The Illuminate are a technologically advanced alien race in Helldivers 2 that can be a real pain to deal with. Their energy shields, teleportation abilities, and powerful weapons can overwhelm even the most seasoned Helldivers. But don't worry, with the right strategies, you can effectively fight back and spread managed democracy across the galaxy.

The short answer is to use weapons with a high rate of fire to take down their shields, and then switch to explosive weapons to finish them off. I remember the first time I encountered an Illuminate Harvester, I emptied a whole magazine into its central eye, only to see my bullets bounce off. It was only after a teammate pointed out the weak spot between the leg and the main body that we were able to take it down.

Taking Down Illuminate Ships

Illuminate Warp Ships are heavily shielded, but they're not invincible. Here's how to deal with them:

• Focus Fire: Use weapons with a high volume of fire, like the Stalwart or a Laser Cannon, to quickly deplete their shields.
• Exploit the Opening: Once the shield is down, a glowing entrance will be exposed. Toss a grenade or use an explosive Stratagem like the Eagle Strafing Run to destroy the ship.
• Teamwork: Coordinate with your team to have one person focus on taking down the shield while others are ready with explosives.

Dealing with Illuminate Ground Units

The Illuminate have a variety of ground units, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

• Harvesters: As I mentioned, aim for the area between their legs and the main body. Their central eye is a trick and can absorb a lot of damage.
• Tripods: These units are fast and can be a nuisance. Use automatic weapons to take them down quickly.
• Observers: These cloaked units can be hard to spot. Use weapons with a wide spread, like the Arc Thrower, to reveal and eliminate them.

I once had a mission where we were pinned down by a group of Observers. We couldn't see them, and they were picking us off one by one. I switched to my Arc Thrower, and the electricity arced between the cloaked units, revealing their positions and allowing us to fight back.

If you're looking to make some in-app purchases in Helldivers 2 to get some cool new gear, you can use Playstorm to earn gift cards for the PlayStation Store or Steam. Just play free games on the Playstorm app, and you can redeem your earnings for vouchers to use in the game.

The Illuminate are a challenging foe, but with these tips, you'll be well-equipped to take them on. Remember to stay mobile, focus your fire, and work with your team to achieve victory. Good luck out there, Helldiver!