Dominate The Illuminate: Best Weapons In Helldivers 2
Alright, Helldivers, buckle up! You're facing a new foe in Helldivers 2 – the Illuminate. These squid-like aliens are all about ranged attacks, mind control, and generally making your life a living hell. But don't you worry, because we're here to gear you up with the best weapons to send those squids back to whatever dimension they crawled out of. This guide will break down the essential weapons, strategies, and tips you'll need to survive and thrive against the Illuminate menace. We'll cover everything from primary weapons to support weapons, and stratagems that will give you the edge in the fight for Super Earth. Let's dive in and make sure you're ready to liberate some planets!
Understanding the Illuminate Threat
Before we start talking about the best weapons, let's quickly go over what you're up against. The Illuminate fight differently from the Automatons and the Terminids, focusing on ranged combat and psychic abilities. They deploy shields, teleport around the battlefield, and can even control your Helldiver, turning you against your own squad! You'll encounter various enemy types, each with its unique abilities. They are known for their use of energy weapons and their ability to quickly reposition. They often attack from afar, making cover essential. Their shields can be a pain to deal with, and their attacks can quickly overwhelm you if you're not careful. This means you need weapons that can penetrate shields, deal with high numbers, and allow for some ranged engagements. Knowing your enemy is half the battle, so let's get you prepared to dive into their territory. We'll cover the best guns to use. They require a different approach than what you might be used to from the other factions. So, understanding their tactics is crucial before we gear up with the best weapons.
Illuminate Enemy Types and Weaknesses
The Illuminate have a variety of units that require different approaches. Here's a quick rundown of some key enemies and how to deal with them:
- Council Members: The heavy hitters. They have powerful ranged attacks and energy shields. Focus on taking them down quickly, as they can cause serious damage.
 - Scouts: Fast, annoying, and often the first ones you encounter. They tend to teleport around the map. Use fast-firing weapons or explosives to take them out.
 - Illuminators: These guys have shields and can teleport as well. Focus on getting behind them or using weapons that can penetrate their defenses.
 - Obelisks: Stationary, but deadly. They can deploy shields and provide cover for their allies. Use high-explosive weapons or orbital strikes to destroy them.
 - Mind-Controlled Helldivers: The worst kind of enemy! They’ll use your own weapons against you, so be ready to take them down quickly without harming your teammates. A coordinated team is vital here.
 
Understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you decide which weapons and strategies to bring to the fight. This will get you one step closer to kicking some alien butt!
Primary Weapons: Your Frontline Arsenal
Your primary weapon is the one you'll be using most of the time, so picking the right one is essential. Here are some top picks for taking down the Illuminate, considering factors like shield penetration, rate of fire, and overall effectiveness. These primary weapons will be your bread and butter, so let's get you the best weapons to start with. We'll look at some solid options and the situations where they shine. Remember, the best weapons often depend on your play style and the specific mission you're on, so feel free to experiment to find what suits you best.
The Breaker Shotgun: Close-Range Annihilation
Alright, let's start with a classic. The Breaker shotgun is a fantastic option for close-range engagements, which you'll often find yourself in against the Illuminate. Its high rate of fire and incredible stopping power make it perfect for shredding through enemies that get too close. The Breaker is great for quickly taking down weaker enemies like the Scouts, and it can also deal significant damage to the Council Members. However, it can struggle against enemies with heavy armor or energy shields, so make sure to bring a secondary weapon or stratagem to deal with those types of enemies. The Breaker shotgun is a reliable workhorse and a solid choice for any Helldiver looking to get up close and personal.
- Pros: High damage, fast firing, excellent for close-quarters combat.
 - Cons: Limited range, less effective against armored enemies.
 
The Liberator Penetrator: Shield Piercing Power
The Liberator Penetrator is another solid option, especially since it can penetrate light armor. While the penetration isn't as good as the more specialized weapons, the Penetrator can be a solid option when you need an all-around weapon. It's a great choice for dealing with the Illuminates' shields, and the armor penetration lets you engage them from a slightly greater distance. It won’t be quite as effective as dedicated shield-busting weapons, but it provides a good balance between damage, penetration, and versatility. The Liberator Penetrator is a reliable choice for players who want a weapon that can handle a variety of situations. It’s perfect for players who like to be prepared for anything.
- Pros: Good damage, armor penetration, versatile.
 - Cons: Not the highest damage output, can struggle against heavily armored enemies.
 
The Scorcher: The Energy Weapon of Choice
The Scorcher is a powerful energy weapon that can be a game-changer against the Illuminate. The Scorcher's energy rounds can punch through enemy shields, making it extremely effective against the Council Members and other shielded units. It offers a solid rate of fire and good range, allowing you to engage enemies from a safe distance. The Scorcher is perfect for dealing with enemies that have shields. If you want a weapon that can quickly destroy enemy shields, then the Scorcher is for you. Mastering the Scorcher will give you an edge in the fight against these shielded alien threats.
- Pros: Excellent shield penetration, good range and rate of fire.
 - Cons: Can overheat if you fire for too long.
 
Secondary Weapons: Backup and Utility
Your secondary weapon is your backup plan. It's the weapon you switch to when your primary runs out of ammo or when you need something more specialized. Here are some of the best weapons to keep in your back pocket for those tricky situations.
The MP-98 Knight: Reliable Backup
The MP-98 Knight is a solid, reliable secondary weapon. It's a great choice when your primary weapon runs out of ammo or you need something with a higher rate of fire. The MP-98 Knight's high rate of fire allows you to quickly take down swarms of smaller enemies or finish off weakened targets. While it may not pack the same punch as the primary weapons, it's still an excellent choice when you need quick, reliable damage. The MP-98 Knight is a versatile weapon that can be very helpful.
- Pros: High rate of fire, reliable, good for finishing off enemies.
 - Cons: Lower damage per shot.
 
The P-19 Redeemer: Sidearm of Champions
The P-19 Redeemer is a burst-fire pistol that packs a punch. It is ideal for taking out enemies quickly. It's perfect for quickly eliminating Scouts or finishing off weakened enemies. The P-19 Redeemer is an excellent choice for a quick burst of damage. Its accuracy and firepower make it a strong secondary option in close-quarters combat. The Redeemer is a favorite among Helldivers for a reason.
- Pros: High damage, fast burst fire, accurate.
 - Cons: Limited ammo, requires accurate shots.
 
Support Weapons: The Heavy Hitters
Support weapons are your heavy-duty tools, and they can make a massive difference in the fight. These weapons will help you take down the bigger threats and control the battlefield. Let's look at some of the best weapons to bring along for support. Remember, coordination with your squad is key to maximizing the effectiveness of these weapons.
The Machine Gun: Suppressing Fire
The Machine Gun is a classic choice for suppressing fire and dealing consistent damage. The Machine Gun is ideal for mowing down hordes of enemies and providing cover fire for your squad. Its high rate of fire and large magazine make it perfect for sustained combat. It can also be used to suppress enemy fire and control the battlefield. The Machine Gun is a great choice for dealing with large groups of enemies and providing cover for your team.
- Pros: High rate of fire, large magazine, excellent for suppression.
 - Cons: Heavy, requires a backpack to carry ammo.
 
The Expendable Anti-Tank: For Taking Down the Big Guys
When you need to take down armored enemies, the Expendable Anti-Tank is your go-to option. The Expendable Anti-Tank is a single-use rocket launcher that deals massive damage to armored targets. It is perfect for quickly eliminating Council Members or other heavily armored units. Although it's a one-shot weapon, its high damage output makes it invaluable in a pinch. The Expendable Anti-Tank is a must-have for any Helldiver facing heavy armored threats.
- Pros: High damage, effective against armor.
 - Cons: One-use, requires careful aiming.
 
The Spear: Long-Range Destruction
The Spear is a rocket launcher that can lock onto targets, making it ideal for taking down armored enemies at long range. The Spear is perfect for eliminating armored units or other threats from a safe distance. The lock-on feature allows you to quickly target and destroy enemies without having to worry about aiming. The Spear is a fantastic choice when dealing with those tricky enemies.
- Pros: Long range, lock-on targeting, high damage.
 - Cons: Limited ammo, can be difficult to use in close combat.
 
Stratagems: Unleash Hell From Above
Stratagems are your special abilities, and they're crucial for turning the tide of battle. When the going gets tough, these abilities can give you the edge. Here are some of the most effective stratagems to use against the Illuminate.
Orbital Laser: The Ultimate Solution
The Orbital Laser is a high-powered orbital strike that can clear out entire areas. It's perfect for taking down groups of enemies, destroying Obelisks, and creating breathing room. The Orbital Laser is an invaluable tool for any Helldiver. Be careful when deploying it, as it can be friendly fire! Use the Orbital Laser when you need to quickly clear out a tough area or eliminate a large number of enemies.
- Pros: High damage, large area of effect, can destroy Obelisks.
 - Cons: Long cooldown, can be affected by cover.
 
Eagle Airstrike: Area of Effect
The Eagle Airstrike delivers a series of bombs over a wide area. It is a solid choice for clearing out enemies from a distance. The Eagle Airstrike is ideal for taking down large groups of enemies or softening up enemy positions before you move in. The Eagle Airstrike is a great tool for dealing damage over a large area.
- Pros: Wide area of effect, good damage.
 - Cons: Can take out your squad, can be blocked by certain terrain.
 
Guard Dog: The Robotic Companion
The Guard Dog is a backpack-mounted drone that provides constant fire support. It's a great choice for providing extra firepower and helping to clear out enemies. The Guard Dog is an excellent option for solo players or anyone who wants extra help in a fight. The Guard Dog will help you stay alive.
- Pros: Provides constant fire support, helps clear out enemies.
 - Cons: Can be destroyed, limited ammo.
 
General Tips for Fighting the Illuminate
- Use Cover: The Illuminate excel at ranged attacks, so use cover whenever possible. Crouch behind rocks, buildings, and anything else that can protect you from enemy fire.
 - Prioritize Targets: Focus on eliminating Council Members and other high-threat units first. These enemies can deal significant damage and should be your top priority.
 - Coordinate with Your Squad: Communication is key. Share information about enemy positions, coordinate your attacks, and support each other. Working as a team makes all the difference.
 - Be Aware of Your Surroundings: The Illuminate can teleport and reposition quickly. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings to avoid getting flanked or ambushed.
 - Manage Your Resources: Conserve ammo, use your stratagems wisely, and make sure to resupply whenever possible. Being prepared is the key to victory.
 
Conclusion: Freedom Through Firepower
Alright, Helldivers, you now have the knowledge and tools you need to dominate the Illuminate. By choosing the best weapons and utilizing effective strategies, you can liberate planets and spread managed democracy across the galaxy. Remember to stay adaptable, communicate with your squad, and never give up. Now go out there and show those alien squids what you're made of! For Super Earth!