Playing Helldivers 2 on multi-platform brings a new enemy threat: the Illuminate have begun deploying Wretches, the necromorph-looking horrors equipped with scything claws capable of eviscerating players. For now, these creatures exclusively appear in missions where the active sub-faction is Vote Snatchers. Because they often arrive in overwhelming numbers, knowing their exact combat vulnerabilities is essential for survival.
How to Beat Illuminate Wretches
The most effective strategy to kill a Wretch is to shoot both of its claw arms. Severing both limbs disables its most dangerous attacks and generally kills the target outright, though a small amount of extra damage will finish the job if it survives. Critically, players should avoid targeting the head, as a Wretch's bonce is not a weak spot and will not yield quick kills.
Wretches possess minimal protection, featuring only medium armor exclusively on their arms. While many standard weapons can damage them, gear with medium armor penetration is ideal for blasting off their limbs. Rapid-fire weapons that allow for a "spray and pray" approach against incoming groups work much better than precise single-shot weapons, and Wretches also share a vulnerability to fire with Helldivers 2 Crushers.
Best Primary and Support Weapons for Wretches
- Primary Weapons: The Coyote (features incendiary rounds) and the Scorcher (fires explosive bolts).
- Support Weapons: The Machine Gun, Flamethrower, Cremator, Stalwart, and Bullet Storm.
- Tactical Equipment: Gas Grenades are highly effective for disrupting groups of Wretches, slowing their pursuit while inflicting ongoing damage.
When facing groups of Wretches, maintain mobility and stay prepared to dive out of the way. Wretches close distance quickly by leaping forward, but this attack is clearly telegraphed, giving players enough time to evade safely.