Helldivers 2: Conquer The Illuminate Negotiator
Hey there, fellow Helldivers! Are you ready to dive back into the galactic struggle and face off against the cunning Illuminate? Today, we're zeroing in on one of their trickiest units: the Illuminate Negotiator. This guide is your ultimate playbook for understanding, engaging, and ultimately obliterating these diplomatic devils. We'll cover everything from their attack patterns to the best strategies for taking them down, so grab your favorite weapon, and let's get to work!
Understanding the Illuminate Negotiator: Know Your Enemy
Before we can liberate any planet from the clutches of the Illuminate, we need to understand what we're up against, right? The Illuminate Negotiator isn't your average grunt; they're the brains of the operation, the ones calling the shots. They are a force to be reckoned with. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is crucial to your survival and success on the battlefield. The Negotiator is primarily a support unit. They don't have the raw firepower of a Devastator, but they make up for it with their strategic abilities and ability to bolster their allies. Expect to see them coordinating attacks and providing cover for the Illuminate forces.
Key Characteristics and Abilities
- Shields: Negotiators boast a powerful energy shield. This shield absorbs a significant amount of damage, making them tougher to take down than other Illuminate units. You'll need to focus your fire and coordinate with your squad to break through it.
 - Area Denial: Negotiators possess the ability to deploy area-of-effect attacks. They can create energy fields that slow down Helldivers or even inflict damage over time. This can be especially devastating in close-quarters combat.
 - Reinforcement Calls: They can call in reinforcements. If left unchecked, a Negotiator can quickly overwhelm your position with waves of enemies. Taking them out quickly is paramount. Think of them as the support unit in a MOBA game. If the support is left untouched, your team will be at a disadvantage.
 - Teleportation: These guys can teleport! They can quickly reposition themselves across the battlefield, making them difficult to pin down. This ability allows them to escape danger or move to a more advantageous position to support their allies.
 - Vulnerability: Negotiators are vulnerable when their shields are down or when they are teleporting. Use these moments to your advantage, and focus fire on them when they are exposed. Their attacks can be avoided by maintaining distance and positioning, which is critical to minimizing losses.
 
Where You'll Find Them
Negotiators are usually found in the higher-level Illuminate missions. They often appear alongside other units like Illuminate Scouts, Watchers, and even Tanks. Always be prepared for a fight when you see those shimmering blue energy shields! They will often be positioned in strategic locations, such as near objectives or in areas with good cover. They prefer to stay in the back and direct the battle. If you get into a fire fight, focus on the closest threat. Then take them out. Remember the most important rule. Know your enemy!
Strategies for Engaging Illuminate Negotiators: Unleash Hell!
Alright, let's get down to the good stuff: how to actually take these Negotiators down. Here are some effective strategies to use when facing these cunning foes. It's time to show those aliens what democracy is all about!
Prioritize the Target
Always prioritize the Negotiator. They are the biggest threat on the battlefield, so eliminate them first. Their ability to call in reinforcements and deploy area-denial attacks makes them a constant problem. A well-placed shot will make them teleport, giving you an opening.
Coordinate Your Firepower
Negotiators have shields, so you'll need to work as a team to take them down quickly. Coordinate your fire to break through their shields. Once the shield is down, keep the pressure on with sustained fire. If your team is having trouble, focus your firepower on the Negotiator and make a plan.
Utilize Stratagems Effectively
Some stratagems are more effective than others against Negotiators. Here are a few recommendations:
- Orbital Precision Strike: This is a great choice for taking down Negotiators quickly. The precision strike will target them without the risk of friendly fire.
 - EAT-17 (Expendable Anti-Tank): This is great for fast damage and is very easy to resupply. Use it to quickly knock down their shields or to deal significant damage.
 - Railgun: The Railgun is a high-powered weapon that can quickly destroy their shields and deal massive damage. However, it requires precise aiming, so make sure you are confident in your shots!
 - Airstrike: A well-placed airstrike can clear out a group of Negotiators and other units. Make sure you call it in at a safe distance.
 
Manage Your Positioning
Negotiators can use area-of-effect attacks, so it's important to keep moving and avoid getting trapped. Utilize cover to your advantage and avoid standing still for too long. If you get pinned down, call in a stratagem to make a tactical retreat. This will give your team time to regroup and create a new strategy.
Exploit Their Weaknesses
Negotiators are vulnerable when their shields are down, so focus your fire during this time. They are also vulnerable when teleporting. Anticipate their teleports and try to predict their movements so that you can hit them before they get set up. Always be aware of your surroundings, and try to have a battle plan before heading into the fight.
Weapon and Stratagem Loadout Recommendations: Gear Up, Diver!
Now, let's talk about the best gear to bring to the fight against the Negotiators. Your loadout can make or break your mission, so choose wisely.
Weapons
- Primary Weapons:
- Breaker: A solid choice for its high rate of fire and good damage output. It's great for quickly breaking down shields.
 - SG-225 Breaker Spray & Pray: A fantastic option for medium-range encounters, this weapon excels at quickly depleting enemy shields, especially when facing multiple Negotiators simultaneously. The high rate of fire and wide spread of this weapon make it a great option. Make sure to learn how to manage the recoil.
 - LAS-5 Scythe: If you want a weapon that can cut through a Negotiator's defenses like butter, the LAS-5 Scythe is an excellent choice. It has a high rate of fire and can deal sustained damage.
 
 - Secondary Weapon:
- P-2 Peacemaker: This is a great choice for a sidearm, as it offers a quick reload and can pack a punch. It's great in a pinch, or for taking out weak enemies. If you run out of ammo, it's always great to have a backup.
 
 
Stratagems
- Orbital Precision Strike: Absolutely essential for taking out Negotiators quickly.
 - EAT-17: Quick damage and easy resupply. Ideal for breaking shields.
 - Railgun: If you have the skill, this weapon can take out a Negotiator in one or two shots. Great for hitting weak spots.
 - Airstrike: An excellent choice for clearing out groups of enemies. Great for crowd control.
 
Support Weapons
- Anti-Materiel Rifle: This weapon can make quick work of a negotiator. Great for dealing high damage at medium-range engagements. A favorite weapon of many players.
 - Machine Gun: If you want a weapon that can quickly shred enemy defenses and unleash hell, the Machine Gun is an excellent choice. Great for dealing sustained damage. The downside is that it has a long reload time. Be sure to find cover and reload when you're being swarmed!
 
Armor
- Armor with increased damage resistance This armor will help you survive longer on the battlefield.
 
Team Composition and Communication: Work Together!
Helldivers is a game of teamwork, and that's especially true when facing the Illuminate. Here's how to maximize your effectiveness as a squad.
Coordinate Your Loadouts
Communicate with your squadmates to coordinate your loadouts. You want a good mix of weapons and stratagems to handle different threats. If one person is taking a railgun, someone else should have the EAT-17, etc.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
Constant communication is key. Call out enemy positions, coordinate your attacks, and let your teammates know when you're reloading or using a stratagem. If you see a Negotiator, shout it out! Make sure everyone knows the plan.
Flank and Divide
Don't bunch up. Try to flank the enemy and divide their attention. This makes it harder for them to focus their attacks and gives you more opportunities to take them down. This also gives your team more chances to strategize and create openings.
Cover Each Other
Always cover your teammates. Watch their backs and protect them from enemy attacks. If someone gets downed, try to revive them as quickly as possible, even if it means taking a risk. Make sure your team can recover quickly, and get back in the fight. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Advanced Tactics and Tips: Become a Negotiator Nemesis!
Ready to take your Helldiving skills to the next level? Here are some advanced tips for dealing with Negotiators.
Use Terrain to Your Advantage
Utilize cover, such as rocks, buildings, and trenches, to protect yourself from enemy fire and area-of-effect attacks. Use the terrain to your advantage and try to create chokepoints where you can funnel enemies and make them an easier target. Terrain will protect you from incoming fire, and give you time to formulate a new strategy!
Predict Teleport Locations
Negotiators will often teleport to positions where they can better support their allies. Try to predict where they'll go and be ready to engage them as soon as they rematerialize. Predict the battlefield and be ready to adapt when the situation changes!
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice is the key to becoming a master Helldiver. The more you play, the better you'll become at recognizing enemy attack patterns, coordinating with your team, and making quick decisions. Play as much as you can, and always be looking to improve!
Conclusion: Liberate the Galaxy, One Negotiator at a Time!
Well, that's all, folks! You now have the knowledge and strategies you need to face the Illuminate Negotiator with confidence. Remember to prioritize your targets, coordinate your attacks, and never give up. Get out there and show those space wizards what democracy is all about. Now go forth, Helldivers, and liberate those planets! For Super Earth!