As a veteran of the Galactic War, you’ve likely heard the rumors and seen the urgent bulletins. The Illuminate, an enemy once thought eradicated a century ago, has returned to the fight. For many newer Helldivers, they are a complete mystery. Based on available intelligence and frontline experience, here is what you need to know about this ancient threat.
Who Are The Illuminate?The Illuminate, who call themselves the Squ’ith, are an ancient, technologically advanced species that evolved from aquatic lifeforms thousands of years before humanity. Their biology is intertwined with electricity, which translated into a mastery of energy-based weapons and technology that far surpassed our own for a long time. Super Earth historical records describe them as an un-Democratic cult led by absolute rulers known as Council Members and monitored by a powerful AI called the Great Eye. Their society was built on a complex neural network, and their drive for "knowledge" led them to build a vast interstellar empire.
What Happened in the First Galactic War?
In the early 21st century, the Illuminate made contact with Super Earth. Official history states they arrived with a false peace offering, hiding planet-destroying weapons. Super Earth’s response was a pre-emptive, 40-year war that ended in 2084 with the Illuminate’s defeat at their home world, Squ’bai Shrine. Their military was dissolved, their advanced technology was confiscated (which accelerated our own tech development), and the surviving Squ’ith were banished from the Milky Way. For 100 years, they were considered extinct, a cautionary tale.
How and Why Did They Return?
They reappeared without warning in December 2184, in the middle of our brutal two-front war against the Terminids and Automatons. Their tactics were immediately different: instead of large-scale invasions to hold territory, they began precise, devastating hit-and-run raids on outer colonies. Their return seems calculated to exploit our stretched forces, and their objectives appear to be disruption, abduction, and terror, rather than conventional conquest.
What Are Their Tactics and Units Like in Combat?Fighting the Illuminate is a radically different experience from battling Bugs or Bots. In general, Illuminate forces favor control and disruption over sheer brute force. Most players find the learning curve steep because you cannot rely on the same strategies.
Technology: They deploy shield-generating units, obelisks that create damaging walls of light, and drones that can hijack your stratagems, turning your own support weapons against you.
Mind Control: Their most infamous tactic is the creation of the "Voteless." These are mind-controlled former colonists—essentially zombie-like humans—used as cannon fodder. It’s not uncommon to see them performing the Super Earth salute as they fall, a grim reminder of their origin.
Player Strategy: Successful teams usually prioritize taking out their shield generators and obelisks immediately. Staying mobile and in cover is more critical than ever, as standing in the open against their precise energy weapons is fatal. Support weapons that bypass shields, like arc-based gear, are often recommended.
What is Their Current Role in the Galactic War?
Since their return, the Illuminate have established themselves as a persistent third front, typically raiding planets in the Galactic South. Their pattern is consistent: they launch a sudden attack on an undefended or lightly defended world with a very short defense timer (often 12 hours or less). If they win, they do not occupy the planet; they simply leave its infrastructure in ruins and disappear with more captured colonists. This makes them a frustrating and elusive enemy that forces High Command and players to constantly split their attention. Some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 super credits to expedite acquiring specific warbond gear that can help counter Illuminate defenses, though skill and teamwork remain the most vital factors.
What Should a Helldiver Do When Fighting Them?
Based on common player behavior, here are key takeaways:
Adapt Your Loadout: Leave the heavy, slow armor behind. Mobility is key. Bring stratagems that can quickly disable groups or destroy static defenses (e.g., Eagle Airstrikes, Orbital Lasers).
Target Priority: Focus on any unit generating a shield bubble first. After that, target obelisks and any teleporter-like structures summoning reinforcements.
Stay Together: Their units excel at flanking and isolating lone Helldivers. A tight, coordinated squad can focus fire and cover each other’s weaknesses much more effectively.
Expect the Unusual: Be prepared for your stratagems to be hijacked or for enemies to teleport directly into your midst. Flexibility and communication are your greatest weapons.
The Illuminate’s resurgence has turned a difficult war into a desperate three-front struggle. They are not a pushover faction and demand respect and adapted tactics. By understanding their history and their methods, you can better prepare to bring Liberty’s light to these shadows from our past.
