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Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

Author : Isabella Feb 24,2025

Conquering the Illuminate in Helldivers 2: Optimal Loadouts and Strategies

The Illuminate, with their advanced weaponry and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant challenge in Helldivers 2. Success hinges on strategically chosen loadouts that exploit their weaknesses while mitigating their strengths. This guide details three effective loadouts to tackle this formidable foe.

I. Quick Links

Understanding the Illuminate Threat

The Illuminate utilize a diverse range of units, from light infantry to heavily armored elites, both ground and air-based. Effective loadouts must address both types effectively.

The Laser Cannon Loadout: Melting the Illuminate

Laser Cannon Loadout

  • 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

This loadout excels at eliminating priority targets. The PLAS-1 weapons melt Overseers, while Siege-Ready ensures ample ammunition. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 combo quickly disables warp ships, followed by grenade detonation. The AX/AR-23 handles flanking elites, and the A/MG-43 or Orbital Laser provides area denial or anti-heavy support. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon's range and damage are particularly effective against Harvesters (after a Strafing Run to weaken their shields). On higher difficulties (levels 9-10), the Orbital Laser becomes essential for dealing with multiple Harvesters.

The Lightning Loadout: Stunning the Illuminate

Lightning Loadout

  • 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

This loadout utilizes chain lightning effects for crowd control and stunning. The ARC-12 Blitzer and ARC-3 Arc Thrower efficiently handle both light and heavy units. The Arc Thrower stuns Overseers, while the Tesla Tower provides consistent area denial, particularly against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol again handle warp ships, and the Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser provides anti-heavy firepower. Coordination with teammates is crucial for maximizing this build's effectiveness.

The Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate

Machine Gun Loadout

  • 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

This loadout focuses on sustained firepower. The MG-43 Machine Gun shreds through enemies, complemented by the StA-52 Assault Rifle's high capacity. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack allows for quick repositioning during reloads. Turret sentries provide area control, while the Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavier threats. Peak Physique or Engineering Kit further enhances the MG-43's effectiveness.