The Illuminate are finally here in Helldivers 2, and if you’ve faced them already, you know they’re unlike any other faction. These high-tech enemies rely on energy shields, teleportation, and devastating plasma attacks that can melt through careless squads in seconds. Beating them takes more than just good aim—you’ll need the right loadout to counter their advanced tactics.
After testing different setups in dozens of missions, here are three of the most effective loadouts I’ve found for taking down the Illuminate efficiently. Whether you’re playing solo or in a squad, these builds will help you survive their lasers and keep the Super Earth flag flying high.
1. The Anti-Shield Specialist
Best for: Players who like to push forward and take out enemies up close.
The Illuminate’s biggest advantage is their shielded units. Their energy barriers can block bullets and even some explosives, so the best counter is to bring gear that can break shields fast.
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: LAS-16 Sickle or SG-8 Punisher Plasma
- Secondary Weapon: P-19 Redeemer
- Stratagems: EAT-17, Arc Thrower, Supply Pack, Eagle Cluster Bomb
- Armor: Light armor with high mobility
The Sickle is great because it deals consistent energy damage, bypassing many of the Illuminate’s defenses. The Arc Thrower is also a solid choice, especially in tight spaces where its chain lightning can hit multiple enemies. Pair that with a light armor set for faster dodging—you’ll need it when they start teleporting around you.
If you’re short on in-game resources for upgrades, some players like to buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock gear faster. While it’s totally possible to earn everything through gameplay, having early access to new equipment can make the grind a bit smoother.
Pro Tip: Focus fire on the shield generators first. Once those are down, the rest of the Illuminate fall much more easily.
2. The Long-Range Commander
Best for: Players who prefer tactical positioning and supporting teammates.
When fighting Illuminate patrols or large groups, maintaining distance is crucial. Their energy blasts travel fast and hit hard, so staying at range helps you avoid instant death while picking off targets safely.
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: Diligence Counter Sniper or Breaker
- Secondary Weapon: P-2 Peacemaker
- Stratagems: Orbital Laser, Guard Dog Rover, Resupply, Anti-Personnel Mines
- Armor: Medium armor with balanced defense and stamina
The Diligence lets you pick off targets from afar, especially the glowing snipers and support drones that tend to hover around. The Guard Dog Rover helps cover blind spots while you aim, and Anti-Personnel Mines are great for funneling enemies through choke points.
The Illuminate rely heavily on AI coordination, so taking out their backline first can really mess up their attack rhythm. This loadout rewards patience and awareness rather than brute force.
Tip for Squads: Have one player run this setup while others use more explosive builds. The balance between precision and area control keeps your team flexible during missions.
3. The Heavy Ordinance Enforcer
Best for: Players who love explosions, area denial, and absolute chaos.
The Illuminate may have advanced tech, but they still hate getting hit by big explosions. This loadout turns you into a walking artillery platform capable of wiping entire squads in seconds—if you can handle the blast radius.
Recommended Loadout:
- Primary Weapon: MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun or RL-112 Recoilless Rifle
- Secondary Weapon: P-4 Senator
- Stratagems: Railgun, Orbital Railcannon Strike, Supply Pack, Jump Pack
- Armor: Heavy armor with maximum durability
The Railgun remains one of the best anti-elite tools in the game, capable of piercing shields when charged properly. Combine it with an Orbital Railcannon Strike for those “oh no” moments when a swarm teleports in.
Since these missions can be resource-intensive, some players turn to buy Helldivers 2 super credits at U4GM to get Stratagem upgrades or unlock new weapons faster. I’ve seen a few friends do this to skip the grind and focus on experimenting with builds—it’s a personal choice, but make sure you use a trusted platform like U4GM if you go that route.
Pro Tip: The Jump Pack isn’t just for mobility—it’s a lifesaver when Illuminate Hunters close in. Use it to reposition before you’re surrounded.
The Illuminate bring a level of challenge that forces you to rethink your usual loadouts. Precision, awareness, and teamwork matter more than ever. Each of these builds offers a different approach—aggressive, tactical, or destructive—and the best squads usually mix all three playstyles for maximum flexibility.
If you’re still struggling with these missions, don’t worry—it takes time to adapt to their unpredictable tactics. Experiment with your setups, coordinate with teammates, and remember: the best weapon in Helldivers 2 isn’t just firepower—it’s strategy.
