Best Weapons to Counter the Illuminate in Helldivers 2
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The Illuminate are back, and with them comes a very different challenge compared to the Automatons or the Terminids. Their reliance on shields, teleportation, and devastating energy weapons means you’ll need to adapt your loadouts to survive. In this Helldivers 2 Best Guns for Fighting the Illuminate (2025 Guide), we’ll break down which weapons give you the best chance of cutting through their defenses and staying alive.
Understanding the Illuminate Threat
Unlike other factions, the Illuminate rely heavily on energy shields and advanced technology. They field units capable of phasing in and out of combat, as well as deploying devastating long-range beams. Their forces are less about overwhelming numbers and more about precision firepower and protection. This makes raw damage alone less effective—your weapons need to counter shields and punish mobility.
Best Primary Weapons
AR-23P Liberator PenetratorThe AR-23P remains one of the strongest tools against Illuminate infantry. Its armor-piercing rounds punch through energy shields more effectively than standard Liberator variants, making it a reliable choice when you’re being flanked by teleporting enemies.
JAR-5 Dominator
The Dominator’s high-caliber rounds deliver brutal stopping power. While its fire rate is slower, each shot is devastating against shielded elites, often dropping them before they can reposition. If you’re comfortable with precise aim, this gun is invaluable.
Best Secondary and Support Weapons
LAS-98 Laser CannonLasers bypass shields in a way conventional firearms struggle with. The LAS-98 offers consistent damage output without worrying about ammo reserves, making it excellent for longer firefights.
SG-225 Breaker Incendiary
While not the most obvious pick, incendiary rounds disrupt shielded enemies and flush out cloaked units. The area denial also helps when Illuminate units teleport close.
Heavy and Stratagem Weapons
Railgun (Overcharged Mode)The Railgun remains one of the best tools for countering heavy Illuminate units. Its shield-piercing damage can one-shot larger enemies if charged properly, though it requires discipline to avoid overloading yourself.
Recoilless Rifle
Simple but effective, the Recoilless Rifle provides high damage against Illuminate vehicles and large targets. Its versatility makes it a staple for squads that don’t want to gamble on energy-based weaponry.
Final Tips for Fighting the Illuminate
When battling this faction, your success depends on managing shield-piercing damage and keeping your squad mobile. Don’t rely solely on conventional ammo-based rifles—mix in energy weapons to balance your loadout. Coordinating weapons across your team ensures you’re ready for both elite squads and sudden ambushes.
In short, this Helldivers 2 Best Guns for Fighting the Illuminate (2025 Guide) emphasizes the importance of weapon synergy. The right balance between penetration, energy damage, and crowd control will determine whether your squad thrives or gets wiped out by a single teleported ambush.