Arrowhead has officially confirmed that the Illuminate are making their long-awaited comeback in Helldivers 2. Fans of the first game will remember them as a technologically advanced alien faction that stood apart from the more brute-force enemies like the Bugs and the Cyborgs. Now, with the sequel expanding its galactic war, the stage is set for their reintroduction under the spotlight of the new update: Introducing the Illuminate: Helldivers 2's New Enemy Faction.
Unlike the Terminids’ overwhelming swarms or the Automatons’ heavy firepower, the Illuminate specialize in precision, psionics, and energy-based weaponry. They thrive on disorienting their opponents with shields, cloaking technology, and mind-warping abilities that can turn even a well-coordinated squad into chaos. This sets them up as one of the most tactical factions to fight against in Helldivers 2.
Players should expect:
Units that rely on stealth and deception.
Shield generators that demand focused fire.
Psionic disruptors that interfere with team coordination.
Going up against the Illuminate won’t be about raw firepower alone. Instead, success will depend on strategy and adaptability. Here are a few early insights:
Detection Tools Are Essential: Equip stratagems that can counter cloaked units, such as area-denial explosives or turrets with wide coverage.
Focus Fire on Support Units: The Illuminate excel at prolonging fights. Prioritize taking out shield generators before engaging their frontline forces.
Mobility Over Defense: Heavy armor may help against Automatons, but against precision energy attacks, mobility and cover usage will save more lives.
For many long-time fans, the Illuminate were always the most distinctive enemy faction. Their emphasis on intelligence and subterfuge made them stand out, forcing squads to think differently than they would against other enemies. Bringing them into Helldivers 2 not only adds variety to the battlefield but also enriches the game’s strategic depth.
With the arrival of the new update, Introducing the Illuminate: Helldivers 2's New Enemy Faction, Arrowhead is signaling that this war for Super Earth is only going to get more complex—and more exciting.