After months of rumors and speculation, the Illuminate faction appears to be inching closer to the frontlines of Helldivers 2. A recent leak—surfaced through datamining and development build screenshots—has offered fans a clearer glimpse into what the Illuminate army might look like this time around. While nothing is confirmed by Arrowhead just yet, here’s a breakdown of 10 Illuminate units that have been revealed so far, and what we can infer about their potential in battle.

With the potential arrival of new enemies and high-tier gear to counter them, now is a smart time to start planning your upgrades. Many players are looking to buy Helldivers 2 medals in advance to unlock key armor sets, weapon mods, and Stratagems that might be crucial when facing the Illuminate. Whether you’re prepping for elite missions or just want to stay ahead of the meta, having a stockpile of medals can give you a serious advantage once new content drops.

1. Watcher Drone

This hovering reconnaissance unit resembles a spectral jellyfish with multi-lens optics. Based on the leak, it’s expected to serve as an early alert system, possibly marking players for other Illuminate forces. Stealth-based players may need to rethink their approach when these are present.

2. Phase Trooper

Phase Troopers appear to be frontline infantry capable of short-range teleportation. The leaks suggest they’ll have medium armor and plasma-based weaponry. Their blink ability could disrupt standard formations, making them a serious threat when paired with other units.

3. Obelisk Walker

Standing much taller than other infantry units, this quadrupedal mech-like creature looks like a cross between a robot and a crystalline beast. It’s believed to be heavily armored and slow but capable of devastating beam attacks. Think of it as the Illuminate’s answer to the Automatons’ Hulks.

4. Mindbender

One of the most intriguing reveals, the Mindbender might introduce crowd-control elements into Illuminate tactics. Descriptions indicate it can project psychic waves that scramble HUDs or distort vision, which would bring a psychological warfare twist to combat scenarios.

5. Shade Sniper

Operating from long distances, the Shade Sniper is likely a high-damage glass cannon. Reports from leaked assets mention it can enter a semi-invisible state, requiring Helldivers to scan or use thermal optics to spot them. Precision strikes might be your only chance to counter them before they disappear again.

6. Nullifier Swarm

Unlike the single-target approach of other Illuminate units, the Nullifier Swarm seems to be composed of tiny energy-based organisms that flood an area to disable equipment. Stratagems and support tools may be rendered useless unless they are dealt with quickly.

7. Ascendant Priest

This unit may function like a commander, boosting the efficiency of other Illuminate troops or summoning reinforcements. It might not be heavily armed itself, but taking it down could disrupt enemy cohesion dramatically.

8. Luminary Tank

A hover-based artillery platform, the Luminary Tank appears to lob energy bursts over long distances. While slow-moving, its range and AoE capabilities could rival anything currently seen in Helldivers 2. Expect to use hit-and-run tactics or focused stratagems to bring it down.

9. Warp Beast

Possibly one of the few Illuminate units leaning toward melee, the Warp Beast appears to teleport behind squads and slash with phase-blades. Fast, durable, and unpredictable, this creature could change the pace of an otherwise controlled engagement.

10. Crystal Warden

According to internal files, the Crystal Warden may act as an elite boss unit. Towering and surrounded by a rotating array of defensive shards, this unit might require coordinated team efforts to break its shields before damage can be dealt. If this unit goes live, expect it to headline Illuminate missions as a fearsome challenge.

With the arrival of these potential new enemies, players are already strategizing for the inevitable Illuminate campaign. Whether you’re stockpiling resources or fine-tuning builds, now’s a great time to prepare. Many in the community are looking for efficient ways to buy Helldivers 2 medals or get cheap Helldivers 2 Super Credits, especially with new gear likely on the horizon. Some even recommend checking platforms like U4GM, where the grind can be eased a little for those short on time.

Of course, nothing is official until the developers make an announcement, but if this leak proves accurate, the Illuminate won’t just be another faction—they could redefine the battlefield entirely. Keep your Stratagems ready, and eyes on the sky.