Helldivers 2 6.1.0 update injects a new variable into the galactic war-the long-dormant Illuminate faction has returned with a more ferocious force, escalating the frontline battles dramatically.
This time, they are no longer the advanced civilization reliant on stealth and mind control that players remember, but rather a highly aggressive sub-faction and a new environmental threat. Amidst the swamp-filled Swamp Biomes and Exospires, you will face this ruthless and efficient invading fleet.
Understanding the habits, combat strengths, and fatal weaknesses of this new enemy is no longer just a matter of efficiency-it directly impacts your survival on the front lines of Super-Earth. This guide will update you with the latest and most effective strategies for defeating Illuminate faction.
The New Enemy
Veracitor
Veracitor is a war machine designed specifically for close-quarters combat. With long limbs and rapid maneuverability, it is piloted by a dedicated operator. It excels at closing the distance to its target quickly and tearing through defenses with devastating limb attacks.
In complex terrains such as Swamp Biomes, Veracitor can use dense vegetation and undulating terrain to approach stealthily, making it difficult for ranged fire to effectively suppress it before it reaches dangerous range.
You must break through a shield to attack the pilot inside; once the pilot is defeated, Veracitor will go out of control and be knocked down.
Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper is a highly threatening ranged extermination unit in Helldivers 2 Usurper faction. This piloted heavy construct is equipped with a rechargeable energy shield, heavy armor, and a whopping 2500 health points.
Gatekeeper excels at long-range bombardment using heavy artillery, a method of attack that provides the pilot with an energy shield.
Gatekeeper's most troublesome characteristics are its energy shield and multiple high-durability parts. However, its design also harbors a fatal flaw-the rear of the cockpit has an unarmored weak point (AV1), which almost all weapons can penetrate, transferring 100% of the damage received to the main body's health pool.
Flanking Gatekeeper is the optimal tactic for quickly reducing its health without heavy anti-tank weapons. Furthermore, directly destroying its shield generator permanently disables the shield system, turning Gatekeeper into a slow-moving, vulnerable target.
Obtruder
Obtruder is a new variant of Illuminate Observer reconnaissance unit, aptly named–“It always appears unexpectedly.” Compared to Observer, the Intruder is more aggressive, often roaming in groups and actively firing, no longer merely acting as a reinforcement summoner.
If you see them emitting blue scanning beams on Helldivers 2 battlefield, you must eliminate them immediately with concentrated fire, otherwise, you will quickly attract more Illuminate reinforcements.
Since they always appear in groups, it is recommended that you carry some targeted Helldivers 2 Items, such as the wide-area-effect weapon B/FLAM-80 Cremator or the highly defensive exoskeleton armor EXO-45 Patriot and EXO-49.
In summary, when carrying items, you must be proficient in clearing mobs, breaking shields, and assaulting strongholds. Weapon options include Recoilless Rifle, LAS-99 Quasar Cannon, B/FLAM-80 Cremator, Autocannon, Portable Hellbomb, Gatling, and Machine Gun Sentries, while defensive options include EXO-45 Patriot and EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuits.
Of course, a Supply Pack is essential to ensure you have sufficient ammunition and medkits.
Environmental Threat - Illuminate Exostorms
Illuminate has not only upgraded its military capabilities but has also begun utilizing Helldivers 2 environment itself as a weapon. Within Illuminate-controlled areas, planets will be subjected to intense extreme weather attacks called Illuminate Exostorms. Planets affected by Illuminate Exostorms will be clearly marked on the galactic map.
The outer storm features lightning, gales, and dark fluid units that damage you upon approach. The storm's intensity increases with level, with higher-level outer storms exponentially increasing the survival pressure. Therefore, I recommend seeking cover when the storm intensifies.
New Mission-Destroy Exospire
These devastating planetary storms all originate from mysterious technology deployed by Illuminate on the alien space station-like megastructure, Exospire. To completely quell the storm and regain control of the planet, Helldivers 2 players must undertake the new mission, Destroy Exospire.
The mission consists of two phases: First, the squad must locate the access node connected to the underground shield generator within the complex terrain surrounding Exospire and disarm its force field shield through electrical overload.
Once the shield fails, the squad must storm Exospire's core chamber and destroy the dark fluid cells that sustain it to finally end the storm.
It's important to note that destroying a Dark Fluid cell can trigger a large-scale explosion in its core, so immediate evacuation is necessary.
Swamp Biomes
Besides extreme weather and towering Exospire, Illuminate excels at setting traps within naturally sheltered terrain like swamps.
Swamp Biomes in Helldivers 2 are characterized by dense aquatic vegetation, tangled deadwood, and bottomless swamps, often hindering heavy combat support to varying degrees.
Veracitors are adept at using the complex terrain of swamps for covert approach, while Gatekeepers launch precise long-range suppression attacks from afar through gaps in the forest.
In these battlefields, maintaining high vigilance, utilizing the environment for flanking maneuvers, and being constantly wary of sudden swarms of invaders emerging from the shadows are crucial for squad survival.
In the 6.1.0 Update, Illuminate are no longer just an elusive alien force relying on psychic technology-they announce to Super-Earth a more challenging era of warfare has arrived. Hopefully, this guide will help you better combat Illuminate in Helldivers 2.
