The Illuminate are back in Helldivers 2, and they’re not pulling any punches. This faction combines the worst traits of both Automaton and Terminid enemies—swarms of weak Voteless units up close, backed by Overseers, Stingrays, and Harvesters pounding you from range. With new enemy types like the Crescent Overseer and the grotesque Fleshmob, the battlefield against these foes is more chaotic than ever.
To survive the onslaught, you’ll need weapons that balance crowd control, single-target power, and adaptability. Below, we break down the best weapons in each category for fighting the Illuminate.
Best Assault Rifles
Tenderizer AR
- High damage per shot makes it excellent against unarmored infantry.
- Works best when paired with armor featuring the Siege Ready perk, boosting reload speed.
- Ideal for mowing down Voteless swarms and holding mid-range fights.
VG-70 Variable
- Has three fire modes: Full-auto for hordes, Volley for Overseers, and Total Burst for Harvesters.
- A versatile pick that adapts to any Illuminate encounter.
LAS-17 Double-Edged Sickle
- Ramp-up laser rifle with infinite fire that melts Harvesters and Overseers.
- Self-damaging, but pairing it with Inflammable Armor and Vitality Enhancement makes it manageable.
- Shines in sustained fights when you can keep it spooled up.
Best Shotguns
Halt Shotgun
- Flechette rounds tear through Overseers and Voteless.
- Can switch to Stun rounds to neutralize jetpack Overseers.
- Flexible and team-friendly.
Breaker Incendiary
- Specializes in burning down Fleshmobs and heavy units.
- With Drum Magazines and Full Choke, it keeps pace with bigger threats.
Best SMGs
Pummeler SMG
- Decent for objective-based missions where you need mobility.
- Can stun Elevated Overseers, though damage is limited.
- Works best when paired with strong sidearms like the Senator or Talon.
Knight SMG
- Blazing fire rate and shield-stripping potential.
- Great backup for squads focusing on aggressive pushes.
Best Sniper / Marksman Weapons
Eruptor Explosive Sniper
- Devastating AoE explosions that wipe out Overseers, Voteless, and even parked Warp Ships.
- Strong against Harvesters and Fleshmobs.
- Slower fire rate, but makes up for it with impact.
Best Plasma and Energy Weapons
Purifier Plasma Rifle
- One of the most buffed weapons in recent updates.
- Melts Overseers and Harvesters, while clearing infantry with ease.
- Can act as a rapid-fire option for breaking shields.
ARC-12 Blitzer
- Infinite ammo energy shotgun with AoE and stun effects.
- Great for close-range encounters and objectives, though range is limited.
Scythe
- Fire damage scaling makes it deadly against Fleshmobs.
- Customization options like larger heat sinks extend uptime.
- Best paired with another laser weapon to manage heat cycles.
Best Support Weapons
MG-43 Machine Gun
- Reliable all-around option with great balance of power and handling.
- Cuts down both swarms and larger units.
- A safe choice for players who want consistency.
WASP Launcher
- Excellent explosive support against Stingrays, Harvesters, and heavy infantry.
- Mortar mode vaporizes Voteless swarms.
- A top-tier choice for squads needing heavy firepower.
Best Sidearms
P-72 Crisper
- Flamethrower pistol that annihilates Fleshmobs and Overseers.
- Especially effective after fire damage buffs.
Redeemer Machine Pistol
- Rapid fire and shield-stripping potential.
- Reliable backup in clutch situations.
Special Weapons
Torcher Flamethrower
- Outclasses the Dominator with better crowd control.
- Exceptional against Overseers and Fleshmobs, though weak against Elevated Overseers due to limited range.
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The Illuminate demand flexibility. Their armies swarm like bugs, hit like robots, and constantly pressure you from land and sky. The Tenderizer, Double-Edged Sickle, and Eruptor stand out as top-tier primaries, while the Purifier, MG-43, and WASP Launcher provide powerful solutions for heavy threats.
No matter what you pick, coordinate with your squad. One Helldiver carrying anti-air firepower while another brings high-DPS crowd control can turn impossible odds into a glorious victory for Super Earth. Play Now!
