Helldivers 2: How to Destroy the Illuminate Warp Ships – Best Weapons to Use Against the Illuminates

3 Key Takeaways

1. Parked Warp Ships require sustained fire to drain shields, followed by well-timed explosive grenades for destruction.
2. Flying Warp Ships are heavily armoured but vulnerable at their open bay doors—precision and anti-tank weapons are essential.
3. Each Illuminate enemy has unique tactics and weaknesses; prioritizing targets and using the right weapons is critical for survival.

The wait is finally over, and the newest faction to terrorize the galaxy has emerged. In Helldivers 2, the Illuminate aliens known as the Squith are here to challenge even the most battle-hardened players. Armed with advanced shields, deadly precision, and reinforcements galore, the Illuminate bring a new level of complexity to the Galactic War.

If you’ve been struggling to deal with their Warp Ships or survive the swarms of their alien forces, don’t worry. This guide will give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to defeat the Illuminate’s most formidable units, including detailed strategies for destroying the intimidating Warp Ships.

How to Destroy the Illuminate Warp Ships in Helldivers 2

The Illuminate Warp Ships are not just menacing they’re game-changers. They serve as both enemy structures and reinforcements, forcing players to adapt quickly. There are two types of Warp Ships in Helldivers 2, and each requires a specific strategy to bring down.

1. Parked (Grounded) Warp Ships

Grounded Warp Ships operate similarly to Automaton Fabricators or Terminid Bug Holes. They spawn waves of Voteless, creating constant pressure. However, unlike other enemy structures, they are shielded, and destroying them requires precision and planning.

Steps to Destroy Parked Warp Ships:

• Drain the Shield: Use weapons with high magazine capacity and sustained fire. Shields in Helldivers 2 count hits, not damage, so shotguns are ineffective. Instead, use:
  • LAS-16 Sickle
  • MG-43 Machine Gun
  • M-105 Stalwart
• Watch the Shield’s Colour: A fully intact shield is blue but turns purple as it takes damage. If you stop shooting for about 10 seconds, the shield will regenerate completely. Constant pressure is key.
• Throw Explosive Grenades: Once the shield is down and the bay doors open, toss an explosive grenade inside. Be sure to cook your grenades to prevent them from bouncing back. Recommended grenades include:
  • G-16 Impact Grenades (best option for reliability).
• Alternative Destruction Methods: If you prefer heavy weapons, options like the AC-8 Autocannon or the CB-9 Exploding Crossbow can also finish off a grounded Warp Ship efficiently.

2. Flying Warp Ships

Flying Warp Ships function like Automaton Dropships, delivering reinforcements before retreating. Unlike their grounded counterparts, they do not have regenerating shields, but their armor makes them highly resistant to damage except in one critical area.

How to Take Down Flying Warp Ships:

• Aim for the Weak Spot: The only vulnerable area is the circular bay door on the ship’s underside, which opens briefly to release enemy reinforcements. Precision is crucial here.
• Use Anti-Tank or Explosive Weapons: Equip weapons that pack a punch and can hit the target mid-flight. The best options include:
  • Recoilless Rifle
  • EAT-17 Rocket Launcher
  • SEAF SAM Sites: If these spawn on your map, activate them immediately. SAM sites automatically shoot down any flying Warp Ships within range.
• Position Yourself Perfectly: The challenge lies in getting the right angle. If your aim is off, you’ll waste ammo or risk getting swarmed by the incoming horde.

Every Illuminate Enemy and How to Defeat Them

The Illuminate forces are as diverse as they are deadly. Each unit has unique abilities that can disrupt your squad’s strategy. Let’s break down every enemy type and the best ways to counter them.

1. Voteless

The Voteless are fast, zombie-like skirmishers that attack in overwhelming numbers. Alone, they’re weak, but in swarms, they can quickly overrun an unprepared squad.

How to Defeat Voteless:

• Use crowd-control weapons like flamethrowers or area-of-effect explosives.
• Maintain distance and position yourself in choke points to funnel their numbers.

2. Watcher

Watchers are the Illuminate’s scouts and alarm systems. These flying drones are dangerous because they summon reinforcements and can deal arc damage in close combat.

How to Defeat Watchers:

• Eliminate them immediately to prevent reinforcement calls.
• Use accurate, high-damage weapons like sniper rifles or burst-fire firearms.
• A single well-timed shot can stop them before they escalate the encounter.

3. Overseer

Overseers are medium-tier infantry units equipped with powerful weapons and heavy armor. They often accompany swarms of Voteless, adding firepower to an already chaotic battlefield.

How to Defeat Overseers:

• Prioritize Overseers before focusing on lesser enemies.
• Use armor-piercing rounds or heavy weapons like the Recoilless Rifle to cut through their plating.

4. Harvester

The Harvester is a massive, Bile-Titan-like behemoth with devastating laser attacks and a powerful energy shield. This enemy requires both teamwork and heavy firepower to defeat.

How to Defeat Harvesters:

• Drain their shield using sustained fire from energy-damage weapons.
• Once the shield is down, focus all your firepower on its weak points.
• Orbital Stratagems like the Orbital Laser are particularly effective against Harvesters.

5. Warp Ships

As detailed earlier, Warp Ships serve as both reinforcement hubs and aerial threats. Quick elimination is essential to avoid getting overrun.

• Parked Warp Ships: Drain shields and throw grenades inside.
• Flying Warp Ships: Hit the open bay door with anti-tank weapons or activate SEAF SAM Sites.

Top Tips for Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2

1. Prioritize Targets: Watchers and Overseers can quickly escalate battles. Take them out first to avoid overwhelming reinforcements.
2. Equip Anti-Tank Weapons: Illuminate units, especially Warp Ships and Harvesters, require heavy firepower to take down efficiently.
3. Stay Mobile: The Illuminate are fast and deadly. Constant movement and positioning in strategic areas can keep you alive.

FAQ Section

1. What weapons work best against Illuminate shields?
Weapons with sustained fire, such as the LAS-16 Sickle or MG-43 Machine Gun, are ideal since shields track hits rather than damage.

2. How do I destroy a Flying Warp Ship in Helldivers 2?
Aim for the open bay door with anti-tank weapons like the Recoilless Rifle or activate SEAF SAM Sites to shoot them down automatically.

3. How do I handle swarms of Voteless?
Use crowd-control weapons like flamethrowers or explosives, and hold choke points to manage their numbers.

4. Are Watchers dangerous in Helldivers 2?
Yes, they act as scouts and reinforcement beacons. Destroy them immediately to prevent additional enemy waves.

5. What is the best strategy for defeating Harvesters?
First, disable their shields with sustained energy damage, then concentrate all firepower on their weak points. Orbital Lasers are particularly effective.