Summary:
Helldivers 2's Illuminate enemies, especially Crushers and Wretches, require different combat approaches. Crushers are heavily armored monsters that can destroy squads with powerful melee attacks, while Wretches rely on speed, aggression, and numbers. This guide covers their weaknesses, the best weapons, and top Warbond gear recommendations, including the Cremator, Melta Gun, Bolt Pistol, Helldivers 2 Items, and other tools to help Helldivers survive difficult missions.
1. How to Defeat Crushers:Break Armor and Target Weak Points
Crushers are among the most dangerous Illuminate enemies because of their heavy armor, high durability, and devastating close-range attacks. Allowing them to reach your squad can quickly turn a mission into disaster.
The biggest mistake players make is wasting ammunition on armored body parts. Crushers have extremely durable arms, and destroying them does not prevent the enemy from continuing attacks.
The best strategy is to break the Crusher's helmet first. Once the armor is removed, the exposed head becomes the main weak point. Weapons with heavy armor penetration can destroy the helmet and allow your team to finish the enemy.
Another effective method is targeting the legs. Destroying the legs reduces movement speed and makes it easier to keep distance.
2. Best Weapons Against Crushers
C4 Backpack
The C4 Backpack is one of the strongest counters against Crushers. A single explosive charge can instantly eliminate these armored enemies, making it a safe choice for high-difficulty missions.
Airburst Rocket Launcher
The Airburst Rocket Launcher provides powerful explosive damage and can destroy Crushers quickly. It is especially effective when multiple enemies are grouped together. However, players must be careful because the large blast radius can cause friendly fire.
Melta Gun (Warhammer Legendary Warbond)
The Melta Gun is one of the strongest new anti-armor weapons. Its extreme close-range damage can melt Crushers, Factory Striders, and other heavy targets.
The main weakness is its short range. Players need to fight close to enemies, but it does not require a backpack slot, allowing flexible loadouts.
Bolt Pistol (Warhammer Legendary Warbond)
The Bolt Pistol delivers incredible stopping power with heavy armor penetration and explosive rounds. It can break Crusher helmets and deal huge damage to weak points.
Although it has limited ammunition and strong recoil, every shot is extremely powerful.
3. How to Defeat Wretches:Control the Crowd
Unlike Crushers, Wretches are dangerous because of their speed and numbers. They attack in groups and can overwhelm players who lose positioning.
The best strategy is maintaining distance and using crowd-control weapons. Focus on stopping their movement and preventing them from surrounding your squad.
4. Best Weapons Against Wretches
FLAM-80 Cremator
The Cremator is one of the best weapons for fighting Wretches. Its continuous fire damage burns through groups while creating space for your team. The flames continue damaging enemies after impact, making it efficient during large fights.
It is also useful against Crushers, making it one of buy Helldivers 2 Items the most versatile choices for Illuminate missions.
Incendiary Breaker & Cookout Shotgun
Both weapons are excellent for clearing Wretch groups. Their fire effects continue damaging enemies after each shot, allowing players to eliminate multiple targets efficiently.
M-105 Stalwart
The Stalwart is strong because it allows players to move while firing. Against fast melee enemies, mobility is often more important than raw damage.
5. Best Warbond Gear Recommendations
The Warhammer Legendary Warbond adds powerful tools for fighting Illuminate enemies.
Melta Gun:Best for destroying heavily armored targets at close range.
Bolt Pistol:Excellent secondary weapon for breaking weak points.
Melta Mine:Perfect for defending objectives and setting traps.
6. Recommended Illuminate Loadout
Primary:Cremator or Cookout Shotgun
Support Weapon:Melta Gun or Airburst Rocket Launcher
Secondary:Bolt Pistol
Backpack:C4 Backpack or Supply Backpack
Stratagems:Orbital Laser and Orbital Precision Strike
Armor Passive:True Grit or Siege Ready
Final Thoughts
Crushers and Wretches require different strategies. Use fire weapons and crowd control against Wretch swarms, while relying on explosives and armor-piercing weapons against Crushers.
With the Cremator, C4 Backpack, and Warhammer Legendary Warbond weapons like the Melta Gun and Bolt Pistol, Helldivers have powerful options to overcome the Illuminate threat. Prepare your loadout, target weaknesses, and continue spreading democracy across the galaxy.
