Dominate The Illuminate: Best Weapons In Helldivers 2
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic beauty of Helldivers 2 and take on the Illuminate? These sneaky, shield-wielding, and generally annoying squid-like aliens are a formidable foe, but don't worry, we've got your back. This guide is all about equipping you with the best weapons to send those pesky Illuminate back to whatever dimension they crawled out of. We'll break down the weapons that excel against their unique defenses and strategies, ensuring you can liberate planets and spread Managed Democracy with style. Let's get to it, shall we?
Understanding the Illuminate Threat: Weaknesses and Strategies
Before we dive into the arsenal, it's crucial to understand what makes the Illuminate tick. They're not your average bugs or automatons; they bring a whole different set of challenges to the table. First off, shields, shields, and more shields. Many Illuminate units boast energy shields that can deflect your bullets, making direct fire ineffective. You'll need weapons that can either pierce these shields or exploit other vulnerabilities. They often employ coordinated attacks, using teleportation and ranged attacks to keep you on your toes. Finally, some of them can manipulate the battlefield with their abilities, creating hazards or buffing their allies. So, it's not enough to simply bring a big gun; you need to strategize.
The Shield Problem
The most common obstacle is the energy shield. The Illuminate have a unit with shield, which can make it very hard to deal damage and waste your ammo. Therefore, using weapons that can pierce through them or can easily take down the shield is very essential.
The Teleportation Menace
They have a variety of units that can teleport, allowing them to appear behind you or flank your team. This makes close-range weapons risky and encourages a more adaptable play style. Units that can quickly take down teleporting enemies or weapons that have a larger range is essential.
The Battlefield Manipulators
Some elite Illuminate units can create hazardous terrain, deploy damaging effects, or buff other enemies. These units are a high priority target, and bringing weapons to deal with them is important.
The Best Primary Weapons for Illuminate Annihilation
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of weapon selection. These primary weapons will be your bread and butter, the tools you'll use most of the time. We'll focus on guns that offer a good balance of damage, versatility, and ammo efficiency. Remember, you'll be swapping weapons throughout the match, so bring a few options.
The Breaker Shotgun
The Breaker is a classic for a reason, and it shines against the Illuminate. Its high rate of fire and incredible stopping power can quickly drop those pesky shielded units. It's especially effective in close to mid-range engagements, where you'll find yourselves often when dealing with their teleporting squads.
- Pros: High damage per second, great against groups, easy to use. Good against the shield of the illuminate
 - Cons: Limited range, can struggle against heavily armored targets. Less effective at range and doesn't pierce through armor.
 
The Diligence Rifle
The Diligence is a medium to long-range weapon that will make sure you take down the Illuminate before they get close to you. This is an all-around reliable assault rifle that gives you a good balance of accuracy, range, and ammo capacity. It's a solid choice for any mission against the Illuminate, allowing you to deal with multiple enemies.
- Pros: Good accuracy, good range, decent ammo capacity.
 - Cons: Not the highest damage, requires accurate shots.
 
The Liberator Penetrator
If you want a weapon that can pierce the shields of the enemies and still deal a considerable amount of damage, then this is the weapon for you. It does not compromise the efficiency of the weapon and helps you deal with the shielded enemies in the game.
- Pros: Penetrates light armor and shields.
 - Cons: Lower damage compared to other rifles.
 
Secondary Weapons: Your Backup Plan
While your primary weapon will handle most of the grunt work, your secondary weapon is your ace in the hole, your last resort. Choose one that complements your primary or offers a different tactical advantage.
The P-2 Peacemaker
This is your standard issue sidearm, but don't underestimate it. It's reliable, has decent damage, and is always available. It's a great choice for situations where you're caught off guard or need to conserve ammo.
- Pros: Always available, reliable damage, and decent accuracy.
 - Cons: Not ideal for extended combat.
 
The MP-98 Knight
A solid choice for close-quarters encounters and when dealing with teleporting enemies. It's a fast-firing, short-range weapon that can quickly dispatch enemies at close range.
- Pros: Great for close-quarters, high rate of fire.
 - Cons: Short range, consumes ammo quickly.
 
Stratagems: The Ultimate Illuminate Busters
Stratagems are your ultimate weapons, the game-changers that can turn the tide of battle. They're vital when facing the Illuminate, especially during those hectic moments when you're overwhelmed.
Orbital Laser
This is the ultimate in instant gratification, perfect for clearing out heavily shielded or clustered Illuminate units. It provides a massive amount of damage in a single blast.
- Pros: Instantaneous, massive damage, destroys most enemies.
 - Cons: Long cooldown, can be blocked by certain terrain.
 
Eagle Airstrike
This is a versatile choice for dealing with groups of enemies or softening up a fortified position. The Eagle Airstrike drops a barrage of bombs over a wide area, making it perfect for wiping out shield bearers.
- Pros: Wide area of effect, good for clearing groups.
 - Cons: Can damage your team if not careful, requires precision.
 
Railgun
The Railgun can be used for taking down heavy armored units. In the later stages of the game, some of the enemies are armored, so taking a weapon that can deal with armored enemies is essential.
- Pros: Deals extreme damage to armored targets.
 - Cons: Requires precise aiming and careful management.
 
Tips and Tricks for Illuminate Domination
So, you've got your weapons and stratagems, but how do you put them to good use? Here are a few essential tips to boost your effectiveness against the Illuminate.
Focus Fire
Coordinate with your squad to focus fire on priority targets, such as the Shield Generators or the elite units that buff and debuff enemies. Taking these out first makes combat much easier.
Use Cover
Illuminate units can deal a lot of damage, so utilize cover to minimize incoming fire. Move between cover points and use the environment to your advantage.
Know Your Enemy
Familiarize yourself with the different types of Illuminate units and their behaviors. Learn which ones are shield bearers, which ones teleport, and which ones have special abilities. This knowledge will help you prioritize targets and anticipate their movements.
Communicate
Communicate with your team to coordinate your attacks, call out enemy positions, and share information. Teamwork is critical for success against the Illuminate.
Experiment
Don't be afraid to try different weapon combinations and stratagem setups. Experiment to find what works best for your playstyle and the mission at hand. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, so adapt and adjust as needed.
Conclusion: Liberate Those Planets!
There you have it, Helldivers! With the right weapons, stratagems, and a healthy dose of teamwork, you'll be well on your way to liberating those planets from the Illuminate threat. Remember, every mission is a chance to show the galaxy what Managed Democracy is all about. So, gear up, drop in, and spread some freedom! Good luck out there, and may the odds be ever in your favor! Now go forth and spread the light of liberty! For Super Earth!