Helldivers 2: Destroying Illuminate Ships - Tips & Tricks

So, you're diving into Helldivers 2 and running into those pesky Illuminate ships, huh? Don't worry, you're not alone! These guys can be a real pain, but with the right strategy and a bit of teamwork, you'll be blasting them out of the sky in no time. This guide will give you the lowdown on how to effectively destroy Illuminate ships in Helldivers 2, drawing on the collective wisdom of the Helldivers 2 Reddit community and beyond. We'll cover everything from understanding their weaknesses to selecting the best stratagems and tactics for the job. So buckle up, Helldivers, because we're about to turn those Illuminate ships into stardust!

Understanding the Illuminate Threat

Before we jump into blowing things up, let's understand what we're up against. The Illuminate are one of the three enemy factions in Helldivers 2, known for their advanced technology and tricky tactics. Unlike the Terminids who rely on swarming or the Automatons with their heavy armor, the Illuminate favor energy weapons, shields, and, of course, their ships. These ships aren't just for show; they provide crucial support to ground forces, raining down laser fire and deploying reinforcements. Ignoring these ships can quickly lead to being overwhelmed, so taking them out is a top priority.

Illuminate ships generally come in a few flavors, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You'll encounter smaller patrol ships that zip around quickly, larger cruisers that pack a serious punch, and even command ships that coordinate the entire fleet. Knowing what you're facing allows you to tailor your loadout and tactics accordingly. For example, those nimble patrol ships are vulnerable to rapid-fire weapons, while the heavily shielded cruisers might require something with armor-piercing capabilities. Understanding these nuances is key to efficient ship destruction.

Furthermore, the Illuminate are masters of deception and utilize cloaking technology, making their ships difficult to target. This means you'll need to rely on teamwork and situational awareness to spot them before they unleash their devastating attacks. Keep an eye out for visual distortions or listen for the telltale hum of their energy weapons charging. Spotting them early gives you a crucial advantage in the fight. Also, consider using stratagems that can reveal cloaked enemies, such as the UAV Recon or the Sensor Tower. These can be game-changers when dealing with the Illuminate's stealthy tactics.

Essential Stratagems for Anti-Ship Warfare

Okay, now for the fun part: blowing stuff up! Stratagems are your bread and butter in Helldivers 2, and some are definitely better suited for dealing with Illuminate ships than others. Here are a few must-have stratagems for any aspiring anti-ship Helldiver:

• Orbital Railcannon Strike: This is your go-to for dealing with heavily armored targets, including those pesky cruisers. The Railcannon Strike delivers a single, devastating blow that can pierce through shields and armor, often destroying a ship in one hit. It has a long cooldown, so use it wisely, but when you need something dead now, this is your best bet.
• Eagle 500kg Bomb: Sometimes, you just need to make a big boom. The 500kg Bomb is perfect for taking out groups of smaller ships or dealing massive damage to larger ones. It has a wide area of effect, so be careful not to get caught in the blast yourself! Coordinate with your team to ensure the target is clear of friendly fire before dropping the bomb.
• Recoilless Rifle: A classic anti-armor weapon, the Recoilless Rifle is excellent for sustained damage against Illuminate ships. It requires a teammate to reload, so communication and coordination are key. One Helldiver focuses on aiming and firing, while the other keeps the weapon loaded and ready to go. This combination can quickly tear through enemy ships.
• Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17): If you need a quick and dirty solution for dealing with a single ship, the EAT-17 is your friend. It's a single-use, disposable rocket launcher that packs a serious punch. It's great for taking out patrol ships or softening up larger targets before hitting them with something bigger. Plus, it has a short cooldown, so you can call in multiple EATs in a short amount of time.
• Supply Pod: This might seem like an odd choice, but hear me out. Illuminate ships love to hang back and bombard you from a distance. Dropping a supply pod on their heads can be a surprisingly effective way to take them out, especially if they're hovering low to the ground. It's a bit risky, but the reward is well worth it.

Remember to adapt your stratagem loadout to the specific mission and the types of Illuminate ships you're likely to encounter. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your team. Communication is key to successful stratagem deployment.

Tactics and Strategies for Success

Okay, you've got the right tools, now let's talk tactics. Here are some strategies to help you effectively destroy Illuminate ships:

• Prioritize Targets: Don't just shoot at the first ship you see. Focus on the biggest threats first. Command ships and cruisers should be your primary targets, as they pose the greatest danger to your team. Taking them out early can significantly reduce the pressure on the ground.
• Use Cover: Illuminate ships have powerful energy weapons, so staying in the open is a recipe for disaster. Use buildings, rocks, and other terrain features to shield yourself from their attacks. Move strategically between cover to avoid being caught in the open.
• Teamwork is Key: This cannot be stressed enough. Helldivers 2 is a cooperative game, and teamwork is essential for success against the Illuminate. Coordinate your attacks, communicate enemy positions, and support each other. A well-coordinated team can take down even the most heavily defended ships.
• Flank and Spank: Illuminate ships often have weak spots on their sides or rear. Try to flank them to expose these vulnerabilities. Use terrain to your advantage and coordinate with your team to create opportunities for flanking maneuvers. A well-placed shot on a vulnerable spot can cripple or destroy a ship in one hit.
• Take Advantage of Weaknesses: As mentioned earlier, different ships have different weaknesses. Experiment with different weapons and stratagems to find what works best against each type of ship. For example, rapid-fire weapons are effective against patrol ships, while armor-piercing weapons are needed for cruisers.
• Stay Mobile: Illuminate ships are very accurate, so staying still is a death sentence. Keep moving to make yourself a harder target. Use dodge rolls and sprinting to avoid incoming fire. A moving target is much harder to hit.

Community Tips and Tricks from Reddit

The Helldivers 2 Reddit community is a treasure trove of information and helpful tips. Here are some of the best tips for destroying Illuminate ships, gleaned from the collective wisdom of Reddit users:

• u/Helldiver_Pro: "The Railcannon Strike is your best friend against those cruisers. Aim for the engines for maximum damage!"
• u/LibertyLover76: "Don't forget to use the EMS Mortar Sentry to slow down the Illuminate. It makes them much easier to hit!"
• u/DemocracyEnthusiast: "The shield backpack can be a lifesaver when dealing with Illuminate lasers. It'll give you some extra protection while you're trying to take down their ships."
• u/BugSmasher420: "If you're having trouble spotting cloaked ships, try using the Sensor Tower stratagem. It'll reveal them for your whole team!"
• u/SpaceMarine117: "Remember to upgrade your ship modules! The faster cooldowns and increased damage can make a big difference in your anti-ship capabilities."

Final Thoughts

Destroying Illuminate ships in Helldivers 2 can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding their tactics, selecting the right stratagems, and working together as a team, you can turn the tide of battle and bring democracy to the galaxy. Remember to stay mobile, prioritize targets, and take advantage of their weaknesses. And don't forget to check out the Helldivers 2 Reddit community for even more tips and tricks. Now go out there, Helldivers, and show those Illuminate what we're made of! For Super Earth!