The latest update for Helldivers 2 brings the galactic conflict to Super Earth's doorstep with an invasion underway. Amidst the turmoil, the Illuminate have devastated the neighboring planet of Mars, igniting a fierce desire for retribution among players. In-universe news reports have confirmed that Mars, once a hub for Helldiver training, has been razed. The destruction included the Helldiver Training Sites, and the dedicated facility operators who defended the planet tragically perished.
Upon opening the Galaxy Map in Helldivers 2, players are now greeted with the sight of Mars as a destroyed but still present mass of rock. The Helldivers community has been vocal on social media, with posts like:
#Helldivers2 | #Helldivers2GalacticWar
⚠️⚠️⚠️ MARS HAS BEEN DESTROYED ⚠️⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/sAzkM08qGz
— Helldivers NOW (@Helldivers_NOW) May 20, 2025
Mars served as the training ground for Helldivers until a recent update shifted the tutorial zones, signaling the impending invasion. The Illuminate's attack on Mars, a place with sentimental value for all Helldivers 2 players, has been a significant blow. The official Helldivers 2 account shared promotional art on X/Twitter, rallying players with the message "Avenge Mars":
Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. All Helldiver Training Sites across the planet, where rigorous, thorough, and safe training of the Galaxy's Elite has long occurred, have been destroyed. The expert and seasoned facility PA operators who facilitated the training died… pic.twitter.com/16yEhLK0MM
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025
The call to action has resonated with the community, with players embracing the narrative through various memes and references, including a GIF from Starship Troopers and the closed fist meme. Even amidst the seriousness, some players humorously noted, "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" alongside references to DOOM and other media.
The invasion of Super Earth by Illuminate forces is a central feature of Helldivers 2's Heart of Democracy update, launched today. Players can now engage directly in the defense of Super Earth against the extraterrestrial squids, supported by new SEAF reinforcements. The situation remains chaotic, and as players navigate through upcoming Major Orders, more dramatic developments are expected from developer Arrowhead Game Studios and game master Joel.
