Best Weapons to Use Against the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 (2025 Guide)

Brightvale

The Illuminate have officially entered the battlefield in Helldivers 2, and with them comes an entirely new set of challenges. Known for their energy-based weaponry, teleportation tricks, and shield systems, the Illuminate force players to rethink the way they approach loadouts. If you’ve struggled against these high-tech foes, this guide will break down the best guns for fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 (2025 Guide), focusing on firepower that cuts through shields and punishes their unpredictable movement.Understanding the Illuminate Threat

Unlike the Automatons or Terminids, the Illuminate rely heavily on energy defenses, stealth units, and devastating ranged attacks. Their ability to deploy shields and teleport around the map makes them especially dangerous in prolonged firefights. This means weapons that can either bypass or overwhelm shields are critical to survival. Precision and sustained damage often beat raw explosive force when dealing with Illuminate squads.

Primary Weapons to Consider1. Breaker Incendiary

The Breaker Incendiary remains a top-tier pick against the Illuminate. Its incendiary rounds not only deal consistent damage but also burn through shielded enemies over time. When Illuminate squads cluster together, the spread and burn effect ensure you’re not wasting ammo on just one target.

2. Plasma Punisher

If there’s a single gun built for countering the Illuminate, it’s the Plasma Punisher. Its energy-based projectiles can pierce barriers and deliver devastating area-of-effect blasts. While the reload time is punishing, the trade-off is worth it when Illuminate Commanders or shielded units appear on the field.

3. Scorcher Shotgun

Close-range fights against Illuminate teleporters are inevitable, and the Scorcher is one of the best answers. The incendiary blast not only drops enemies instantly but also discourages melee rushdowns. It’s not as versatile as a rifle, but it’s a lifesaver when enemies suddenly appear within striking distance.

Secondary Weapons That ShineRailgun (Anti-Armor Mode)

The Railgun in anti-armor mode provides unmatched precision against Illuminate Elites and floating shield units. A well-placed shot cuts through both armor and barriers, making it ideal for players who prefer accuracy over crowd control.

Machine Pistol

A solid sidearm for emergencies, the Machine Pistol’s high fire rate ensures you can fend off teleporters or finish weakened targets quickly. While it lacks stopping power, its speed makes it one of the more reliable backups.

Stratagem Synergy

Even the best weapons need support. Pairing these guns with the Eagle Cluster Bomb or Orbital Railcannon helps thin out swarms before you get overwhelmed. Meanwhile, support weapons like the Laser Cannon can act as a backup for shield-piercing damage when your primary runs dry.

The Illuminate demand a shift in playstyle compared to previous enemy factions. Patience, precision, and shield-breaking firepower define the most successful squads. Whether you’re torching them with incendiary rounds or piercing their defenses with a Railgun, the key is choosing weapons that exploit their reliance on shields and teleportation.

With the right loadout, the Illuminate go from terrifying to manageable, proving once again that proper gear selection is half the battle in Helldivers 2 Best Guns for Fighting the Illuminate (2025 Guide).