When Helldivers 2 launched, players were immediately thrown into a chaotic war against the Automatons and Terminids. But for many veterans of the original Helldivers, one question has lingered since day one: where are the Illuminate? The mysterious, high-tech alien faction was a major part of the first game, known for their psionic attacks and advanced energy weapons. As of now, they’re nowhere to be found—but that might be about to change.
What Were the Illuminate in the Original Helldivers?
In the first Helldivers, the Illuminate were a technologically superior alien species wielding plasma weaponry and teleportation devices. They stood apart from the more brute-force enemies like the Bugs and Cyborgs, relying on stealth and psychic manipulation. Fighting them required patience, precision, and a solid understanding of their unique mechanics.
Their absence in Helldivers 2 hasn’t gone unnoticed. Many long-time players have speculated that Arrowhead Game Studios is holding them back for a future major update or new war campaign. The developers have even hinted that “the war is far from over,” suggesting more factions could eventually join the Galactic War.
Clues About Their Return
While there’s no official confirmation yet, several signs point to the Illuminate making a comeback. Some dataminers claim to have found in-game files referencing “energy weapons” and “psionic effects,” which strongly resemble Illuminate technology. Additionally, cryptic transmissions from the Super Earth Command in recent updates have mentioned “an unseen enemy watching from the void,” fueling even more speculation.
Fans have taken this as a possible tease that the Illuminate could be observing the ongoing conflict between humans, Automatons, and Terminids—waiting for the perfect time to strike. If that’s true, players may soon face a new front in the Galactic War that requires adapting their loadouts and tactics all over again.
What This Could Mean for Gameplay
If the Illuminate return, expect a shift in the way players approach missions. Their combat style typically involves more energy shields, cloaked units, and psychic abilities—making them unpredictable opponents. This would likely push the community to rethink current meta loadouts, especially for higher difficulties where enemy variety and coordination become critical.
Players might also see new armor sets and weapons inspired by Illuminate technology. With the constant grind for better gear and upgrades, many players already look for ways to progress faster, whether they aim to buy Helldivers 2 medals or buy Helldivers 2 super credits Xbox from legitimate platforms like U4GM to speed up unlocks. As always, staying prepared for new content drops is key in Helldivers 2, especially if a third faction shakes up the balance of power.
At this point, the Illuminate’s return is still speculation—but it’s the kind that makes Helldivers 2’s ongoing live-service model exciting. Arrowhead has done a great job of evolving the game post-launch, and adding the Illuminate would be a perfect way to expand the universe while keeping veteran players engaged.
Whether they emerge as a full-scale invasion or a limited-time event, their presence could redefine the war for Super Earth once again. Until then, keep your weapons ready, your stratagems sharp, and your eyes on the stars—the Illuminate might already be watching.