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

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

Here is a quick rundown of the Illuminate build in Helldivers 2:
Type | Weapon | Where to Get |
---|---|---|
Primary | PLAS-1 Scorcher | Warbond: Helldivers Mobilize! – Page 10 |
Sidearm | P-72 Crisper | Premium Warbond: Freedom’s Flame |
Support | MG – 206 Heavy Machine Gun | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 12 |
Support | PLAS-101 Purifier | Premium Warbond: Polar Patriots |
Support | LAS – 98 Laser Cannon | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 5 |
Strategem | B-1 Supply Backpack | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 1 |
Strategem | G-4 Gas Grenade | Premium Warbond: Chemical Agents |
Strategem | Eagle Napalm Strike | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 5 |
Strategem | Gas Strike | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 3 |
Strategem | Orbital Gatling Barrage | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 2 |
Strategem | Sentries (MG / Autocannon) | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 10 |
Strategem | AX/LAS-5 Laser Guard Dog | Patriotic Administration Center – Level 10 |
Also Read: Helldivers 2 Best Automaton Build and Loadout
Recommended Weapons
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.
Recommended Stratagems
- 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

- 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.

Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Helldivers 2. Also, check out our YouTube channel!