Helldivers 2: Top Weapons To Annihilate The Illuminate (Reddit's Choice)
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive back into the galactic war, this time facing off against the mind-bending Illuminate? Those pesky squid-like aliens are back, and they're bringing some serious psychic firepower to the party. But don't worry, we've got you covered. This guide will break down the best weapons to equip yourself with to effectively combat the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, drawing insights from the Reddit community and expert opinions. So, grab your favorite stratagems, and let's get you prepared to liberate some planets!
Understanding the Illuminate Threat: Why the Right Weapons Matter
Before we jump into the weapon recommendations, let's take a moment to understand the Illuminate. They're not your typical bugs or bots, guys. These aliens rely heavily on energy shields, ranged attacks, and teleportation. Their tactics are different, and as a result, your usual go-to weapons might not be as effective. The Illuminate in Helldivers 2 can teleport, which means they can quickly reposition and flank you, so you will need to choose weapons that offer good damage and versatility. They're also quite accurate with their ranged attacks. So, you'll want something that can take them down quickly before they can zero in on you. High armor penetration is a must. Many Illuminate units have energy shields, which absorb a lot of damage. To effectively deal with them, you'll need weapons that can penetrate these shields or have a high rate of fire to wear them down. Finally, the ability to deal with multiple enemies is crucial. The Illuminate often attack in groups, so you'll want weapons that can hit multiple targets or have a good area of effect. A well-equipped Helldiver is a successful Helldiver, so choose your arsenal wisely! We’ll show you some of the best weapons for dealing with the Illuminate, according to Reddit and other sources.
Primary Weapons: Your First Line of Defense
Your primary weapon is the foundation of your loadout, guys, so you want to choose wisely! Here are some top picks that have been heavily debated and recommended by the Helldivers 2 community, with special focus on dealing with the Illuminate:
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The Breaker Shotgun: Ah, the trusty Breaker! It's a classic for a reason. Its high rate of fire and excellent close-range damage make it incredibly effective against the hordes of smaller Illuminate units. It can quickly dispatch the weaker enemies that might try to swarm you. The Breaker is a great choice because you’ll need something to deal with close-range threats while you're focused on the bigger targets.
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The Liberator Penetrator: The Liberator Penetrator is an excellent choice. It offers good armor penetration, which is vital for dealing with shielded enemies. Its ability to punch through light to medium armor allows you to deal damage to the Illuminate without needing to constantly reload. This makes it a solid all-around option for most situations. For those looking for a balanced approach, the Liberator Penetrator is a solid choice. It can handle most of the Illuminate's attacks with ease.
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The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary: The Incendiary Breaker is like a fiery dance partner for your enemies. Its incendiary rounds deal continuous damage over time, which can quickly take down groups of enemies and deny them the area they're in. This is especially useful against the Illuminate, who tend to swarm you. The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary can also disrupt their teleporting patterns. The sustained damage can be a game-changer.
Secondary Weapons: Backup and Utility
Your secondary weapon is your trusty sidekick, there to back you up when your primary is reloading or when you need something a little different. Here are some of the best secondary weapons to consider, with the Illuminate in mind:
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The MP-98 Knight: This submachine gun is a rapid-fire weapon that can shred through enemies with ease. Its high rate of fire and large magazine make it perfect for clearing out smaller enemies and dealing sustained damage. The MP-98 Knight is great for quickly taking down weaker units that might get in your way. It's a reliable weapon that's sure to keep you alive and kicking.
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The P-19 Redeemer: The Redeemer is a great pistol for dealing burst damage and getting out of a sticky situation. When you are caught in a bad position or need to quickly take down a single enemy, the Redeemer is your best bet. Because the Illuminate often rely on ranged attacks, the Redeemer is good when you want to fight back. It's especially useful for taking out those pesky snipers. A good secondary option will help you survive and deal some damage while you wait for your primary weapon to reload.
Stratagems: Unleash Hell on the Illuminate
Stratagems are your special abilities, guys, and they can turn the tide of battle in Helldivers 2. Here are a few must-have stratagems when facing the Illuminate, according to the community:
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Orbital Precision Strike: The Orbital Precision Strike is your go-to when you need to take out a high-value target or clear a heavily defended area. Its pinpoint accuracy and high damage make it perfect for eliminating Illuminate commanders and clearing out nests. When facing the Illuminate, you must eliminate targets quickly, and the Orbital Precision Strike lets you do just that.
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Eagle Airstrike: The Eagle Airstrike is a versatile choice. It offers a wide area of effect, making it ideal for clearing out groups of enemies or disrupting their attacks. This can be critical for controlling the battlefield. The Eagle Airstrike can quickly clear an area, giving you space to breathe and reposition.
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Orbital Railcannon Strike: The Orbital Railcannon Strike is a single-shot, high-damage stratagem that can eliminate even the toughest enemies. Use it to take out Illuminate heavy units or to quickly destroy key structures. You must use this stratagem strategically.
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Guard Dog Rover: This defensive stratagem deploys a drone that hovers around you and automatically shoots at nearby enemies. It's perfect for providing constant support and keeping the pressure on the Illuminate. The Guard Dog Rover can be a lifesaver.
Armor and Gear: Staying Alive in the Fight
Your armor and gear are important for your survivability and effectiveness in Helldivers 2. Here are some recommendations:
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Armor: When facing the Illuminate, you'll want armor that provides a good balance of protection and mobility. Look for armor with high armor values and perks that increase your stamina or reload speed. Remember, that your armor is very important and can make the difference between victory and defeat.
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Boosters: Boosters provide passive bonuses that can significantly enhance your performance. Choose boosters that complement your play style and weapon choices. Boosters will give you an edge in the war. Some good choices include boosters that increase your speed, reduce your recoil, or provide extra ammo.
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Grenades: Grenades are a versatile tool for dealing with enemies and controlling the battlefield. Consider bringing a mix of grenades to deal with different situations. The G-123 Thermite is great for dealing with groups and can deal sustained damage.
Reddit's Verdict: Community-Approved Loadouts
Now that we've covered the best weapons, stratagems, armor, and gear, let's look at some popular loadouts recommended by the Helldivers 2 Reddit community:
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