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Helldivers 2: Best Loadouts for the Illuminate

Author : Jack Feb 26,2025

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. This guide details three loadouts designed to exploit their weaknesses and secure victory. Each build balances crowd control and heavy unit takedowns for maximum effectiveness.

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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, including Elevated units, and the Voteless. Siege-Ready maximizes uptime. The Eagle Strafing Run and GP-31 Grenade Pistol combo quickly disables and destroys warp ships. The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" provides excellent flanking defense. The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry secures objectives, while the Orbital Laser targets Harvesters (especially crucial on higher difficulties). The LAS-98 Laser Cannon melts Overseers and Harvesters with pinpoint accuracy at long range.

The Lightning Loadout: Stunning 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 melee and ranged units. The Arc Thrower's chain lightning stuns Overseers, especially effective against Elevated units. The A/ARC-3 Tesla Tower provides exceptional 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 handles heavier threats. This loadout 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 both light and heavy enemies, including Harvesters. Peak Physique or Engineering Kit enhances its effectiveness. The high fire rate efficiently depletes shields, negating the need for the Eagle Strafing Run against grounded warp ships. Turret sentries manage crowds and defend objectives. The LIFT-850 Jump Pack allows for quick repositioning. The Orbital Railcannon Strike or Orbital Laser provides anti-heavy support. The StA-52 Assault Rifle provides sustained, high-damage fire.

These loadouts offer diverse strategies for tackling the Illuminate. Choose the build that best suits your playstyle and enjoy the fight!