Illuminate Slayer’s Arsenal: The Best Weapons in Helldivers 2 (2025)
With the return of the Illuminate faction in Helldivers 2, players are once again facing one of the most technically advanced enemies in the galaxy. Unlike the bug hordes or armored Automatons, the Illuminate rely on stealth fields, precision plasma fire, and psychic disruptors that can overwhelm even coordinated squads. To survive, you’ll need the right gear. This guide breaks down the Helldivers 2 Illuminate Best Weapons 2025, highlighting the most effective loadouts and why they shine against this particular enemy.
Understanding the Illuminate Threat
The Illuminate excel at ranged engagements. Their units often deploy cloaking technology, snipers, and energy-based weapons that punish reckless advances. Crowd control is less of an issue here compared to fighting Terminids; instead, survivability and precision firepower become paramount. Weapons that counter shields, pierce armor, or reveal cloaked enemies stand out in this fight.
Top Primary Weapons
AR-23P Liberator Plasma Variant
This plasma-shooting variant is a staple for Illuminate hunts. Its energy rounds bypass shields more effectively than standard ballistic rifles, and the splash damage makes it a reliable pick against groups of lighter infantry.
SG-225 Breaker Incendiary
The Illuminate love to teleport in close or flank squads. A wide pellet spread with incendiary effects makes the Breaker an excellent backup, burning through shields and disrupting stealth units trying to close the distance.
R-63 Diligence Marksman
When snipers are your biggest headache, precision wins. The Diligence offers consistent long-range accuracy, perfect for eliminating high-value Illuminate targets before they can lock onto your squad.
Best Stratagem Weapons
Railgun
A classic anti-tech option. With its ability to pierce through heavy shields and armor, the Railgun is devastating against Illuminate commanders and mech-like constructs. Just make sure to manage its overcharge mechanic.
EAT-17 Disposable Launcher
For squads that need burst anti-armor without dedicating to a long cooldown stratagem, the EAT-17 remains a cheap but reliable solution against armored drones and floating obelisks.
Autocannon
The workhorse of versatility. While not the flashiest, the Autocannon chews through Illuminate formations, especially when combined with a squadmate’s suppression fire.
Support Gear to Consider
Illuminates are infamous for their cloaking technology. Stratagems like the UAV Recon or the Anti-Personnel Minefield can expose hidden enemies and keep squads safe from teleport ambushes. Equipping a shield generator pack also adds a layer of security against their high-energy weapons.
The Helldivers 2 Illuminate Best Weapons 2025 list is less about raw firepower and more about adaptability. The Illuminate thrive on confusion and precision strikes, so your arsenal should counter their strengths with high-accuracy rifles, anti-shield tech, and quick anti-armor solutions. With the right loadout, even the most elusive Illuminate platoons can be dismantled systematically.
