Helldivers 2: Top Weapons To Annihilate The Illuminate

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic, bug-blasting, automaton-shredding world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! Today, we're going to arm you with the ultimate guide to eradicating one of the galaxy's most enigmatic threats: the Illuminate. These sneaky, teleporting, laser-wielding aliens are a real pain in the butt, but don't worry, we're here to equip you with the best weapons to make them regret ever setting foot on Super Earth's turf. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of choosing your arsenal to dominate the battlefield against the Illuminate. Choosing the best weapons involves understanding their unique strengths and weaknesses and how they synergize with your preferred playstyle. The key to success against the Illuminate, just like with any enemy in Helldivers 2, is to understand their attack patterns, mobility, and the types of units you'll encounter. Are you ready to become a true Illuminate exterminator? Let’s dive in and dissect the perfect loadout!

Decoding the Illuminate Threat: Understanding Your Enemy

Before we jump into the best weapons, let's briefly discuss what makes the Illuminate so challenging. These enemies aren't just your run-of-the-mill, mindless hordes. They have brains, and they use them! The Illuminate are masters of strategy, employing hit-and-run tactics, teleportation, and powerful ranged attacks. They also come in various forms, each with unique abilities and threats. Understanding these forms is key to selecting the right tools for the job. You have the standard Illuminate warriors, the squishy but numerous basic infantry, who are easily dispatched with the right weapon. Then you have the more formidable ones such as the Illuminate Council Members, who can teleport and summon reinforcements, making them high-priority targets. Next up are the heavily armored Observers, which can call in orbital strikes and can quickly turn the tide of a battle if left unchecked. There are also the Illusionists, capable of creating duplicates and causing serious chaos. Lastly, there are the elite units, each with its own special abilities that require you to react quickly. These are the threats you need to know, as each type of enemy will influence your decision when selecting the best weapons. This is why the Helldivers 2 community is continuously testing and discovering the most effective strategies and best weapons to use against these threats. Effective communication and team coordination will significantly increase your odds of success. Knowing the enemy is half the battle; the other half is bringing the right firepower!

Primary Weapons: Your Frontline Defenders Against the Illuminate

Your primary weapon is your go-to tool, the one you'll be relying on most of the time. Choosing the right one is crucial for survival. For the Illuminate, the best weapons in this category often focus on a blend of firepower, accuracy, and versatility. Let's explore some top choices:

• SG-225 Breaker: This shotgun remains a top choice for a reason. Its high damage output and excellent stopping power make it perfect for close-quarters combat. When dealing with the Illuminate, who love to get up close and personal, the Breaker is a lifesaver. It quickly dispatches the basic units and can stagger heavier ones, giving you breathing room. However, its limited range means you'll need to be mindful of your positioning. The Breaker is still the best weapon in terms of practicality, and will guarantee a high kill count, provided you manage your distance effectively.
• AR-23 Liberator: The Liberator is a reliable, all-around assault rifle, offering a good balance of damage, range, and accuracy. It's a solid choice for any situation, but it truly shines against the Illuminate. Its versatility allows you to engage enemies at various ranges. While it might not be the absolute best weapon for damage per shot, its consistent performance makes it a dependable choice for sustained engagements. The weapon's straightforward design makes it easy to handle and ideal for both new and veteran Helldivers alike.
• LAS-5 Scythe: If you're a fan of energy weapons, the Scythe is your go-to. This weapon provides a continuous laser beam, making it ideal for sustained fire. It excels against the Illuminate due to its ability to cut through enemy formations with ease. The Scythe's unique feature of not needing reloads allows you to keep the pressure on. Though it generates heat and requires you to manage your shots, the Scythe is still among the best weapons for the job.
• PLAS-1 Scorcher: The Scorcher is a plasma rifle that delivers explosive rounds, making it incredibly effective against groups of enemies. The scorcher's ability to hit multiple enemies with a single shot is a game changer when dealing with the swarms of Illuminate. It's especially useful for clearing out those pesky Illusionists and basic units. Be cautious, though, as the explosive rounds can also damage you if you're not careful. If you're looking for the best weapon to handle crowds and clear out multiple enemies at once, the Scorcher is your best bet.

Secondary Weapons: Your Backup Plans for Illuminate Encounters

Your secondary weapon is your emergency backup, so it's essential to pick one that complements your primary. These weapons are often lighter and quicker to deploy, ideal for those oh-crap moments. Here's a breakdown of the best weapons to have on hand:

• P-19 Redeemer: This pistol is a must-have for every Helldiver. The Redeemer offers rapid-fire capabilities and is perfect for finishing off weakened enemies. Its high rate of fire makes it great for dealing with close-range threats like the basic Illuminate warriors, and it can also provide suppressing fire, giving you time to reload your primary weapon. This is one of the best weapons in the game, and is a staple in every Helldiver's arsenal.
• MP-98 Knight: A high-capacity submachine gun, the Knight is an excellent choice for a secondary weapon. Its rapid-fire rate is perfect for clearing out multiple enemies in close quarters and can be used to suppress enemies while you reload your primary. The MP-98 Knight offers a solid option for those moments when you need quick, reliable firepower. If you need a reliable secondary for sustained firepower, this is among the best weapons for you.

Support Weapons: Bringing the Big Guns Against the Illuminate

Support weapons are your heavy hitters, designed to take down armored enemies and provide battlefield control. They are crucial for dealing with the Illuminate's tougher units. Here's a look at the best weapons in this category:

• MG-206 Machine Gun: This is a squad support weapon that deals immense damage with a high rate of fire, making it one of the best weapons to deal with the Illuminate. It's excellent for suppressing fire and taking down priority targets. However, it requires a longer reload time, so make sure to take cover while reloading.
• EAT-17: This disposable anti-tank weapon is the perfect tool for dealing with the Illuminate's heavy armor. It fires a single, powerful rocket that can obliterate almost any enemy. While it's a one-shot deal, it's a reliable choice for taking down those heavily armored Observers or clearing out a teleporter. It's a must-have in your arsenal.
• Expendable Anti-Tank: This is another disposable anti-tank weapon that offers a bit more flexibility. Its rapid reload speed and ability to fire two rockets before reloading make it a valuable asset in the field. It’s perfect for dealing with those pesky heavy armored units. For players looking for a reliable and flexible anti-tank weapon, the Expendable Anti-Tank is one of the best weapons to have.
• LAS-99 Quasar Cannon: The Quasar Cannon is a versatile support weapon that is extremely effective against the Illuminate. It charges up and fires a powerful energy blast that can obliterate groups of enemies and penetrate armor. It has a high skill ceiling since you need to time your shots correctly, but the impact is unmatched. If you want the best weapon for taking down heavy armor and high-value targets, the Quasar Cannon is your choice.

Strategems: Your Tactical Advantage Against the Illuminate

Strategems are your tactical tools, and they can make all the difference in a firefight. You'll want a mix of offensive and defensive Strategems to handle the Illuminate effectively. The best weapons are only effective if you know when and how to deploy your strategems.

• Orbital Laser: This orbital strike is perfect for clearing out large groups of enemies or taking down heavy armor. Its wide area of effect and high damage output make it a reliable choice for dealing with multiple Illuminate threats. Make sure you call it in wisely because friendly fire is a hazard, and you can take yourself out.
• Eagle 500KG Bomb: This is the ultimate