Helldivers 2 Best Illuminate Build and Loadout

Here is a guide for the best Illuminate build and loadout for Helldivers 2, including some tips and tricks for efficiency.

Helldivers 2 Best Illuminate Build and Loadout
Here’s a build guide against Illuminates in Helldivers 2. (Image via Sony)

Getting rid of the invading Illuminates in Helldivers 2 requires the best build and loadout. Their playstyle differs a lot from Automatons and Terminids. With that said, they are one of the most unforgiving enemies you’ll face in Helldivers 2. These alien lifeforms specialize in disruption, which can force you to make risky plays just to survive. 

To be prepared when facing these enemies, you need a good combination of area denial and enough ammo to wipe out an entire horde. However, having the best weapons is not enough. You also need to consider which armor you need to equip. To help you out, here is our guide for the best Helldivers 2 Illuminate build and loadout.

Also Read: Helldivers 2 Best Super Credits Farming Method: Tips and Tricks

Helldivers 2 Illuminate Build Guide

Helldivers 2 Illuminate Build Guide
Here’s a build that can help you win against Illuminates in Helldivers 2. (Image via Sony)

Here is a quick rundown of the Illuminate build in Helldivers 2:

TypeWeaponWhere to Get
PrimaryPLAS-1 ScorcherWarbond: Helldivers Mobilize! – Page 10
SidearmP-72 CrisperPremium Warbond: Freedom’s Flame
SupportMG – 206 Heavy Machine GunPatriotic Administration Center – Level 12
SupportPLAS-101 PurifierPremium Warbond: Polar Patriots
SupportLAS – 98 Laser CannonPatriotic Administration Center – Level 5
StrategemB-1 Supply BackpackPatriotic Administration Center – Level 1
StrategemG-4 Gas GrenadePremium Warbond: Chemical Agents
StrategemEagle Napalm StrikePatriotic Administration Center – Level 5
StrategemGas StrikePatriotic Administration Center – Level 3
StrategemOrbital Gatling BarragePatriotic Administration Center – Level 2
StrategemSentries (MG / Autocannon)Patriotic Administration Center – Level 10
StrategemAX/LAS-5 Laser Guard DogPatriotic Administration Center – Level 10

Also Read: Helldivers 2 Best Automaton Build and Loadout

Primary Weapon: Scorcher

This loadout is a generalist build. It’s a good build if you are undecided on which playstyle you prefer. The Scorcher is the best primary weapon when it comes to cleaning up hordes. It melts flesh-type mobs easily, which are the most abundant type of enemy in Illuminate maps. This weapon can even strip down shields quickly.

Secondary Weapon (Sidearm): Crisper

As for your sidearm, go for the Crisper. This weapon is a good kiting tool, allowing you to run around guns blazing. A single canister can help clear groups of enemies, especially the ones with more armor. It’s a good weapon to pair with Scorcher, as they both have good wave clearing and compensate for each other’s weaknesses.

Support Weapon

Here are some recommended support weapons you can use for this build:

  • Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) : Best used with a B24 recoil reduction. Good at melting harvesters. It’s also fun to just run and gun with this weapon. 

  • Purifier: A good alternative if you want another way to strip down enemy shields. It also has good ammo management, so you should have enough for the run.

  • Laser Cannon: A reliable weapon, especially if you prefer a laser-focused build. Works best if you are good at hitting weak spots on targets.
  • Supply Backpack: Essential in solo and balanced builds, keeping Scorcher and HMG fed.
  • Gas Grenades: Horde lockdown and confusion effect let you control the battlefield, buying time to pick off elites.
  • Eagle Napalm Strike: Burns and softens hordes, stacking DoTs with gas.
  • Gas Strike: Low-cooldown horde control, invaluable for Illuminate spam.
  • Orbital Gatling Barrage: Reliable cooldown DPS, softens harvesters, mows mobs, and synergizes with elite builds.
  • Sentries (MG / Autocannon): In elite builds, deploy for sustained DPS against harvesters and jets.
  • Laser Guard Dog: In laser-focused builds, adds omnidirectional burn DPS and fits the theme.

Also Read: Helldivers 2 Stratagems Tier List

Tips and Tricks for Helldivers 2 Illuminate Build

Tips and Tricks for Helldivers 2 Illuminate Build
Break their shields before you can damage them directly. (Image via Sony)
  • Armor Choice Matters: Medium armors like B24 are crucial for this build, especially if playing solo for the mobility. If you play in multiplayer, you can wear bulkier armor if you plan to be the squad’s tank. 

  • Prioritize taking down Harvesters: Using the HMG, try to shoot their legs and cripple them.

  • Overseers are weak to the Scorcher: You can easily take down an Overseer by shooting them with the Scorcher. Otherwise, you can go for Laser Cannon or Wasp rockets. 

  • Crisper can wipe out fleshmobs: Don’t get overwhelmed with enemies. If you spot a group of fleshmobs, take them down with the Crisper. Kite around them and don’t stop moving, as they won’t be able to close the gap easily.

  • Spam Gas and Napalm for Horde Control: This combo can create confusion, Damage-Over-Time, and softening damage. It’s a good crowd control combo when there are too many enemies chasing you. 

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