Helldivers 1: Taking Down The Illuminate

Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Ready to dive back into the electrifying chaos of Helldivers 1? Today, we're going to deep dive into one of the most challenging factions you'll encounter in the game: the Illuminate. These aren't your average bugs or clunky cyborgs; the Illuminate are a highly intelligent, technologically advanced alien race with a penchant for energy weapons, strategic warfare, and, well, making your life a living hell. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and tactics is crucial if you want to survive the galactic war. So, grab your Stratagems, tighten your boots, and let's get to it! This guide will break down everything you need to know about facing off against these formidable foes.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Illuminate

Alright, guys, let's get acquainted with the Illuminate themselves. These extraterrestrial masterminds are all about strategy and precision. Unlike the relentless, swarm-based tactics of the bugs or the brute force of the cyborgs, the Illuminate favor a more calculated approach. They employ a range of units, each designed to fulfill a specific role on the battlefield. Think of them as a well-oiled machine, and your job is to throw a wrench into their gears. They are masters of energy weapons, teleportation, and tactical maneuvers. Their combat style often involves hit-and-run tactics, deploying shields, and coordinating attacks to overwhelm your position. They can appear seemingly out of nowhere, teleporting behind your lines or flanking your position with a volley of energy blasts. They use a network of shields that you must deal with before you can damage the enemy. Their technology is far more advanced than that of the other two factions, and they employ tactics that require you to think strategically. Forget about just running and gunning; with the Illuminate, you'll need to adapt and overcome.

Now, let's explore their unit roster. Each enemy has a set of behaviors and weaknesses that you can exploit.

The Common Foes

• Illuminated Scout: These guys are your early warning system. They're typically the first enemies you'll encounter, scouting ahead and alerting the main force to your presence. These are often the first enemy that you encounter and will alert the other Illuminate if they see you. They have basic melee attacks, making them not the most difficult foe. The best approach is to take them out quickly and quietly, if possible, before they can sound the alarm. If you aren't careful, the Scouts will alert the other enemies and trigger ambushes.
• Illuminated Warrior: They're the basic grunt of the Illuminate forces, often wielding energy rifles. They are more dangerous than scouts, with more health and firepower. These are usually the basic enemies that you will encounter. They aren't the hardest to take down, but their energy rifles can still deal significant damage if you aren't careful. Focus on dodging their shots and using cover to your advantage. Try to eliminate them quickly, before they can overwhelm you with numbers.
• Illuminated Shield: They carry energy shields that can block incoming fire. They can make advancing through Illuminate territory very difficult. These enemies carry a shield in one hand and a weapon in the other. They are more resistant to frontal attacks. The key to taking these enemies down is to flank them, hit them from behind, or use weapons that can bypass their shields, like the Arc Thrower or certain Stratagems.

The Mid-Tier Threats

• Illuminated Laser: These enemies use a laser weapon to deal considerable damage. Their attacks can be devastating if you get caught in the open. The Illuminates are equipped with high-powered lasers that can tear through your armor and health in seconds. They are often found in groups, coordinating their attacks to maximize their effectiveness. Your top priority should be taking these guys out as quickly as possible, either by using cover, dodging their shots, or using ranged weapons.
• Illuminated Assassin: These sneaky enemies are designed to get close and personal with you. They have the ability to teleport, making them extremely difficult to predict and counter. They will often teleport behind your team and attempt to take you out with a series of quick attacks. It will teleport around, making it a frustrating enemy to deal with. Staying alert and sticking together is your best bet against these threats. Use your support weapons to take them down.

The Elite Units

• Illuminated Elder: The Illuminates also have some Elite units that will give you trouble. The Elder is a tougher unit, with high health and powerful attacks. They can deal significant damage and are often accompanied by other units. They are usually found in heavily defended areas. To take down an Elder, you'll need to focus your fire and coordinate your attacks with your teammates. You should also consider using Stratagems that can deal significant damage.
• Illuminated Council Member: The Council Member is one of the most formidable foes in the game. They have high health, powerful ranged attacks, and the ability to summon reinforcements. They will not go down without a fight. These enemies are the apex predators of the Illuminate faction. They are heavily armored and possess devastating ranged attacks. They also have the ability to summon reinforcements, making it even more important to take them out quickly. To beat a Council Member, you'll need to use your best weapons and Stratagems. Communication and teamwork are essential.

Mastering the Battlefield: Tactics and Strategies

Alright, squad, now that we know who we're up against, let's talk about how to deal with the Illuminate on the battlefield. Surviving and thriving against the Illuminate requires a shift in mindset and a focus on tactical awareness.

Teamwork and Communication

This can't be stressed enough: teamwork is the key to success against the Illuminate. The more you can coordinate with your teammates, the higher your chances of success will be. Illuminate enemies are designed to work together, and they can easily overwhelm you if you're alone. Communicate your position, call out enemy spawns, and coordinate your attacks. A well-coordinated team can quickly neutralize any threat. Focus on working together to provide cover, flanking enemies, and reviving downed teammates. A good team will be able to handle any situation.

Stratagem Selection

Your Stratagem loadout can make or break your mission. For the Illuminate, you'll want to prioritize Stratagems that deal area-of-effect damage, such as the Orbital Gatling, the Eagle Airstrike, or the Railgun. Since the Illuminate often attack in groups, you will need to prioritize Stratagems that can take them out quickly. Consider taking support weapons to help take down the more difficult units. The Anti-Material Rifle or the Autocannon can be very helpful in taking down shields or elite units. Ensure that you have a Stratagem that can deal with close-range threats and long-range threats. If you have the right equipment and know how to use it, you'll be well-equipped to deal with anything the Illuminates throw at you.

Environmental Awareness

Pay attention to the environment. The Illuminate will often try to use the terrain to their advantage, setting up ambushes or using cover to protect themselves. Use the environment to your advantage. Use cover to protect yourself, and watch out for potential ambush points. If you can see the enemy, the enemy can see you. Always be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions.

Strategic Positioning

One of the most important things when fighting the Illuminate is your positioning. If you're out in the open, you'll be an easy target for their energy weapons. Try to fight in enclosed areas with plenty of cover. Remember that the Illuminate like to teleport, so try to keep track of their positions and predict where they might appear. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Enemy Prioritization

Not all enemies are created equal, and some pose a greater threat than others. Focus on taking out the most dangerous enemies first. The Council Members and Elders should be your top priorities. Shielded enemies can be extremely frustrating if you don't have the right weapons or Stratagems. The Shield should be taken out quickly. Take out the support units before dealing with the larger threats, or you'll have to deal with endless waves of reinforcements. Prioritize threats based on the level of danger that they pose to the team.

Conclusion: Spreading Democracy Against the Illuminate

Well, Helldivers, that wraps up our guide to conquering the Illuminate in Helldivers 1. The Illuminate are a formidable foe, but with the right knowledge, tactics, and a good team by your side, you can defeat them. Remember to stay aware, communicate, and adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. The war for Super Earth and the spread of democracy await, so get out there and show these aliens what it means to be a Helldiver! Good luck, and remember: for Super Earth!