The Illuminate in Helldivers franchise is known for its brutal co-op gameplay, unforgiving missions, and relentless alien enemies. Among these, the Illuminate stand out as one of the most mysterious and challenging factions in the original Helldivers. With their advanced technology, psionic powers, and unpredictable tactics, they gave players a very different kind of fight compared to the Bugs and Cyborgs.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into who the Illuminate in Helldivers are, their lore, gameplay mechanics, strategies to beat them, and whether they might return in Helldivers 2.
Who Are the Illuminate in Helldivers?
The Illuminate in Helldivers are an advanced alien race that appear in the first Helldivers game as one of the three enemy factions. Unlike the swarming Terminids (Bugs) or the brute-force Cyborgs, the Illuminate rely on cunning, stealth, and technology.
They are often described as tall, robed figures with glowing energy features, giving them an almost spiritual appearance. But make no mistake—they are deadly opponents with the ability to confuse, outmaneuver, and overwhelm even the most prepared squad.
Lore of the Illuminate
The Illuminate lore paints them as a highly intelligent and ancient civilization. They consider themselves spiritually and intellectually superior to humanity, waging war not just for territory but also for ideological dominance.
Their technology blends mysticism and science, with psychic powers and holographic illusions being central to their warfare. This made them one of the most intriguing factions in the Helldivers universe.
Illuminate Units and Abilities
Facing the Illuminate required learning their unique arsenal of enemies:
- Observers – Scout units that detect Helldivers and summon reinforcements.
- Council Members – Powerful elites with destructive psionic energy blasts.
- Illusionists – Units capable of creating holographic decoys to confuse players.
- Obelisks – Stationary structures that shoot deadly energy beams across the battlefield.
Key Abilities
- Teleportation: Many Illuminate units can blink around the map, making them unpredictable.
- Shields: Energy shields protect them from direct fire until enough damage is dealt.
- Psionics: Psychic attacks bypass cover and can deal massive damage.
Why Are the Illuminate So Difficult?
Compared to other factions, the Illuminate in Helldivers are trickier and more tactical. Their teleportation and illusions force players to stay alert, while shields make them resistant to quick kills. For many players, this meant longer firefights, higher resource usage, and more squad wipes.
They also punished reckless play—charging blindly into a group of Illuminate often ended in disaster.
Best Strategies to Beat the Illuminate
Defeating the Illuminate required coordination and planning. Some of the best tactics included:
- Target Observers First – Prevent endless reinforcements.
- Bring EMP Weapons – Disables shields and tech-based defenses.
- Use Heavy Firepower – Machine guns, railguns, and airstrikes work best.
- Stay Spread Out – Avoid getting grouped up, as psionic blasts can hit multiple Helldivers at once.
- Keep Moving – Teleporting enemies are harder to track if you stay still.
Are the Illuminate in Helldivers 2?
Currently, in Illuminate in Helldivers the main factions are the Terminids (Bugs) and the Automatons (robots). The Illuminate have not yet appeared in the sequel, but their absence has sparked speculation.
Many fans believe the Illuminate could be reintroduced in future updates or expansions, as their unique mechanics would add fresh variety and challenge to the game. Developers have hinted at long-term support for Helldivers 2, so there’s hope that the Illuminate in Helldivers will eventually make a comeback.
Conclusion
The Illuminate in Helldivers are remembered as one of the most unique and challenging enemy factions in the franchise. With their psionics, shields, and deceptive tactics, they pushed players to adapt and think strategically rather than rely on brute force.
While they are not yet part of Helldivers 2, their mysterious lore and gameplay mechanics make them a fan-favorite contender for future updates. For now, the legacy of the Illuminate continues to live on in the memories of Helldivers veterans who fought—and often fell—against them.
