Facing the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 can be a daunting challenge, especially for newer recruits or those trying to maximize efficiency during high-level missions. Choosing the right loadout is essential to survive and succeed. This guide highlights the Helldivers 2 Best Guns for Fighting the Illuminate (2025 Guide), focusing on weapons that combine raw firepower, accuracy, and tactical flexibility.
1. Assault Rifles: Balanced Power and Precision
For most encounters with Illuminate forces, assault rifles remain a reliable choice. They offer a solid balance between rate of fire and mobility, which is crucial when dodging the Illuminate’s devastating energy attacks. Weapons like the standard AR-19 or upgraded variants can handle both mid-range skirmishes and more chaotic firefights.
Why They Work:
Consistent damage per second against shields and armor.
High magazine capacity allows sustained engagement without frequent reloads.
Modular attachments help players adapt to different mission types.
2. Laser Weapons: Precision and Shield Penetration
The Illuminate heavily relies on energy shields and agile units. Laser-based firearms excel at cutting through these defenses while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. Guns such as the L-77 Laser Rifle or the EL-5 Beam Cannon are excellent for targeting high-priority units without wasting ammunition.
Tips for Usage:
Aim for shielded enemies’ weak points to maximize damage.
Pair laser weapons with mobility gear to maintain distance from melee units.
Conserve battery packs and manage cooldowns during extended battles.
3. Heavy Weapons: Crowd Control Essentials
Sometimes, the best way to survive Illuminate encounters is to clear large groups quickly. Heavy weapons like the M-99 Rocket Launcher or the GL-12 Grenade Launcher are invaluable for suppressing swarms or eliminating fortifications.
Strategic Considerations:
Use in choke points or open spaces to avoid friendly fire.
Coordinate with teammates for combined firepower, especially during missions with multiple objectives.
Heavy weapons consume ammo rapidly, so ensure supply drops or inventory management is planned.
4. Specialized Anti-Illuminate Tools
Beyond conventional firearms, certain experimental or mission-specific guns in Helldivers 2 offer distinct advantages against Illuminate forces. Pulse rifles, EMP grenades, and adaptive sniper rifles can target shields or temporarily disable enemy tech, giving your squad an edge.
Best Practices:
Identify enemy patterns and adjust weapon loadouts accordingly.
Use EMP or pulse effects to break through high-level defenses before committing to a heavy assault.
Combine specialized weapons with supportive gear for maximum efficiency.
Mastering the right arsenal is crucial when confronting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2. By carefully selecting from assault rifles, laser weapons, heavy ordnance, and specialized tools, players can significantly increase mission success rates and survivability. This Helldivers 2 Best Guns for Fighting the Illuminate (2025 Guide) serves as a reference point for both new and veteran players aiming to dominate the battlefield.
