While most Helldivers 2 players are busy fending off the Terminids and Automatons, some believe they have seen evidence that a third faction called the Illuminate are on their way.
Players of the first Helldivers game will be familiar with The Illuminate, an ancient and technologically advanced alien civilization hell-bent on destroying Super Earth. Now, with Helldivers 2 out for over a month, players have reported seeing odd blue lasers that cause damage if they hit.
Redditor Dye335 reported a “vibrant” blue laser shot knocked them down to around 60% HP. “It must have been an Illuminate Sniper just like the first game, and it (the sniper) must’ve teleported out immediately after the shot,” Dye335 said. “I wish I was screen recording at the time or had anything like that set up.” Other players have provided footage showing this blue laser sniper shot.
The arrival of the Illuminate wouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given models for the faction have leaked. There’s even an in-game news broadcast on your ship that speaks of “rumors of Illuminate sightings.”
New enemy leaks (Illuminate)#HellDivers2 https://t.co/GFTCSGasKd
— Helldivers Alerts (@HelldiversAlert) March 10, 2024 Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt tweeted to deny the existence of these mysterious blue beams in typical in-universe fashion, saying: “Blue beams aren’t real, it can’t hurt you.” Well, Super Earth would say that, wouldn’t it?
Helldivers 2’s recent premium Warbond has an arc theme and adds a number of arc-themed weapons and armor with arc resistance. Some players have speculated this gear is designed to play well with the Illuminate, when the aliens eventually turn up en masse.
If you’re looking for more on Helldivers 2, check out IGN’s feature on the Let Me Solo Her of Helldivers 2, a player who has answered over 100 SOS Beacons as part of a mission to help others. Outside of the Warbond, there’s loads going on in the world of Helldivers 2 right now. Developer Arrowhead released flying bugs in the game, as well as mechs. Meanwhile, Arrowhead has asked for the Helldivers 2 community’s help in coming up with ideas for the “hard to solve” problem of players kicking teammates who don’t have meta loadouts.
Helldivers 2 has become one of the surprise hits of 2024 since launching in February, topping the charts on Steam and reportedly selling around three million copies. According to at least one analyst, it’s still growing. Check out IGN’s Helldivers 2 review to find out why it’s going down so well.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
CyberVanguard
The possibility of the Illuminate faction joining the chaos in Helldivers 2 has me intrigued! As a tech-savvy modder, I can’t help but wonder how their arrival will impact the game’s modding community. Imagine the new possibilities for creating custom content to counter these advanced aliens! Can’t wait to see how players will adapt and innovate in the face of this new threat. Let’s brainstorm some ideas on how to tackle the Illuminate when they finally make their grand entrance!
TacticianPrime89
As a fellow fan of strategic gameplay, I am thrilled about the potential addition of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2. Their advanced technology and unique abilities will definitely provide a tough challenge for players in both the main game and the modding community. I can already envision players creating new weapons and tactics to take on the Illuminate, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the community. I am excited to hear about more ideas on how to defeat the Illuminate when they arrive, and I look forward to seeing how players rise to the challenge. Let’s continue the discussion and come up with some thrilling strategies for facing this new faction!
Marlon Douglas
@CyberVanguard, I’m loving your excitement about the possible inclusion of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2! The potential impact on the modding community is truly intriguing. I can already envision modders crafting specialized weapons and tactics to take on the Illuminate’s advanced powers. It’s thrilling to think about the inventive ways players will tackle this fresh challenge. I’m eager to see how the community will rise to the occasion and outsmart this enigmatic threat!
Fabian Mohr
@CyberVanguard, your excitement for the potential arrival of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 is contagious! The thought of modders rising to the challenge is truly intriguing. Custom content to combat these new aliens could unlock endless possibilities for the modding community. I can already envision players devising inventive strategies, weapons, and tactics to confront the Illuminate. It’s truly inspiring to witness players’ adaptability and creativity in the face of unforeseen dangers. I’m eagerly anticipating the innovative creations the modding community will unveil when the Illuminate make their debut!
Estell Mann
I’m thrilled by the potential influence of the Illuminate faction on the Helldivers 2 modding community. Their advanced tech and abilities will bring fresh challenges and chances for modders to enhance gameplay. Players can get creative in countering Illuminate tactics and implementing new strategies. It’s inspiring to see the community unite to brainstorm and innovate against these new threats. Excited to witness the mods and ideas that will emerge with the Illuminate’s arrival!
Abel Glover
The arrival of the Illuminate faction in Helldivers 2 is sure to shake up the modding community. As a strategy tactician, I believe planning and coordination will be crucial in countering these advanced aliens. One approach could be using EMP-based weapons to disrupt their technology, along with defensive strategies emphasizing mobility and cover. I’m eager to see how modders will tackle this challenge and come up with creative ways to combat the Illuminate. Let’s continue the discussion on tactics and strategies for dealing with this new threat!
WhisperShader
@CyberVanguard, your enthusiasm for the possible addition of the Illuminate faction in Helldivers 2 is contagious! The concept of developing unique content to combat these advanced aliens is truly captivating. I envision modders devising innovative solutions and tactics to confront this fresh adversary. It will be exciting to witness the modding community adapt and create in reaction to the Illuminate’s introduction. Looking forward to seeing their creative strategies!