Helldivers Illuminate Weapons: Community Guide
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive deep into the Illuminate’s arsenal? This guide, inspired by the collective wisdom of the Helldivers community on Reddit, aims to arm you with the knowledge you need to effectively combat this tricky alien race. We’ll break down the best weapons, strategies, and tips shared by players, so you can spread managed democracy even to the furthest reaches of Illuminate territory. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Illuminate Threat
Before we dive into weapon specifics, let's understand our enemy. The Illuminate are known for their advanced technology, including shields, teleportation, and mind control. Dealing with Illuminate enemies requires a different approach than fighting the Bugs or Cyborgs. Their shields can deflect a lot of damage, and their teleportation makes them hard to pin down. Moreover, their mind control abilities can turn your teammates against you, adding another layer of complexity to combat. You need weapons and strategies that can bypass these defenses and keep you in control of the battlefield. Many players on Reddit emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication when facing the Illuminate. Coordinating attacks and covering each other’s backs can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember, managed democracy is a team sport! Knowing which weapons work best against their specific units is also crucial. For instance, weapons with armor-piercing capabilities are essential for dealing with shielded enemies, while area-of-effect weapons can help control groups of teleporting foes. Adjusting your loadout and tactics based on the specific mission and enemy composition is key to victory.
Top Weapon Choices Against the Illuminate
Based on Reddit discussions and community feedback, here are some of the top weapon choices for tackling the Illuminate:
1. Railgun
The Railgun consistently appears in discussions about the best weapons against the Illuminate. Its ability to penetrate shields and deal significant damage makes it a top-tier choice. The Railgun is a powerful, charged weapon that can pierce through enemy armor and shields, making it incredibly effective against heavily armored Illuminate units. According to numerous Reddit threads, the Railgun is particularly useful for taking down Obelisk walls and other heavily defended structures. Its precision and range allow you to engage enemies from a safe distance, minimizing your exposure to their attacks. Many players recommend using the Railgun in “unsafe” mode to maximize its damage output, but caution is advised, as overheating can lead to self-inflicted damage. The Railgun's versatility also makes it a great choice for dealing with other enemy types, making it a staple in many Helldivers' loadouts. Mastering the Railgun requires practice, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Learning to time your shots and manage the weapon's charge effectively can turn you into a formidable force on the battlefield. Experiment with different charging levels to find the sweet spot between damage and safety. Also, consider using the Railgun in conjunction with other support weapons to create a well-rounded and effective loadout. For example, pairing the Railgun with a stratagem that provides cover or crowd control can help you maintain your position and control the flow of battle.
2. Recoilless Rifle
The Recoilless Rifle is another fan-favorite for its armor-piercing capabilities. While it requires a reload partner, its sheer damage output against armored targets makes it worthwhile. The Recoilless Rifle delivers massive damage and can take down even the toughest Illuminate enemies with a well-placed shot. Reddit users often highlight its effectiveness against heavily armored targets, such as the heavily shielded Council Members and Obelisk walls. Its cooperative reload mechanic encourages teamwork, making it a great choice for coordinated squads. Effective use of the Recoilless Rifle requires clear communication and coordination between the shooter and the reloader. Designating roles and establishing a clear line of sight can significantly improve your team's efficiency. Additionally, consider using the Recoilless Rifle in conjunction with other stratagems that provide cover or support, such as smoke grenades or shield generators. The Recoilless Rifle can also be used to clear out groups of weaker enemies, such as Scouts and Adepts, with a single, well-aimed shot. Its versatility and stopping power make it a valuable asset in any Helldivers' arsenal. Keep in mind that the Recoilless Rifle has a limited ammo capacity, so it's important to conserve your shots and prioritize your targets. Reloading at the right moment can be crucial, so pay attention to your surroundings and communicate with your reloader to ensure a smooth and efficient reload.
3. EAT-17
For those who prefer a more disposable option, the EAT-17 (Expendable Anti-Tank) is a great choice. It provides a one-time use, high-damage shot that can eliminate priority targets quickly. The EAT-17 is a single-use, disposable rocket launcher that packs a serious punch. Its ability to instantly eliminate heavily armored targets makes it a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. Reddit users often recommend using the EAT-17 to quickly dispatch Obelisk walls and other heavily defended structures. Its ease of use and availability make it a great option for solo players or teams that need a quick and reliable anti-tank weapon. While the EAT-17 is a one-shot weapon, its impact can be game-changing. Using it strategically to eliminate key targets can significantly improve your team's chances of success. Consider using the EAT-17 in conjunction with other stratagems that provide cover or support, such as smoke grenades or shield generators. The EAT-17 can also be used to clear out groups of weaker enemies, such as Scouts and Adepts, with a single, well-aimed shot. Its versatility and stopping power make it a valuable asset in any Helldivers' arsenal. Keep in mind that the EAT-17 has a limited range, so it's important to get close to your target before firing. Reloading at the right moment can be crucial, so pay attention to your surroundings and communicate with your reloader to ensure a smooth and efficient reload.
4. Static Field Conductors
While not a direct damage dealer, Static Field Conductors are excellent for crowd control. They can slow down and stun Illuminate units, making them easier to manage. Static Field Conductors are a powerful crowd-control tool that can significantly disrupt the Illuminate's advanced tactics. By deploying these devices, you can create fields of electricity that slow down and stun enemies, making them vulnerable to attack. Reddit users often highlight the effectiveness of Static Field Conductors in controlling groups of teleporting Illuminate units. Their ability to disrupt enemy formations and create opportunities for your team to engage makes them a valuable asset in any Helldivers' loadout. Effective use of Static Field Conductors requires careful placement and timing. Consider using them to create chokepoints or to trap enemies in confined areas. Additionally, consider using them in conjunction with other stratagems that provide damage or support, such as grenades or airstrikes. Static Field Conductors can also be used to protect your team from flanking maneuvers or to create a safe zone for reviving fallen teammates. Their versatility and utility make them a valuable asset in any Helldivers' arsenal. Keep in mind that Static Field Conductors have a limited duration, so it's important to deploy them strategically and to rearm them when necessary. Reloading at the right moment can be crucial, so pay attention to your surroundings and communicate with your reloader to ensure a smooth and efficient reload.
5. Incendiary Grenades
Area denial is crucial against the Illuminate, and Incendiary Grenades excel at this. They can create burning areas that deter enemies from advancing, giving you valuable breathing room. Incendiary Grenades are a versatile area-denial tool that can significantly disrupt the Illuminate's advanced tactics. By creating burning areas on the battlefield, you can deter enemies from advancing, forcing them to take alternative routes or exposing them to your team's fire. Reddit users often highlight the effectiveness of Incendiary Grenades in controlling chokepoints and preventing enemies from flanking your position. Their ability to create persistent damage zones makes them a valuable asset in any Helldivers' loadout. Effective use of Incendiary Grenades requires careful placement and timing. Consider using them to create barriers that separate enemy groups or to flush out enemies from cover. Additionally, consider using them in conjunction with other stratagems that provide damage or support, such as airstrikes or smoke grenades. Incendiary Grenades can also be used to protect your team from melee attacks or to create a safe zone for reviving fallen teammates. Their versatility and utility make them a valuable asset in any Helldivers' arsenal. Keep in mind that Incendiary Grenades have a limited range, so it's important to get close to your target before throwing them. Reloading at the right moment can be crucial, so pay attention to your surroundings and communicate with your reloader to ensure a smooth and efficient reload.
Community Tips and Strategies
Beyond weapon choices, the Helldivers community on Reddit offers invaluable tips and strategies for fighting the Illuminate:
- Team Composition: A balanced team with a mix of armor-piercing, crowd control, and support weapons is ideal.
- Communication: Coordinate your attacks and call out enemy positions to maximize your team's effectiveness.
- Target Priority: Focus on taking down high-priority targets like Council Members and Obelisk walls first.
- Mobility: Use the terrain to your advantage and keep moving to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Patience: The Illuminate can be tricky, so don't get discouraged if you fail at first. Learn from your mistakes and adapt your strategy.
Final Thoughts
Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 can be challenging, but with the right weapons, strategies, and teamwork, you can overcome their advanced technology and spread managed democracy throughout the galaxy. Remember to take advantage of the knowledge shared by the Helldivers community on Reddit and experiment with different loadouts to find what works best for you. Now get out there, Helldiver, and show those Illuminate what we’re made of!