Home News Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

Author : Oliver Mar 05,2025

Conquer the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 with these optimized loadouts! This guide details three distinct builds designed to exploit the Illuminate's weaknesses and counter their advanced technology. Each loadout balances crowd control with the ability to eliminate high-value targets.

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The Illuminate present a significant challenge in Helldivers 2, employing diverse units and advanced weaponry. Success hinges on strategically chosen loadouts capable of handling both light infantry and elite units simultaneously. Neglecting either will prove fatal.

Laser Cannon Loadout: Obliterating the Illuminate

Laser Cannon Loadout

Weapon Type Weapon Choice
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 and PLAS-101 Purifier excel at eliminating Overseers, including airborne units, and are highly effective against the Voteless. Siege-Ready's increased ammo and faster reloads ensure sustained firepower. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo swiftly disables warp ships; the Strafing Run removes shields, and the grenade finishes them off. The G-13 Incendiary Impact is ideal for crowd control. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flanking defense against Overseers. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures areas, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters with pinpoint accuracy, its range a significant advantage. On higher difficulties (9 or 10), the Orbital Laser becomes essential.

Lightning Loadout: Stunning and Stun-Locking the Illuminate

Lightning Loadout

Weapon Type Weapon Choice
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 handle both melee and ranged units. The Arc Thrower's chain lightning stuns Overseers, particularly effective against airborne units. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides consistent crowd control and disruption. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol remain crucial for warp ship destruction. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavier threats; the Railcannon is best against unshielded targets, while the Laser excels against multiple Harvesters. This loadout is exceptionally powerful when coordinated with teammates.

Machine Gun Loadout: Suppressive Fire and Heavy Target Elimination

Machine Gun Loadout

Weapon Type Weapon Choice
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 incredibly versatile, shredding both light and heavy units, including Harvesters. Its high fire rate effectively depletes shields, negating the need for the Eagle Strafing Run in some situations. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack aids mobility during reloads. Choose between the Engineering Kit or Peak Physique for optimal recoil control or maneuverability. Turret sentries provide area control and objective defense. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser is crucial for eliminating multiple Harvesters; the Laser is preferred against shielded targets. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained firepower.

These loadouts offer diverse strategies for tackling the Illuminate threat. Experiment and find the build that best suits your playstyle!

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