus fire on high-priority targets. Consider using a backpack that increases your ammo capacity to sustain your firepower for longer periods.

Strategems: The Ultimate Game Changers

Strategems are powerful abilities that can completely change the course of a battle. Here are some of the best strategems for taking on the Illuminate:

1. Eagle Airstrike

When in doubt, call in an airstrike! The Eagle Airstrike is a versatile strategem that can be used to clear out groups of enemies, destroy fortifications, or eliminate high-priority targets. Its wide area of effect and high damage output make it a valuable asset in any situation.

  • Why it's good: The Eagle Airstrike provides a quick and easy solution for dealing with a variety of threats. Its versatility and ease of use make it a staple of many Helldiver loadouts. It's particularly effective against the Illuminate's fortifications and groups of soldiers.
  • Tips for use: Use the Eagle Airstrike strategically to clear out groups of enemies or destroy fortifications. Be mindful of its cooldown time and use it wisely. Coordinate with your team to maximize its effectiveness. Consider using upgrades that increase its damage or reduce its cooldown time.

2. Orbital Laser

For pinpoint accuracy and devastating damage, the Orbital Laser is an excellent choice. This strategem fires a powerful laser beam from orbit that can quickly eliminate heavily armored targets or carve a path through groups of enemies. Its precision and high damage output make it a valuable asset in any squad.

  • Why it's good: The Orbital Laser provides a reliable solution for dealing with heavily armored enemies and high-priority targets. Its precision and high damage output make it a valuable asset in any squad. It's particularly effective against the Illuminate's robotic units and powerful psionic units.
  • Tips for use: Use the Orbital Laser strategically to eliminate high-priority targets or carve a path through groups of enemies. Be mindful of its limited duration and use it wisely. Coordinate with your team to maximize its effectiveness. Consider using upgrades that increase its damage or duration.

3. Shield Generator Pack

Against the Illuminate's psionic attacks and energy weapons, the Shield Generator Pack is a lifesaver. This strategem provides a personal energy shield that can absorb a significant amount of damage, protecting you from harm. Its defensive capabilities make it a valuable asset in any situation.

  • Why it's good: The Shield Generator Pack provides a reliable defense against the Illuminate's most dangerous attacks. Its ability to absorb damage can significantly increase your survivability in combat. It's particularly effective against the Illuminate's psionic attacks and energy weapons.
  • Tips for use: Equip the Shield Generator Pack to protect yourself from the Illuminate's attacks. Be mindful of its energy consumption and recharge time. Coordinate with your team to provide mutual support. Consider using upgrades that increase its shield capacity or recharge rate.

Final Thoughts: Gearing Up for Victory

Choosing the right weapons and strategems is essential for success against the Illuminate in Helldivers 2. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can select a loadout that specifically counters their tactics and gives you the edge in battle. Remember to coordinate with your team, communicate effectively, and adapt your strategies as needed. With the right gear and a bit of teamwork, you'll be spreading democracy to the Illuminate in no time! Now go out there, Helldiver, and show those aliens what you're made of!