The long-awaited Helldivers 2 update has finally arrived, bringing significant changes to the game’s progression system and, most importantly, placing Super Earth in danger for the first time. This massive update introduces weapon customisation, new Illuminate troops, and an impending battle on democracy’s home turf.
The Return of the Illuminate
Following an extended community effort to solve the satellite’s complex puzzles through a Discord ARG, players were treated to 11 hours of a static screen displaying a slowly approaching singularity. The stream concluded with a dramatic reveal – after moments of blaring sirens, the satellite focused on the singularity, revealing Illuminate ships dropping out of warpspeed. This sight brings an ominous threat to Super Earth.
Desperate Last Stand Major Order
The new Major Order presents a desperate situation with three planets under threat. According to a message shared on Discord, “All three planets will fall.” The objective for players is to inflict maximum damage while defences for Mega City are strengthened, as the message states, “Battle on Super Earth is inevitable.”
This development marks a significant shift in the game. For context, in the original Helldivers, Galactic Wars operated on a monthly cycle where Super Earth faced genuine threats. This Major Order suggests not only a potential fall of Super Earth but also hints at new urban city maps beyond the towns introduced with the Illuminate’s arrival.
New Illuminate Forces
To achieve their objectives, the Illuminate have introduced three new troop types:
- The Stingray – Jetfighters providing aerial support for Illuminate forces
- The Crescent Overseer – Capable of launching barrages on Helldivers in cover
- The Fleshmob – Described as the rat-king of Illuminate husks
Weapon Balance Updates
The update includes numerous adjustments to weapon balance. Johan Pilestedt and Niklas Malmborg from Arrowhead Games have released a comprehensive patch summary video detailing these changes.
Weapon Customisation
One of the most anticipated features of this update is the introduction of weapon customisation, giving players more options to personalise their loadouts for combating the various threats to democracy.
This update represents a pivotal moment for Helldivers 2, as players must now prepare to defend democracy on the home front for the first time.