Helldivers 2: Top Weapons For Smashing The Illuminate
Alright, Helldivers, buckle up! We're diving deep into the electrifying world of Helldivers 2 to arm you with the ultimate knowledge on how to obliterate those pesky Illuminate. This guide isn't just about guns; it's about strategy, knowing your enemy, and picking the right tools to send those squids back to whatever dimension they crawled out of. The Illuminate are a cunning and formidable foe, so you'll need the best weapons and tactics to survive the intergalactic war and bring managed democracy to the galaxy. Let's get started, shall we?
Understanding the Illuminate Threat: Why Your Loadout Matters
Before we jump into the best weapons to use against the Illuminate, let's chat about why your loadout is so darn important. The Illuminate aren't like the Terminids or the Automatons; they bring a different set of challenges. They favor ranged combat, teleportation, and shields, making close-quarters combat a risky gamble. They have a variety of units, from the nimble Scout to the heavily armored Obelisk, each designed to test your tactical skills. The Illuminate's mastery of energy weapons and strategic deployment means you need to be smart about your weapon choices. If you want to efficiently spread managed democracy, your weapon selection directly affects your success on the battlefield. Not only that, but you should also understand the specific advantages and weaknesses of each weapon class, how they synergize with your stratagems, and what roles they play in a squad. This means considering factors like rate of fire, damage per shot, armor penetration, magazine size, and even the weapon's overall handling. With a poorly chosen loadout, you'll be struggling to even scratch these enemies, let alone liberate planets for Super Earth. That's why we need to focus on weapons that can effectively counter the Illuminate's tactics. This might mean prioritizing high-damage weapons to take down their shielded units, or weapons with a rapid fire rate to deal with their teleporting attackers. Understanding the enemy is your first step to victory, and that victory starts with the right firepower!
Primary Weapons: Your Frontline Defenders
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: primary weapons. These are your bread and butter, the tools you'll be relying on to deal consistent damage and clear out the initial waves of enemies. Here are a few top contenders for primary weapons against the Illuminate, each with its own strengths:
- The Breaker Shotgun: Still a crowd favorite, and for good reason. The Breaker offers unmatched stopping power at close to medium range. Its high rate of fire and devastating damage make it perfect for quickly dispatching weaker Illuminate units and creating space when you're swarmed. While it struggles against heavily armored foes, a well-placed shot can still stun them. The Breaker is your go-to for clearing out hordes of smaller enemies and providing immediate defense when things get hairy. It also shines in cramped environments, making it a reliable choice for indoor missions and objectives. Its versatility makes it a must-have for any Helldiver looking to make an impact.
 - The Liberator Penetrator: This is the upgraded version of the standard Liberator and is a solid all-rounder. The Penetrator variant boasts armor penetration, making it effective against the Light and Medium armored enemies the Illuminate deploy. Its moderate rate of fire and manageable recoil make it easy to control, and its accuracy allows for precision shots, enabling you to take down enemies from a distance. The Liberator Penetrator is the perfect choice if you are looking for a reliable, well-rounded primary weapon. Its versatility and effectiveness against a variety of enemy types ensure that you're always prepared for whatever the Illuminate throw at you. It is a fantastic choice for new players.
 - The Defender SMG: This is a personal favorite, especially for close-quarters specialists. The Defender, with its high rate of fire, excels at shredding through swarms of enemies, and its ability to penetrate light armor allows you to deal with multiple targets with a single burst. While it may not be the best against heavily armored units, the Defender's agility and mobility are unmatched. The weapon can be fired while sprinting, and its compact size makes it perfect for maneuvering through tight spaces and flanking the Illuminate. This is especially useful when facing teleporting enemies, as you can quickly reposition to stay ahead of their attacks. This weapon is a life-saver in those chaotic encounters. If you want a weapon that helps you to engage in aggressive tactics, the Defender SMG is your best bet!
 
Secondary Weapons: Backup and Utility
Your secondary weapon is your backup plan and often a source of utility. These are the tools you'll pull out when your primary is empty, or when you need something specific. Here are the top picks for the secondaries:
- The Pistol: The standard pistol is an effective backup weapon. The pistol provides you with a reliable option for finishing off enemies or dealing damage while reloading your primary weapon. It is effective in a pinch and has a good amount of ammo to get you out of sticky situations. The pistol can be a lifesaver in those chaotic moments when you need to keep your head down and stay alive.
 - The Machine Pistol: This is a great choice for those who love to get up close and personal. Its high rate of fire, makes it ideal for clearing out groups of enemies or quickly taking down targets. The Machine Pistol can tear through light armor and is effective in close-quarters combat. The Machine Pistol can be invaluable when dealing with teleporting enemies. It's great to have a dependable backup for those unexpected situations.
 
Support Weapons: Heavy Firepower for a Heavy Fight
These are the big guns, the ones that deliver the serious damage. Support weapons are your go-to when you need to take down heavily armored units, clear out entrenched positions, or deal with multiple targets at once. Here are the best support weapons for battling the Illuminate:
- The Spear: This weapon is an excellent choice for taking down the armored units. The Spear can lock onto targets, making it easy to hit even the most mobile enemies. The Spear is extremely effective for dealing with the heavily armored enemies that the Illuminate deploy. It can instantly take down many of these threats, making it an excellent weapon for any Helldiver. The spear is perfect for those who want a weapon that can cause massive damage and take down even the toughest enemies.
 - The Railgun: Arguably one of the best weapons in the game, the Railgun's armor penetration is unmatched and its ability to deal with a variety of enemies. With a well-placed shot, the Railgun can one-shot many enemies. The Railgun's armor penetration allows it to take down the most heavily armored enemies. The Railgun is perfect for those who want a weapon that can cause massive damage and take down even the toughest enemies.
 - The Autocannon: The Autocannon can be a solid option when you need to cover a wide area. With its high rate of fire and explosive rounds, it excels at clearing out hordes of enemies and destroying enemy fortifications. The Autocannon is excellent for dealing with large groups of enemies and taking out enemy structures, making it a great choice for various objectives. The Autocannon is perfect for those who want a weapon that can cause a lot of damage and take down multiple enemies.
 - The Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT-17): The EAT-17 is a quick and effective weapon. With its high damage output, it can instantly take down a variety of enemy units. The EAT-17 can be deployed quickly and is a great choice for those who want a weapon that can be used on the fly. The EAT-17 is perfect for those who want a weapon that can cause massive damage and take down even the toughest enemies.
 
Stratagems: Unleashing Democracy from Above
Don't forget your Stratagems! These are the orbital strikes, Eagle strikes, and defensive emplacements that can turn the tide of battle. When dealing with the Illuminate, consider these Stratagems:
- Orbital Laser: This is the perfect choice for dealing with groups of enemies. The Orbital Laser can quickly eliminate enemy reinforcements and is great for clearing out entrenched positions. The Orbital Laser is perfect for those who want a reliable and powerful strike.
 - Eagle Strafing Run: The Eagle Strafing Run is an excellent choice for clearing out multiple targets. It's fast, effective, and can clear out waves of enemies. The Eagle Strafing Run is perfect for those who want a weapon that can cause a lot of damage and take down multiple enemies.
 - Guard Dog Rover: This is a deployable that provides constant support in combat. The Guard Dog Rover can automatically attack enemies, keeping them at bay and giving you an advantage in combat. The Guard Dog Rover is perfect for those who want constant protection and assistance.
 
Teamwork and Tactics: The Key to Victory
Ultimately, the best weapons are useless without teamwork and smart tactics. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Communicate: Call out enemy positions, coordinate your attacks, and share your ammo. Good communication can prevent a lot of avoidable deaths and help you achieve your mission objectives.
 - Flank and Disrupt: Don't stand in the open. Use cover, flank enemies, and disrupt their formations. The Illuminate are vulnerable when they are caught off guard.
 - Prioritize Targets: Focus on eliminating the biggest threats first. Take out the heavily armored units and support units that can call in reinforcements or provide protection. This will make it easier to deal with the smaller enemies.
 - Use Cover: Cover is your friend! Use it to protect yourself from enemy fire and to plan your attacks. The Illuminate can be deadly from a distance, so staying in cover is the best way to avoid taking damage.
 
Final Thoughts: Spreading Freedom, One Bullet at a Time
There you have it, Helldivers! A comprehensive guide to arming yourself for the fight against the Illuminate. Remember, the best weapons are the ones you know how to use effectively. Experiment, find what works for you, and, above all, have fun spreading managed democracy. Good luck out there, and remember: For Super Earth! Now go out there and show those squids what a true Helldiver is capable of! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or want to share your favorite loadout! We're all in this together, and together, we will bring freedom to the galaxy! Stay safe, stay lethal, and keep the faith. The Illuminate won't know what hit them! Remember, victory favors the prepared. So, gear up, strategize, and dive in, Helldiver! Spread democracy and make Super Earth proud!