The highly anticipated Omens of Tyranny update has arrived for Helldivers 2, unveiling the Illuminate faction that players have speculated about for months. Released last Thursday with minimal fanfare, this stealthy introduction aligns with the developers at Arrowhead’s vision of capturing the unexpected nature of the Illuminate’s invasion. Alongside this monumental addition, the update also includes various balance adjustments, new vehicles, a fresh warbond, and an expanded biome featuring urbanized Super Earth colonies. However, the most significant element remains the introduction of the third faction—the Illuminate.
The Illuminate, a prominent feature of the original game, were noticeably absent at the launch of Helldivers 2, yet their return has been a pivotal aspect of the in-game narrative, generating considerable community buzz. Their reemergence introduces a unique array of adversaries, distinctively unlike the brainless terminids or the militaristic automatons, requiring players to adopt new strategies to fend off these formidable foes.
Understanding the Illuminate
The Illuminate is an advanced, squid-like species originating from beyond the galaxy, boasting a civilization that predates humanity by thousands of years. Rumored to engage in the cannibalistic transfer of knowledge through consuming each other’s brains, this portrayal may be exaggerated propaganda from Super Earth. Historically, they were a significant antagonist during the First Galactic War, acting as the third faction.
Though the Illuminate suffered defeat at the hands of Super Earth on their home turf of Squ’Bai Shrine, the truth is less clear-cut. Instead of complete annihilation, they were temporarily expelled from the galaxy for a century. Hints from Arrowhead suggest that the Illuminate currently seen on Calypso is merely a fraction of their full military might, with potential for an even greater confrontation looming in the future.
The Illuminate Faction: Insights and Strategies
The Voteless
The Voteless, a predominant enemy encountered on Illuminate-controlled planets, are former Super Earth colonists transformed into mindless thralls. Their sheer numbers present a significant threat; while individually weak, they can easily overwhelm unprepared players. The Voteless serve as a distraction, allowing stronger foes to capitalize on player vulnerabilities.
Despite their lethality in large groups, they are simple to eliminate if players maintain awareness. Utilization of any ranged weaponry is effective, but medium to long-range options like assault rifles, SMGs, and machine guns are particularly advantageous for safely managing encounters. Additionally, flame-based weapons can offer high damage-per-second outputs, presuming players avoid being flanked.
Overseers
The stout, melee-focused Overseers act as a formidable frontline force within the Illuminate ranks. Characterized by their energy shields and powerful melee attacks, they pose a severe risk to any Helldiver caught within arm’s reach.
Engagement tactics revolve around maintaining distance to avoid their melee assault. The Overseers’ energy attacks are slow and predictable, providing opportunities for adept players to evade. Employing shock weapons and lasers can efficiently deplete their shields, allowing for follow-up shots to their exposed heads and incapacitating them before they can retaliate.
Elevated Overseers
Similar to their standard counterparts but equipped with jetpacks, Elevated Overseers offer enhanced mobility and aerial attacks. Their lack of energy shields, however, makes them more accessible to damage when targeted correctly.
To counteract their mobility, players should focus fire on their vulnerable head region. Weapons like the ARC thrower are particularly useful in mitigating the challenges posed by their agility in flight.
Watchers
The less conspicuous but highly strategic Watchers serve as airborne units that can impose devastating debuffs on players through their eerie purple light. This light acts as a signaling mechanism for Illuminate reinforcements to overwhelm players.
Eliminating Watchers promptly is crucial, as their attacks can slow players and unleash lethal projectiles. Sustained fire directed at their central eye is the most effective method of neutralization.
Harvesters
Among the most daunting foes that players will encounter, Harvesters are colossal units equipped with massive energy shields. Recognizable by their size, these adversaries require teams to focus their fire on draining the shield for successful offensive maneuvers.
Once the shield is down, players should redirect their fire to the Harvester’s central eye, its weak point. The longer players delay in targeting the Harvester, the more likely it is for its shields to regenerate, impeding progress and potentially risking team survival.
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