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

The much-anticipated Heart of Democracy update for Helldivers 2 has arrived, bringing the Illuminate invasion to Super Earth. This major update, now available on PC and PlayStation 5, introduces new missions set in the Mega Cities of our home planet, where players can fight alongside SEAF soldiers to defend against the alien threat. The city biomes feature operations that contribute significantly to planetary campaigns, enhancing the ongoing Galactic War narrative orchestrated by developer 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 PlayStation Blog, the Helldivers are now tasked with repelling the Illuminate invasion by gaining control over strategic areas where the fleet is landing. This new challenge is likened to an intergalactic tug-of-war, where players must constantly battle to maintain control. The update introduces Planetary Defense Cannons, allowing players to take down the Illuminate fleet, as seen in the trailer. Additionally, SEAF troops will aid in the defense, either fighting independently or following Helldivers to provide temporary backup. Players must also be cautious of civilians still present in the combat zones, emphasizing the importance of managing friendly fire.

Arrowhead's commitment to Helldivers 2 remains strong, with the Heart of Democracy update being part of a long-term plan to keep the game thriving following its record-breaking launch. Addressing concerns about moving on to new projects, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani reassured players that Helldivers 2 is the studio's main focus for the foreseeable future. "Nah. It's ALL Helldivers 2 for now," Jorjani stated, adding that only a small team would work on "Game 6" at a slow pace. He emphasized that as long as players continue to engage with the game and purchase Super Credits, Arrowhead can sustain content updates. Jorjani reflected on the studio's turnaround from last summer, crediting player support for the game's bright future.