Helldivers 2 Update: Illuminate Invasion Hits Super Earth Streets

The much-anticipated Heart of Democracy update for *Helldivers 2* has finally arrived, bringing the battle to Super Earth itself. Now available on PC and PlayStation 5, this major update introduces the Illuminate invasion to our home planet, allowing players to engage in missions within the Mega Cities alongside SEAF soldiers.

The new city biomes feature operations focused on liberating these urban areas, which developer Arrowhead emphasizes have a "significant impact on planetary campaigns." These missions are part of the ongoing Galactic War, a community-driven meta-narrative meticulously crafted 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!

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

According to the PlayStation Blog, the Helldivers are now tasked with repelling the Illuminate invasion by gaining control over areas where the enemy fleet is landing. This is described as an intergalactic tug-of-war, where players will struggle to gain and lose control quickly.

Players can now activate Planetary Defense Cannons to take down the Illuminate fleet, as demonstrated in the trailer. SEAF troops will also join the fray, fighting independently or following Helldivers to provide temporary backup as you move toward your objectives. However, players must remain vigilant about civilians still roaming the streets, as managing friendly fire is as crucial as combating the alien invaders.

The Heart of Democracy update underscores Arrowhead's dedication to *Helldivers 2*, ensuring the game's longevity following its record-breaking launch last year. Addressing player concerns, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani confirmed that the studio's primary focus remains on *Helldivers 2*. "Nah. It's ALL Helldivers 2 for now," Jorjani stated, adding that a small team will slowly work on the next project, dubbed "Game 6," later this year.

Jorjani also shared insights on how long content updates might continue for *Helldivers 2*. "As long as you folks keep playing and buying Super Credits we can keep it going," he said, referring to the game's virtual currency used to purchase Premium Warbonds. He acknowledged the challenges faced last summer but emphasized the positive turnaround, crediting the community's support for the bright future ahead.