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Illuminate Loadout Guide for Helldivers 2

By GabrielFeb 19,2025

Conquer the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 with these Optimized Loadouts!

The Illuminate, with their advanced tech and overwhelming numbers, pose a significant threat in Helldivers 2. Success hinges on strategic loadouts that exploit their weaknesses. This guide details three effective builds, catering to various playstyles.

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The Laser Cannon Loadout: Melting the Illuminate

Laser Cannon Loadout

Weapon Type Weapon Choice
Primary PLAS-1 Scorcher / PLAS-101 Purifier
Secondary GP-31 Grenade Pistol
Grenade G-13 Incendiary Impact
Armor Passive Siege-Ready
Stratagems LAS-98 Laser Cannon (Support), AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog", Eagle Strafing Run, A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / Orbital Laser

The PLAS-1 Scorcher and PLAS-101 Purifier excel against Overseers and Voteless, while Siege-Ready ensures ample ammo. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo swiftly disables warp ships. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flanking defense. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures objectives, or swap for an Orbital Laser against Harvesters. The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters with devastating efficiency, especially when combined with a Strafing Run to remove shields. On higher difficulties (9-10), an Orbital Laser is crucial for multiple Harvesters.

The Lightning Loadout: Shocking (& Staggering) the Illuminate

Lightning Loadout

Weapon Type Weapon Choice
Primary ARC-12 Blitzer
Secondary GP-31 Grenade Pistol
Grenade G-13 Incendiary Impact
Armor Passive Electrical Conduit / Med-Kit
Stratagems ARC-3 Arc Thrower (Support), Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser, Eagle Strafing Run, A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower

The ARC-12 Blitzer and ARC-3 Arc Thrower effectively handle both ranged and melee units. The Arc Thrower stuns Overseers, especially effective against Elevated units. It also damages unshielded Harvesters. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides excellent crowd control, particularly against flying Overseers. The Eagle Strafing Run and Grenade Pistol remain essential for warp ship destruction. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser targets heavier threats. This build excels in coordinated team play.

The Machine Gun Loadout: Shredding the Illuminate

Machine Gun Loadout

Weapon Type Weapon Choice
Primary StA-52 Assault Rifle
Secondary GP-31 Grenade Pistol / CQC-19 Stun Lance
Grenade G-13 Incendiary Impact
Armor Passive Peak Physique / Engineering Kit
Stratagems MG-43 Machine Gun (Support), LIFT-850 Jump Pack, Orbital Railcannon Strike / Orbital Laser, A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / A/G-16 Gatling Sentry

The MG-43 Machine Gun is incredibly versatile, shredding light and medium units, including Harvesters. The Engineering Kit or Peak Physique passive enhances its effectiveness. The high fire rate helps deplete shields, negating the need for Strafing Runs on warp ships. Choose between turret sentries to control crowds or defend objectives. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack aids mobility during reloads. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser handles heavier threats. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained fire.

These loadouts offer diverse approaches to combating the Illuminate. Choose the build that best suits your playstyle and prepare for battle!

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