Helldivers 2 had a rocky 2025, but the third-person shooter has started to bounce back from its performance woes. When the game launched in early 2024, it was a brilliant display of how live service models can still put player enjoyment first. As the game continues to receive regular updates, that live service method still works incredibly well. Helldivers 2 may have had its bumps in the road, but this year could be one of the most exciting – and outrageous – yet.
Right now, it is not clear when the game's first major update will arrive. Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Shams Jorjani has already teased that it will be a dud, though. The developer has built a solid reputation for keeping future details under wraps, but Jorjani made one thing clear in a recent Q&A: “a lot of Helldivers are going to die.” Helldiver corpses littering the battlefield are an important part of the fight for Managed Democracy, but details in the game suggest that this next one will be something else Helldivers 2 update.
Helldivers 2 could be gearing up to bring back Illuminate, and it probably won't be pretty
The Ministry of Truth recently made a new announcement regarding The star of peace. This massive laser has the potential to be one of Super Earth's most powerful weapons to date. However, there is one obvious issue standing in the way of the laser. Due to the sheer power of the weapon, the Peace Star quickly burns through normal metals. So, brave Helldivers must fight to secure the Magma planets in order to harvest resources strong enough to withstand the lasers of Democracy. Arrowhead Game Studio is tight-lipped about its words Helldivers 2plans for 2026, but a seemingly hidden image in the Ministry of Truth's announcement may hint at what's coming next — and it's not looking good for the Helldivers.
Eagle-Eyed Helldivers fans may have found an ominous Easter egg
Around the 23-second mark of the Ministry of Truth's announcement, a brief image of a mysterious structure can be seen. Exactly what the building is is up for debate, but it looks very much like an Illuminate-built structure. That's about all that's known at the moment, but it's enough to send a chill down a Helldiver's spine. Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 is no joke. With a giant space laser now in the works, an Illuminate threat that can require that much power is sweat-inducing.
Another big order focused on the Illuminate is a carnage waiting to happen
Shams Jorjani did not mince words. Hell divers are in for a rude awakening. Terminids and automatons are definitely a tough challenge, but the sheer number of Illuminate on the battlefield is what makes them so difficult. High armor and power in numbers make the Illuminate a force to be reckoned with, and Jorjani's warning should be enough to get players prepared for something potentially next level.
What could that illuminated Easter egg potentially mean?
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War against a newly discovered Illuminate planet
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The introduction of new Illuminate types
A large-scale relentless fight with the Illuminate could change the future of Helldivers 2 completely. Of course, that's pretty much been the case for every major order, as wins and losses dictate what move Arrowhead Game Studio makes next. But this could be something on a completely different scale. If the Helldivers fail the Major Order, then there could be serious serious consequences. Helldivers and the Illuminate went toe-to-toe on the former's home turf with the Battle of Super Earth, and something like that could definitely happen again — only worse. The Illuminate did some serious damage their first time around, and if the Octopuses gain control of the Peace Star or simply prove too overwhelming to defeat this time, it could be the end of Super Earth.
The fate of Super-Earth may hang helplessly in the balance, and that's pretty exciting
Super Earth may seem destined to remain a stronghold for the Helldivers and their fight for Managed Democracy, but losing the planet to an outside force is definitely not impossible. Whether it's the Illuminate, Terminids, Automatons, or an as yet undisclosed fourth faction i Helldivers 2the planet is not completely safe from being overtaken. This is pure speculation at the moment, but it's a compelling line of thought to follow. A scenario where the Helldivers lose control of Super Earth and are forced to survive on the edge of space could be the huge twist that brings Helldivers 2 back in the spotlight this year. Even if Super Earth is taken over by a faction, that doesn't mean it's trapped forever either.
A battle to win back Super Earth could be epic
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Developers would get to reuse the Super Earth map in a way that doesn't feel repetitive or lazy.
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A comeback arc could add a deeper layer Helldivers 2s story.
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Winning back Super Earth would be a huge moment for society.
There have been many wild battles Helldivers 2but losing control of Super Earth to win it back on the road is a path worth exploring. It would completely pull the rug out from under players. Such a big wake-up call has the potential to change how seriously large orders are taken down the road. Helldivers is fighting hard enough as it is, but losing Super Earth would be a bold reminder that nothing is off limits in Helldivers 2. The plans for 2026 may be kept under wraps for now, but developers have already teased new ones Helldivers 2 features that can change the game.
Some features that have been hinted at have been larger maps in Helldivers 2 and potentially new vehicles as well. However, only time will tell. The Illuminate may not be ready to take over Super Earth, but breadcrumbs lead many to believe that the Octopus faction is at least cooking up something big. In the meantime, Helldivers should prepare for the worst, because even the CEO of the game's studio believes that many Helldivers will not make it out alive.
- Released
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February 8, 2024
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, intense violence, in-game purchases, user interaction
- Developer
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Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher
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Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
