The Galactic War against the Terminids and Automatons rages on, but veteran Helldivers know that these are not the only threats to Managed Democracy. Whispers on the front lines and strange battlefield phenomena have led to one burning question: What is the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, and when will they arrive?
For now, Super Earth command is silent, but the evidence is mounting. From mysterious blue lasers to deep-dive data mines, all signs point to the imminent return of the technologically advanced alien race from the original game. This guide will cover all the lore, leaks, and evidence surrounding the arrival of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2.
Who Are the Illuminate? A Look Back at Helldivers 1
For those who didn’t fight in the first Galactic War, the Illuminate are an ancient and highly advanced alien civilization. Their entire society is built around a singular goal: the creation of powerful weapons. While Super Earth propaganda labeled them as warmongers bent on destroying our way of life, the Illuminate saw their actions as a path to enlightenment, believing the creation of the perfect weapon was a sacred act.
In the first game, they were a formidable foe, vastly different from the mindless bugs or clunky bots. Their forces consisted of:
- Advanced Shielding: Many of their units were protected by powerful energy shields that had to be overloaded before any damage could be done.
- Teleportation: Illuminate units could warp across the battlefield in an instant, making them incredibly hard to pin down.
- Psychic and Elemental Attacks: Their most powerful units, like the Council Members, could use psychic abilities to reverse a Helldiver’s controls or call down walls of fire.
They were defeated and their homeworld, “Squ’ith,” was destroyed by Super Earth forces. However, it was always believed that some remnants of their civilization survived, waiting in the dark corners of the galaxy.
Evidence for the Illuminate in Helldivers 2
While developer Arrowhead hasn’t officially confirmed the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, the community has compiled a mountain of evidence that all but guarantees their return.
The Mysterious Blue Lasers
The most compelling in-game evidence comes from the battlefield itself. For weeks, players have been reporting being targeted and killed by mysterious, high-velocity blue laser beams. These shots are distinct from the red lasers of the Automatons and do not match any known player Stratagem or weapon. You can find dozens of clips on the Helldivers subreddit showcasing these strange attacks, which many believe are the first signs of Illuminate scouts testing our defenses.
Datamined Leaks
Dedicated community members have been digging into the game’s files since its launch. These dataminers have reportedly uncovered files that directly reference Illuminate enemy types, assets, and even a new faction-specific status effect. While leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt, the sheer volume of Illuminate-related files found is hard to ignore.
The Empty Space on the Galactic Map
Look at the Galactic War map. The Terminids are advancing from the galactic east, and the Automatons from the west. But to the south, there is a large, empty void. This space is widely believed to be the staging ground for the Illuminate’s eventual invasion, allowing them to open a third front in the war and stretch Super Earth’s forces to their breaking point.
What to Expect from the Illuminate Faction
Based on their identity in the first game, the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 will likely be the “glass cannon” faction. They may not have the overwhelming numbers of the bugs or the heavy armor of the bots, but their advanced technology will make them incredibly deadly and difficult to fight.
Expect to face enemies that can:
- Go Invisible: Stealth units that can sneak past your defenses.
- Disable Your Stratagems: Psychic attacks that could scramble your call-ins.
- Create Illusions: Powerful Psykers that might create clones of themselves to confuse your squad.
- Teleport Behind You: Fast-moving assassins that bypass your front line entirely.
Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 will require completely different tactics, with a focus on overwhelming their shields with sustained, high-rate-of-fire weapons.
When Will the Illuminate Arrive in Helldivers 2?
This is the billion-dollar question. The arrival of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 will almost certainly be a major, narrative-shattering event orchestrated by the Game Master, Joel. Their invasion will likely begin after a significant turning point in the current war, such as the complete eradication of another faction, lulling us into a false sense of security before they strike.
For now, all we can do is prepare. This new threat will test our skills and our gear in ways we haven’t seen before. Clear communication and a well-coordinated squad will be more important than ever.
Make sure your squad can hear every critical callout when this new front opens. If you’re looking to upgrade your own comms, check out our guide to the best USB microphones for streaming and gaming.
Stay vigilant, Helldivers. The war is far from over.