Helldivers 2: Illuminate Enemy Guide
So, you're diving into the chaotic world of Helldivers 2 and running into some tricky Illuminate enemies? Don't worry, fellow Helldiver, this guide is here to shed some light (pun intended!) on these cunning adversaries. We'll break down everything you need to know about the Illuminate, from their various units and combat tactics to the best strategies for squashing them under your mighty boots. Get ready to spread some managed democracy to these glowy foes!
Understanding the Illuminate
First, let's talk about who these Illuminate guys actually are. Unlike the bugs that rely on overwhelming numbers or the Automatons that bring pure firepower, the Illuminate rely on trickery and advanced technology. Think of them as the space elves of Helldivers 2, but instead of being all nature-loving and peaceful, they're super aggressive and love to mess with your perception. This makes fighting them a very different ballgame compared to the other factions.
The Illuminate are an ancient and highly advanced civilization that poses a significant threat to Super Earth in Helldivers 2. Known for their cunning and mastery of psionic technology, they employ a range of deceptive tactics and powerful weaponry to confound and eliminate their enemies. Understanding their units, abilities, and weaknesses is crucial for any Helldiver looking to bring freedom and democracy to the Illuminate-controlled sectors. Their psionic capabilities allow them to manipulate the battlefield, creating illusions, teleporting units, and disrupting your stratagems. This makes them a particularly challenging enemy to face, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. The Illuminate are not to be underestimated, and a well-coordinated team is essential for success against them. Remember, Helldivers, knowledge is your greatest weapon against these technologically advanced foes. Equip yourselves with the information in this guide, and you'll be well-prepared to liberate the galaxy from their influence. The Illuminate's reliance on trickery and advanced technology makes them a unique and formidable adversary in Helldivers 2. Their ability to manipulate the battlefield with psionic powers requires a different approach compared to the straightforward tactics used against the Terminids and Automatons. Stay vigilant, Helldivers, and may your shots always find their mark.
Key Illuminate Units and How to Deal With Them
Okay, let's break down some of the most common Illuminate units you'll encounter and how to effectively deal with them. Knowing your enemy is half the battle, right? So, study up, Helldivers!
1. Obelisk
The Obelisk is a stationary defense structure that projects a powerful energy beam. It's like a turret, but way more annoying.
- How to Deal With It: These things can pack a punch, so don't just run straight at them. Use cover to approach, or better yet, use stratagems like the Orbital Railcannon Strike or an Eagle 500kg Bomb to take them out from a safe distance. Precision is key!
2. Illusionist
These guys are the masters of deception. They can create clones of themselves and other units, making it difficult to identify the real threat. Seriously, they're annoying!
- How to Deal With It: The key here is to pay attention to the details. The clones tend to be slightly translucent or flicker. Use weapons with a high rate of fire to quickly eliminate potential threats and reveal the real Illusionist. And remember, teamwork makes the dream work – coordinate with your squad to focus fire.
3. Pathfinder
Pathfinders are quick and agile units that can teleport short distances. They'll zip around the battlefield, making them hard to hit and allowing them to flank your position.
- How to Deal With It: These guys are slippery, so bring weapons that can deal with mobility. Flamethrowers or shotguns work wonders, as do weapons with arc damage. Try to predict their movements and cut them off. Stratagems that deploy quickly, like the Eagle Airstrike, can also catch them off guard.
4. Stalker
Stalkers are stealthy hunters that can cloak themselves, making them nearly invisible. They'll try to get close and ambush you with their energy blades.
- How to Deal With It: Keep your eyes peeled for any distortions in the air, as that's the telltale sign of a cloaked Stalker. The EAT-17 or the Recoilless Rifle can usually one-shot them, or the Autocannon can tear through their armor. Bring a support weapon that can deal armor damage.
5. Council Member
These are the big boys of the Illuminate. They're heavily armored and wield powerful psionic abilities. They can teleport, create energy shields, and unleash devastating attacks.
- How to Deal With It: These guys are the biggest problem you will face. Teamwork is essential here. Focus fire on their weak spots (usually the head or back) and use anti-armor stratagems like the Orbital Laser or the Railcannon Strike. Stay mobile and avoid their direct attacks. Communication is key.
General Strategies for Fighting the Illuminate
Alright, now that we've covered the individual units, let's talk about some overall strategies for taking on the Illuminate. These tips should help you survive and thrive in their territory.
- Prioritize targets: Focus on taking down the Illusionists and Council Members first, as they pose the greatest threat. Eliminating these units will significantly reduce the enemy's effectiveness.
- Use cover: The Illuminate's energy weapons can be devastating, so always use cover to your advantage. Move between cover points and avoid standing in the open for too long.
- Stay mobile: The Illuminate are masters of flanking and teleportation, so stay on the move to avoid getting surrounded. Don't get bogged down in one location.
- Communicate with your team: Communication is essential for coordinating attacks, calling out enemy positions, and warning your teammates of incoming threats. Use your microphone to stay in constant contact with your squad.
- Bring the right stratagems: Choose stratagems that are effective against the Illuminate's unique abilities. Orbital strikes, anti-armor weapons, and crowd control options are all valuable assets.
- Don't get distracted: The Illuminate will use every trick in the book to confuse and disorient you. Stay focused on your objectives and don't let them distract you.
Recommended Loadouts and Stratagems
So, what should you bring when you're going up against the Illuminate? Here are a few recommended loadouts and stratagems that can help you turn the tide of battle.
- Primary Weapon: Breaker Shotgun, Dominator
- Secondary Weapon: P-19 Redeemer
- Support Weapon: Autocannon, Railgun, EAT-17
- Stratagems: Orbital Railcannon Strike, Eagle 500kg Bomb, Eagle Airstrike, Shield Generator Pack, EMS Mortar Sentry
These are just a few suggestions, of course. Experiment with different loadouts and stratagems to find what works best for you and your playstyle. The key is to be adaptable and prepared for anything.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Want to take your Illuminate-fighting skills to the next level? Here are a few advanced tips and tricks that can give you an edge in combat.
- Use the environment to your advantage: The Illuminate's homeworlds are often filled with environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels and electrified fences. Use these to your advantage by luring enemies into traps or destroying cover.
- Learn to recognize the Illusionist's clones: Pay close attention to the details of the Illusionist's clones. They often have subtle differences from the real unit, such as a slight shimmer or a different movement pattern. By learning to recognize these differences, you can quickly identify and eliminate the real Illusionist.
- Use the terrain to break line of sight: The Illuminate rely on line of sight to target you with their energy weapons. Use the terrain to break line of sight and avoid getting hit. Hide behind rocks, trees, or buildings to avoid their attacks.
- Exploit their weaknesses: The Illuminate are not invincible. They have weaknesses that you can exploit. For example, their energy shields are vulnerable to certain types of damage, and their teleportation abilities can be disrupted by EMP grenades.
Conclusion
Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding their units, abilities, and tactics, and by using the right strategies and loadouts, you can overcome their trickery and bring freedom to their territory. So, gear up, Helldivers, and get ready to spread some managed democracy to these glowy foes! The future of Super Earth depends on it! Remember to keep these tips in mind and you'll be squashing those Illuminate bugs in no time! Good luck out there, and for Super Earth!