Helldivers 2's Illuminate Update Overhauls Combat, Cosmetics and the In-Game Economy

Yahoo

13-05-2025

Arrowhead Game Studios' Helldivers 2 continues to expand with fresh content, as the team unveils a new Illuminate threat and updates to the Superstore in defence of Super Earth.
A major update has landed on the battlefields of Helldivers 2. A new post on the PlayStation Blog has warned players of looming Illuminate forces spreading across the galaxy, and it's up to Super Earth's finest to hold the line. Patch 01.003.000 is now live on both PC and PlayStation 5, introducing more dangerous Illuminate enemies, significant changes to the Superstore, and new weapon customization options for the more style-conscious Helldiver. Arrowhead Game Studios has also released an official trailer for the patch, which can be viewed below.
Since being introduced as a threat to the Super Earth way of life, the Illuminate have grown in both numbers and variety. Helldivers 2 has issued a Galactic Emergency, alerting all Helldivers to the expanding Illuminate scourge. After several warnings posted on social media, Arrowhead Game Studios has pulled back the curtain on new Illuminate enemy types.
Among them is the Stingray, a jet-fighter-style adversary that provides aerial fire support for Illuminate forces. Another new threat is the Crescent Overseer, a unit capable of launching heavy barrages to flush Helldivers out of cover.
Lastly, new intel has revealed failed Illuminate experiments known as the Fleshmob. These grotesque creations are the Illuminate's answer to Frankenstein's monster—assembled from 'voteless parts' and turned into brute battlefield enforcers. Helldivers will need to work together to take them down. Details remain scarce, and like previous adversaries, players will need to learn more about the Fleshmob through direct engagement in the field.
To fight back the new threat, Helldivers 2 has given Helldivers the ability to customize their weapon load outs. Nearly every weapon in the game can now be personalized with new colourways, allowing Helldivers to express individuality on the battlefield. In addition to these cosmetic upgrades, players can now equip new weapon attachments to help eliminate threats to Super Earth with greater efficiency.
Arrowhead has also deployed patterns for the FRV themes on Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds. These patterns unlock on May 15, with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.
In addition to the latest patch updates, Helldivers 2 has overhauled the Superstore to better serve players who don't log in daily. Previously, Superstore items would rotate out quickly, frustrating some fans. In response to player feedback, Arrowhead Game Studios has extended the duration items remain in the store. With today's update, Helldivers can now view all current Superstore offerings and make purchases at any time, eliminating the need to wait for future rotations.
The new Helldivers 2 patch 01.003.000 is live now, and fans looking for more information on overall balance notes can visit the official Steam page for a detailed breakdown.