The Illuminati are the perfect middle ground of the Automata and the Terminids

Fans of Helldivers 2 they're having fun, as an old menace has returned to join the action. Helldivers 2's latest update brought with it the Illuminate, an intelligent and technologically advanced enemy who threatened Super Earth's previous efforts at galactic freedom. The new enemy has taken Helldivers 2 assault, as the way he engages in combat is aggressive and seemingly strategic. Based on how the Illuminati deals with its opponents, it would be reasonable to say that the new faction is the perfect blend between the Terminid and Automaton threats.

An announcement regarding this was made at the 2024 edition of The Game Awards Helldivers 2 and its immediately downloadable Omens of Tyranny update. The biggest highlight of the main patch is the return of the Illuminate, only this time the new enemy comes with some interesting new additions. The faction's new units pose a threat that can easily wipe out a group if players are not fully prepared. The Illuminate has many options in their approach to combat, both for aggressive and defensive play, which shows how efficient and deadly they can be. The new enemy also stands out from the Automata and Terminid because it apparently has the best points of the other two factions by improving them.

A Cognitive Disruptor lit up in the distance in Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2: How to Destroy Monoliths and Cognitive Destroyers

Illuminated Monoliths and Cognitive Disruptors can cause problems for Helldivers 2 players. Here's what they do and how to eliminate them.

Because the Illuminate can be seen as the perfect fusion between the Automata and the Terminids

Fighting the Illuminati faction can be a daunting task, and it's all because of the way Arrowhead Game Studios thought about the combat design. Players can see how the developer used the Automata and Terminid as a basis to recreate the returning threat, as it has some qualities such as:

The Unvoted and Illuminati Overseers mimic the way Terminids aggressively swarm players, but are more lethal due to the Overseer's incorporation of weapons that can be used for offensive or defensive purposes
The Illuminati also have long-range options in the form of High Overseers and Reapers, and theirs appear more capable than those of the Terminids and Automatons due to their defenses and erratic flight movements.
The Illuminati have a way to call in additional enemy forces like other factions via the Watcher, but the unit can be seen as more threatening due to it coming from anywhere through flight and its ability to fight and potentially kill players

The introduction of the Illuminate plays an important role Helldivers 2 receiving a huge spike in players, and it's clear why. Arrowhead Game Studios has done a fantastic job of merging the best qualities of the Automata and Terminid into one faction and even improving them. Hopefully the developer will continue to improve the recurring threat by repeating the process taking inspiration from what is available and perfecting it.

What else can the Illuminati take inspiration from other factions and improve

If there's anything missing from the Omens of Tyranny update, it's an Enlightened unit that can create mass chaos like what the Automata Hulk or Terminid Impaler do. These two enemies almost always drive players crazy due to their tenacity and the way they use the abilities that make them so deadly. Even with all the dangerous forces it brings with it, Illuminate has nothing of the sort, which means Arrowhead Game Studios has the perfect opportunity to create one. The new unit could be developed to deal the same amount of damage as the Impaler or Hulk, but be slightly faster and with smarter ways of using Illuminate technology to defend itself. Such a possible addition is likely, as the future of the Illuminati is destined for even more interesting enemy types.

One of the reasons why Helldivers 2 can be considered one of the best cooperative games of 2024 because Arrowhead Game Studios knows what is needed for a fun multiplayer experience. The developer's inclusion of the Illuminati shows how much they understand this, and the new faction is just as or even deadlier and more engaging than the Terminid and the Automata. Having the best of both factions while having its own unique qualities, it's clear that the returning threat is and will continue to be a great asset to the game.