Helldivers 2’s Illuminates: A Major Flaw Revealed
The latest update for Helldivers 2 has proven to be a remarkable triumph for Arrowhead, leading to a significant influx of players eager to confront the new Illuminate faction. This addition of the alien faction, eagerly anticipated by fans, delivers an exciting gameplay experience that distinctly differs from the existing Termanids and Automatons. While the update has successfully reignited interest among returning players, who are thrilled to tackle the challenges presented by this new group, it’s essential to address certain underlying issues that have surfaced in gameplay.
Despite the ongoing debates surrounding Helldivers 2, it remains one of the top co-op shooters available today. The regular updates and extensive unlockable content ensure players enjoy countless hours of immersive entertainment, particularly when teaming up with friends to face the game’s challenges. Even as player numbers soar to levels comparable to the early days following the launch of Helldivers 2, one pressing concern regarding the Illuminate faction persists, necessitating swift developer action.
Understanding Why Fighting the Illuminate Faction Lacks Challenge
Why the Illuminate Faction Lacks the Intensity of Other Factions
Initially facing the Illuminate faction may present players with daunting waves of enemies, creating a sense of struggle. However, the overall challenge presented by this new faction falls short of the heightened difficulty levels many players were hoping for. This disparity becomes especially apparent when the Illuminate is compared to the relentless Termanids or the lethal precision of the Automatons, as the Illuminate predominantly relies on sheer numbers to overwhelm players. A significant factor contributing to this challenge is the easily recognizable Watcher scouts, which afford players ample time to eliminate these threats before they can call for reinforcements.
The Watchers often trivialize encounters for experienced players.
While the Watchers’ predictable movement patterns create a gameplay experience that feels more balanced than the chaotic bug breaches or the strategic drop-ships of the Automatons, they tend to trivialize encounters for seasoned players. These players can swiftly dispatch Watchers, often before they can summon additional reinforcements. Furthermore, the overwhelming presence of SAM Sites scattered throughout urban areas can effectively neutralize most newly arrived enemies, preventing them from posing any real threat. This situation becomes glaringly obvious during mission extractions, where players often encounter minimal resistance from enemies.
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Even though the Illuminate faction presents some challenges that may disappoint hardcore players, they still serve as a compelling addition to the diverse enemy roster of Helldivers 2, introducing much-needed variety to the gameplay experience. While difficulty levels are a critical aspect of gaming, the unique attributes and gameplay mechanics the Illuminate introduce enrich the overall game, allowing players to engage in new strategies and tactics.
How Future Enemies Can Enhance the Helldivers 2 Experience
Designing Future Enemies for Greater Challenges in Helldivers 2
With the recent addition of Helldivers 2‘s Killzone crossover gear, players now possess an arsenal of weapons capable of countering most Illuminate threats effectively. While it’s still possible to be caught off guard by overwhelming numbers of Voteless and the surprisingly robust Jetpack Overseers, strategic headshots or a well-placed rocket from a WASP launcher can swiftly neutralize these challenging foes. Although enhancing the difficulty of existing enemies or adjusting player weapon stats could increase the challenge presented by the Illuminate, past experiences have shown that such changes can risk alienating the player base.
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The current challenge level in battles against the Illuminate may stem from Helldivers 2‘s recent buffs, which have significantly empowered players, making them feel more formidable than ever. Fortunately, there are indications that more Illuminate enemies are on the horizon in future updates, which could bring additional variety and difficulty to game encounters. Leaks suggest that developers have more in store regarding this alien faction, with players eager to discover the true potential of the Illuminate. It appears the developers are strategically holding back the most formidable aspects of the Illuminate, as current enemy tactics are described as merely preliminary hit-and-run strategies.
- Franchise
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Helldivers
- Released
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February 8, 2024
- Developer(s)
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Arrowhead Game Studios
- Publisher(s)
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Sony