Helldivers 2 Update: Illuminate Invade Super Earth

Helldivers 2 now features Super Earth battlegrounds, introduced in the major Heart of Democracy update.

As previously leaked, the Heart of Democracy update—available now on PC and PlayStation 5—brings the Illuminate invasion to Super Earth. Missions on our home planet within Mega Cities are now accessible, allowing players to combat the threat alongside SEAF troops.

The urban biomes include liberation-focused operations that, according to developer Arrowhead, carry “a notable influence on planetary campaigns.” This ties into Helldivers 2’s ongoing Galactic War, a community-driven meta-narrative managed by Arrowhead behind the scenes.

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

Here’s the official description from the PlayStation Blog:

Helldivers face a fresh mission: repel the Illuminate assault by seizing control over squid-held landing zones. This won’t be easy, soldiers. Picture an interstellar tug-of-war, where territory shifts rapidly between your forces and the invaders.

As showcased in the trailer, you can now deploy Planetary Defense Cannons to destroy Illuminate ships. Additionally, SEAF units will assist in defending urban centers. These squads engage enemies independently or can be directed to accompany Helldivers, offering temporary support during operations. However, be cautious of civilians remaining in the streets; managing friendly fire remains as crucial as eliminating alien threats.

The Heart of Democracy update reflects Arrowhead’s ongoing pledge to support Helldivers 2 for the foreseeable future, following its record-breaking debut last year.

Recently, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani responded to player worries that the studio might shift focus to its next title, referred to as "Game 6."

"No way. Right now, it's ALL about Helldivers 2," he affirmed. "A tiny team will begin exploring something new later this year, but progress will be slow. Helldivers is our primary focus and will remain so for a very long time."

So, how long does Jorjani anticipate content updates continuing?

"As long as players keep engaging and purchasing Super Credits, we can sustain development," Jorjani remarked, referencing the in-game currency used for Premium Warbonds. "Last summer, we faced challenges that threatened long-term support—but we corrected course, and thanks to your strong backing, the future looks promising."