Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate
Conquering the Illuminate in Helldivers 2: Optimal Loadouts and Strategies
The Illuminate, with their advanced technology and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant challenge in Helldivers 2. This guide outlines three effective loadouts designed to exploit their weaknesses and secure victory. Success hinges on balancing weaponry to handle both light and heavy units effectively.
I. Quick Links:
The Laser Cannon Loadout: Superior Anti-Squid Power

| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Siege-Ready |
| Stratagems | LAS-98 Laser Cannon (Support), AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog", Eagle Strafing Run, A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / Orbital Laser |
The PLAS-1 Scorcher/Purifier excels against Overseers, including Elevated units, and the Voteless. Siege-Ready ensures ample ammunition for sustained engagements. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo efficiently destroys warp ships: the Strafing Run removes shields, and the grenade finishes them. The G-13 Incendiary Impact handles chaff. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flank protection against Overseers. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures objectives, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters (especially crucial on higher difficulties). The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters with its long range.
The Lightning Loadout: Stunning and Staggering the Enemy

| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | ARC-12 Blitzer |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Electrical Conduit / Med-Kit |
| Stratagems | ARC-3 Arc Thrower (Support), Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser, Eagle Strafing Run, A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower |
The ARC-12 Blitzer and ARC-3 Arc Thrower effectively manage both melee and ranged units. The Arc Thrower's chaining lightning stuns Overseers, especially effective against Elevated units. It also damages Harvesters. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides consistent crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol remain essential for warp ship destruction. The Orbital Railcannon Strike (unlimited uses) handles heavy units, while the Orbital Laser offers a powerful, albeit limited-use, alternative against multiple Harvesters.
The Machine Gun Loadout: Unrelenting Firepower

| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Primary | StA-52 Assault Rifle |
| Secondary | GP-31 Grenade Pistol / CQC-19 Stun Lance |
| Grenade | G-13 Incendiary Impact |
| Armor Passive | Peak Physique / Engineering Kit |
| Stratagems | MG-43 Machine Gun (Support), LIFT-850 Jump Pack, Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser, A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / A/G-16 Gatling Sentry |
The MG-43 Machine Gun is exceptionally versatile, shredding light and medium units, including Harvesters. The Engineering Kit or Peak Physique passive enhance its effectiveness. The high fire rate effectively depletes shields, making the Eagle Strafing Run less critical for warp ship destruction. Turret sentries manage crowds or defend objectives. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack aids mobility during reloads. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavy units, with the Orbital Laser being particularly effective against multiple Harvesters. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained, high-damage fire.
These loadouts offer diverse strategies for tackling the Illuminate threat. Remember to adapt your approach based on the specific challenges presented in each mission.