My Ultimate Helldivers 2 Illuminate Loadout: Unconventional but Effective

So, guess what? The Illuminate are back in Helldivers 2, and it’s like they cranked the dial up to chaos. I mean, seriously, they’ve got this invasion fleet storming through some Meridian Singularity—something straight out of a sci-fi movie, right? Anyway, they’re unleashing a ton of troops on Super Earth, and it’s a whole circus of chaos. We’re talking new enemy types too. Like we needed more of those, ugh.

As I’m jotting this down, there are already, like, 100,000 Helldivers out there at Widow’s Harbor. It’s like they all got the same memo to smack down the Illuminate. I bet more will climb in after 9-to-5 grind wraps up. Everyone’s probably brainstorming on what weapon loadout is even remotely sane to deal with these alien weirdos.

I threw myself into a few missions—and listen, my usual setup still rocks. But, it’s a wild ride. Risky, sure, but hey, sometimes you have to live on the edge. So, let me break it down for you, gear-wise, for what I think, or maybe sort of think, is the best anti-Illuminate loadout.

Armor: Go with anything rocking the Inflammable Armor Passive.

Primary: LAS-17 Double-Edged Sickle

Secondary: GP-31 Ultimatum or P-72 Crisper

Grenade: G-4 Gas

Stratagems: Supply Pack, Grenade Launcher or Commando or Explosive Anti-Tank, Orbital Napalm Barrage

Booster: Vitality Enhancement or Experimental Infusion

Picture this scene: swarms of those Voteless zombies charging like they’ve lost their minds. Freaky stuff. Now, add some of those Overseers and Harvesters raining chaos from a safe distance. Oh, and guess what? Three new hellish creatures join the fray—the Stingray, Crescent Overseer, and Fleshmob. Just what we needed, right? Good luck finding comfort behind cover when those bad boys come around.

Let’s chat weapons—specifically, the LAS-17 Double-Edged Sickle. Thing’s a beast. It’s like strapping a laser cannon to your shoulder. It’s from this Servants of Freedom Warbond, and it’s an over-clocked LAS-16 Sickle. Infinite fire, high damage, but (and here’s the kicker) it sets you on fire too. So, the idea is to counter that crazy self-burn with the right gear. Enter: Vitality Enhancement booster and Inflammable armor. Load up on a Supply Pack for endless healing stims. Trust me; you’ll be chugging through those.

Sounds bonkers, right? Yeah, it is. But the fun kind of bonkers. Stand firm, unleash a torrent of laser fury, and keep an eye on your health to keep the Sickle’s self-damage from becoming, well, dead damage. It’s surprisingly effective for dishing out pain to heavyweights like Harvesters—aim low, aim true. Overseers? They fall like cardboard targets.

And let’s not forget, if you’re bogged down, throw a gas grenade for some breathing room. Or blow things up with a Grenade Launcher. Napalm Barrage? Yes, please. Your fourth stratagem choice? Whatever floats your boat really.

Now, for your backup weapon, I lean towards the Ultimatum—it’s like the “please just die” button. The Crisper isn’t shabby either, especially against Fleshmobs. Fire damage got a sweet buff, so those guys don’t stand much of a chance.

That being said, one small hiccup: this loadout isn’t great against the Illuminate Stingrays. But let’s face it, someone in your squad is probably packing some launcher to handle the skies. If you’re really feeling antsy, swap out the Grenade Launcher for something that can zap those Stingrays.

I’ve sunk over 500 hours into this madness since last year, and trust me, this build is awesome. On hardcore play levels, it’s a go-to. Sure, your Helldiver may have a meltdown—literally—but once it clicks, you’re golden. Dive in, folks.

Helldivers 2? It’s one of those co-op shooters with enough sci-fi action and silly physics to keep you entertained. Costs a pretty penny, but scope out the deals online. Always worth saving a buck, right?