"Helldivers 2 Update: Illuminate Invasion Hits Super Earth Streets"

Helldivers 2 has introduced Super Earth maps as part of the exciting Heart of Democracy major update, now available on PC and PlayStation 5. As previously leaked, the Illuminate invasion has reached Super Earth, allowing players to engage in missions within our home planet's Mega Cities alongside SEAF soldiers.

The new city biomes feature operations aimed at liberating these urban areas, which, according to developer Arrowhead, have a significant impact on the broader planetary campaigns. These missions are integral to Helldivers 2's ongoing Galactic War, a community-driven meta-narrative masterfully orchestrated by Arrowhead.

The Illuminate have reached the Heart of Democracy.

Our Mega Cities are under siege. Liberty now hangs in the balance. The Ministry of Defence has authorised arsenal upgrades and placed SEAF soldiers on active duty. Today, we fight for the future of Super Earth! pic.twitter.com/GxkrAQCmKD

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025

According to the official PlayStation Blog, Helldivers are now tasked with repelling the Illuminate invasion by gaining ground over the squids in areas where their fleet is landing. This challenge is described as an intergalactic tug-of-war, where control over territories shifts rapidly.

Players can utilize Planetary Defense Cannons to take down the Illuminate fleet, as showcased in the trailer. Additionally, SEAF troops will assist in defending the cities. These squads can operate independently or follow Helldivers to provide temporary support as they move toward objectives. However, players must remain cautious of civilians still present in the streets, as managing friendly fire remains a crucial aspect of the game.

The Heart of Democracy update underscores Arrowhead's commitment to the long-term development of Helldivers 2, following its record-breaking launch last year. Addressing concerns about shifting focus to a new project, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani reassured fans, stating, "Nah. It's ALL Helldivers 2 for now. A very, very small team will spin up something later this year and go at it slowly. Helldivers is our main focus and will be for a long time."

Jorjani also emphasized the sustainability of Helldivers 2, saying, "As long as you folks keep playing and buying Super Credits we can keep it going." He pointed to the game's virtual currency used for purchasing Premium Warbonds and noted the turnaround from last summer's challenges, expressing optimism about the game's future due to strong player support.