Excitement surrounds the long-anticipated introduction of the third enemy faction in Helldivers 2—The Illuminate. These enigmatic alien sorcerers, hailing from the depths of space, present a formidable challenge with their advanced technology and unique defensive strategies. Unlike the Automatons, The Illuminate employ powerful shields and a vast number of minions, making them a force to be reckoned with. Understanding their weaknesses is vital for any Helldiver aiming to achieve victory.
In conjunction with the launch of The Illuminate, a significant buff patch has been rolled out in Helldivers 2, enhancing equipment effectiveness across the board. From increased weapon magazines to upgraded damage values in various Stratagems, players will find their gear is now more powerful than ever. This expanded arsenal will prove invaluable as you engage in newly introduced missions on planets overrun by The Illuminate.
What Are The Illuminate In Helldivers 2?
Summoners To Overwhelm Squads
While Illuminate enemy types are fewer in number compared to the bugs and robots of other factions, they employ a distinct combat style. The Illuminate do not have specialized units like the Automatons or the small squad structure employed by the Terminids. Instead, their strength lies in their ability to deploy large numbers of aggressive minions to overwhelm players.
This faction’s elites have the frightening capability to summon massive hordes, dwarfing the numbers encountered with Automatons and Terminids. Their strategy in Helldivers 2 focuses on overwhelming players while keeping their top-tier leaders shielded from attacks.
The dropships employed by The Illuminate can deploy an unprecedented number of units simultaneously, necessitating stealth tactics for successful mission completion. Expect to encounter deployable shields that provide cover for summoners amid the chaos; elite enemies usually engage from a distance, picking off weakened Helldivers with long-range attacks. In short, adaptability and agility are key to surviving encounters with this faction.
Additionally, The Illuminate includes a formidable titan counterpart reminiscent of the Bile Titans seen among the Terminids—a massive three-legged adversary capable of unleashing devastating lasers that can obliterate both Helldivers and structures in mere seconds. Maintaining mobility and constantly adjusting to new threats is essential for those facing The Illuminate.
How To Defeat Every Illuminate Enemy Type
Wipe Out Hordes Fast And Disrupt Elite Enemy Shields
Only four types of Illuminate enemies have been identified in missions controlled by their faction. This limited variety provides Helldivers with an excellent opportunity to familiarize themselves with each enemy’s weaknesses.
Below is an overview of each Illuminate enemy type, along with their common vulnerabilities:
| Illuminate Enemy | Enemy Type | Description | Basic Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Voteless | Minion | Former Super Earth citizens transformed into obedient minions. They charge head-on in overwhelming numbers, often unarmed. |
|
| Watcher | Scout | This probing unit surveys the battlefield and can summon additional support when a threat is detected. |
|
| Overseer | Elite | An elite combat unit armed with long-range rifles, capable of close-quarters defense with an energy staff. |
|
| Harvester | Tank | A heavily armored, three-legged unit with a powerful laser capable of long-range destruction. |
|
How To Defeat The Voteless
The Voteless may appear weaker when isolated, but their strength lies in numbers. When faced with a horde of these relentless minions, your best approach involves deploying grenades, explosives, or rapid-fire weapons to thin their ranks.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, utilize mobility Stratagems, such as the Jump Pack, to evade capture. Additionally, placing Sentry Stratagems at chokepoints can effectively decimate The Voteless as they charge at you. Again, any weapon with crowd-control capabilities will excel against this enemy type, particularly those with high-capacity magazines to maintain a steady stream of fire.
How To Defeat Watchers
Watchers pose a unique threat, not through direct attack, but by their ability to summon reinforcements. Upon spotting you, a Watcher will call in 1-3 dropships, which can easily turn the tide against you. The simplest way to eliminate a Watcher is to disrupt its scanning process.
Attacking from a distance with precision rifles or drawing it close for a high-powered takedown will prevent any distress signals from being sent out, ensuring your squad remains undetected for longer.
How To Defeat Overseers
Overseers, as elite units, can be particularly elusive, often hiding behind swarms of Voteless minions. To defeat them, you must put pressure on them before they summon additional minions. Of course, this task can be complicated, since some Overseers utilize jetpacks for quick escapes.
While their energy staff inflicts more damage from afar, keep in mind that reckless play can still result in swift defeat. The shield deployed by an Overseer can be drained with sustained fire, and since it only covers the front, you can coordinate with teammates to flank and target their rear for quick elimination.
How To Defeat Harvesters
Similar to Overseers, Harvesters also deploy significant shields that can be vulnerable if sufficient damage is inflicted. High-powered Stratagems, like the Orbital Laser, are effective against them and can breach their defenses. Once the Harvester’s laser has been fired, it must recharge, providing an ideal opportunity to attack and deal critical damage.
While the individual threat from Illuminate enemies may appear limited when compared to other factions, they truly shine in their coordinated assaults. Understanding and exploiting their weaknesses will enable you to better control the battlefield in Helldivers 2.
Leave a Reply