Helldivers 2: How to Destroy Warships and Overcoming the Illuminate Faction

Key Takeaways

1. Warships are critical spawn points for the Illuminate faction, and their destruction can thin out enemy numbers and provide essential supplies.
2. Disabling a Warship’s shield and strategically deploying explosives are the key tactics to destroy these massive threats.
3. Understanding how the Illuminate’s advanced mechanics, like shield jammers and stratagem disruptions, work is crucial for mission success.

The Return of the Illuminate Faction in Helldivers 2

The Omens of Tyranny update for Helldivers 2 has brought back the dreaded Illuminate faction, an alien force known for their advanced technology, mind control abilities, and massive Warships. These floating monstrosities serve as both enemy spawn points and strategic challenges for players. If you’ve been struggling to take these Warships down, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Warships are, how they work, and how to destroy them effectively.

What Are Warships in Helldivers 2?

Warships are colossal circular spaceships that have landed in the Saleria Sector of Helldivers 2. On the game’s war table, you’ll find them in the purple area, home to the Illuminate faction. Their placement is marked by large red circles on the map, signalling danger zones where these Warships are active.

These Warships are more than just intimidating decorations. They act as spawning hubs for Illuminate enemies, much like the Terminid Hives or Automaton Fabricators in other areas. However, unlike these structures, destroying Warships is often optional unless explicitly designated as your mission objective.

Why destroy Warships?
Taking out Warships isn’t just about flexing your firepower; it offers strategic advantages. Clearing these structures can:

• Significantly reduce enemy reinforcements in the area.
• Provide valuable resources like ammo and research samples.
• Make your mission objectives much easier to accomplish.

But beware these Warships aren’t going down without a fight.

How to Destroy Warships: A Step-by-Step Guide

Taking down a Warship may seem daunting at first, but with the right strategy and tools, you can make short work of them. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Locate the Warship

Warships are marked by glowing blue shields and large, glowing doors that serve as their weak points. They are heavily guarded, so prepare for a fight before approaching one.

Step 2: Disable the Shield

The Warship is protected by a blue energy shield that makes it invulnerable to most attacks. To take the shield down:

• Use sustained small-arms fire to temporarily disrupt the shield. Firing bullets into the shield will weaken it enough to allow you to throw an explosive into the doorway.
• Alternatively, you can bypass this step entirely by using certain high-damage Stratagems, such as the Eagle 500kg Bomb, which is powerful enough to penetrate the shield without disabling it first.

Step 3: Target the Doorway

Once the shield is disabled, the glowing doorway becomes the Warship’s weak spot. You need to deliver an explosive directly into this entrance. A well-placed grenade, rocket, or bomb will destroy the Warship in one hit.

Step 4: Use Stratagems for Efficiency

For those who prefer a more automated approach, calling in a Stratagem can make this process much easier:

• The Eagle 500kg Bomb is a favourite among players. Simply call it in directly on top of the Warship, and it will obliterate the target without needing to deal with the shield.
• Other explosives, such as a Precision Air Strike, can also work, but ensure they’re aimed directly at the Warship’s vulnerable point.

Step 5: Secure the Area

After destroying the Warship, enemies in the vicinity may scatter or retaliate. Use this opportunity to scavenge supplies, reload your ammunition, and collect research samples.

Advanced Tips for Fighting the Illuminate Faction

The Illuminate isn’t just about Warships. They come equipped with advanced technology designed to disorient and disrupt your strategies. Here are some key mechanics to watch out for:

1. Shield Jammers

Certain areas controlled by the Illuminate are guarded by shield jammers, which can mess with your ability to call in Stratagems or disrupt your equipment. These jammers don’t just block signals; they actively confuse players, making it difficult to enter input codes for Stratagems correctly.

What to Do:

• Look for the source of the disruption and destroy it as soon as possible. Jammers are typically located near Illuminate-controlled zones.
• If possible, clear the area of enemies before attempting to call in Stratagems to reduce the chaos.

2. Mind Control and Beacons

The Illuminate employs mind-control technology, turning captured citizens into aggressive enemies. You’ll also notice blue beacons that summon reinforcements.

What to Do:

• Prioritize taking out these beacons to prevent being overwhelmed.
• Watch out for “squid” enemies (Illuminate units) that use mind-control attacks. A combination of precision shooting and crowd control works best against them.

3. Disorienting Tactics

The Illuminate faction frequently uses tactics designed to disorient players, from visual disruptions to sudden reinforcements.

What to Do:

• Stick with your squad and communicate. Solo players are far more likely to be overwhelmed.
• Equip reliable weapons with high accuracy and manageable recoil to stay in control during chaotic fights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Shield Mechanic: Trying to directly attack the Warship without disabling its shield first (or using a powerful enough Stratagem) will waste time and resources.
2. Standing Too Close: The Warship’s explosion can deal significant damage. Once you throw a grenade or call in a Stratagem, back away to avoid being caught in the blast.
3. Underestimating Illuminate Forces: The enemies spawned near Warships can quickly overwhelm you if you’re unprepared. Take your time to clear the area before engaging the Warship directly.

FAQ

Q: Can Warships be destroyed without explosives?
A: No, Warships require explosives to destroy them. Whether it’s a grenade, rocket, or Stratagem, the key is delivering a powerful payload to the ship’s vulnerable doorway.

Q: Are there other ways to disable a Warship’s shield?
A: Currently, the most reliable method is sustained small-arms fire. However, powerful Stratagems like the Eagle 500kg Bomb can bypass this step entirely.

Q: What’s the best loadout for dealing with Warships?
A: A balanced loadout with both small-arms weapons for shield disruption and explosives for destroying the Warship is ideal. Additionally, carrying a backup Stratagem like the Eagle 500kg Bomb can be a lifesaver.

Q: How do I deal with Illuminate Jammers?
A: Locate the source of the jammer as quickly as possible and destroy it. If this isn’t an option, try to input Stratagem codes carefully, even if they’re scrambled.

Q: Are there any rewards for destroying Warships?
A: Yes! In addition to thinning out enemy numbers, destroying Warships often yields valuable supplies like ammo and research samples.