Helldivers 2 is a game that Arrowhead Game Studios intends to keep improving, which means the developer will put in whatever content that will make it better and fans can appreciate. The best example of such would be the Omens of Tyranny update, as not only did it provide a new map to play on, but it also reintroduced the Illuminate faction from the previous Helldivers. The returning enemy can be an extraordinary foe that can bring many memorable combat experiences, but even it isn't safe from having its units judged by the game's fans.
At the 2024 edition of The Game Awards, Arrowhead Game Studios announced a major update that saw the return of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2. On that very same day, the patch was ready for download and players immediately hopped in to take on the faction which tried to deter Super Earth's efforts in the previous game. Since then, the Illuminate has made its presence known, causing mayhem and ensuring people have a rough but fun time. But there are some units that are far more threatening than others, which players will likely want to prepare for before facing the Illuminate faction.
S-Tier Illuminate Units in Helldivers 2
The Illuminate Units That Lead the Charge
- Overseer
- Elevated Overseer
When fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, both versions of the Overseer can be seen as extremely threatening. They always charge in with an army of Voteless, leading them into the fight while using their superior weapons to take down players and shields to block incoming attacks. The Elevated Overseer can be just as or even more threatening than its grounded counterpart, as being able to fly means its movements are more erratic, making it a harder target to take down as it continuously rains fire and throws bombs at whoever it sees as a threat. Both versions use their strengths to their advantage, making encounters against them scary but always engaging.
A-Tier Illuminate Units in Helldivers 2
The Illuminate Units Which Properly Utilize Force Field Technology
- Harverster
- Warpship
Dealing with the Illuminate Warpships and Harvesters can be tricky, despite the former being relegated to an enemy spawner and the other having very low movement speed. Their use of force field technology is why they can be tough to go against, as it protects them from incoming damage that would normally be enough to destroy nearly any other enemy unit. This is especially true for the grounded versions of the Warpships, as players must aim for the specific weak point to take down their shields. While the layer of protection can be removed with something like an 
Eagle 500Kg Bomb, having to use such an expensive resource just for the chance to take either of the two out shows how far the Illuminate has thought when it comes to protecting their important units.
B-Tier Illuminate Units in Helldivers 2
The Not-so-Flashy but Still Threatening Units of the Illuminate
- Voteless
If one wishes to know the best weapons against the Illuminate through testing, then the Voteless are the perfect enemies to use as fodder. Being former humans warped by Illuminate, it's no surprise they come in vast numbers. Although the units simply charge in to attack and have nothing special about them, the sheer amount that must be dealt with makes them a threat that cannot be ignored. Taking on one is no problem, but going up against a dozen or more could spell the end for a player if caught unprepared. While not the strongest or the flashiest, the Voteless is still a fun new addition.
C-Tier Illuminate Units in Helldivers 2
The Annoying but Least Memorable Illuminate Unit
- Watcher
Among Helldivers 2's Illuminate faction, the Watcher can be overlooked over its much more interesting brethren. While it's usually prioritized if it shows that it's about to call down reinforcements, it is still a slow-moving unit that players would rather walk past as it isn't worth engaging them. The unit is more of an annoyance on the battlefield than anything but can still sap players of their stamina or call down the actual threats if not taken care of, making it a foe that shouldn't be taken too lightly.
Hopefully, Arrowhead Game Studios will consider adding even more units to the returning Illuminate in Helldivers 2, as the current iteration clearly has more potential to grow. Whether through a major update or minor patches, even one additional enemy type can make the faction even greater than it already is.
Helldivers 2
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- February 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
WHERE TO PLAY
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
URGENT BROADCAST – SUPER EARTH ARMED FORCES
Freedom. Peace. Democracy. Your Super Earth-born rights. The key pillars of our civilization. Of our very existence. But the war rages on. And everything is once again under threat.
Join the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen and make this a safe and free place to live.
BECOME A LEGEND
You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.
LOADOUTS
Rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or grit your teeth and charge head-first into the jaws of combat. How you deliver liberty is your choice; you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor and battle-changing stratagems… the jewel in every Helldiver’s arsenal.
REQUISITION
Super Earth recognises your hard work with valuable Requisition. Use it to access different rewards that benefit you, your squad, your destroyer ship and our overall war effort.
THREATS
Everything on every planet wants you dead. That’s what we’re dealing with. Each enemy has distinct and unpredictable characteristics, tactics, and behavior – but they all fight ferociously and without fear or morality.
THE GALACTIC WAR
Capturing enemy planets, defending against invasions, and completing missions will contribute to our overall effort. This war will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
We stand together, or we fall apart.
- Engine
- bitsquid
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
