Helldivers 2: Top Loadouts vs. Illuminate

• LAS-98 Laser Cannon (Support)
• AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog"
• Eagle Strafing Run
• A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry / Orbital Laser

The PLAS-1 Scorcher and PLAS-101 Purifier stand out as some of the most effective primary weapons in Helldivers 2. These weapons excel at obliterating Overseers, including those with jetpacks, and are equally lethal against the Voteless. With the Siege-Ready armor passive, you gain additional ammunition and faster reloads, crucial for dealing with multiple high-priority targets. Their high damage per second ensures every shot counts when it matters most.

Combining the Eagle Strafing Run with the GP-31 Grenade Pistol creates a potent strategy for annihilating parked warp ships. Energy-based weapons struggle to deplete their shields, but a single Strafing Run can clear the shields of multiple grounded warp ships in a line. Following up with a grenade into their open bay doors will cause them to explode. This tactic is particularly useful when dealing with medium to heavy Illuminate nests requiring the destruction of several warp ships. While the G-13 Incendiary Impact can also be used to destroy warp ships, it's more effective against lighter enemies, making it ideal for crowd control.

The AX/AR-23 "Guard Dog" proves surprisingly effective against medium-armored Overseers. Each burst can take down a single elite unit, making it an excellent choice for protecting your flanks.

The A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry is perfect for securing areas during objective defense. If crowd control isn't your priority, you can swap it for an Orbital Laser, which is better suited for targeting Harvesters or future heavy units.

Finally, the LAS-98 Laser Cannon is the crowning jewel of this loadout. It can melt Overseers and chaff within seconds and is particularly effective against Harvesters. Use a Strafing Run to strip their shields, then target their weak points (thighs/eyes) with the Laser Cannon. A single clip is often enough if your aim is true. The weapon's long range allows you to engage enemies from a safe distance, making it an ideal anti-Illuminate tool. On higher difficulty levels where multiple Harvesters are common, an Orbital Laser becomes essential.

The Lightning Loadout: Shocking (& Staggering) the Illuminate