Many Helldivers, both new and experienced, have questions about the ongoing conflict, particularly concerning the elusive Illuminate. This guide breaks down the key events and current gameplay realities based on the collective experience of the player base.

Who are the Illuminate, and what was their plan?

The Illuminate, often called "Squ'ith," are an advanced alien species that returned to the Milky Way via the Meridia wormhole. Their primary objective was revenge against Super Earth. They harvested dark energy to physically move the Meridia black hole—now understood to be a wormhole—on a collision course with Super Earth itself. This campaign led to the destruction of several planets, including Angel's Venture and Ivis. Their tactics differ significantly from the Terminids and Automatons, relying on technology, cloaking, and psychic abilities rather than sheer numbers or brute force.

How was the black hole stopped, and what happened at Super Earth?

The combined efforts of the Helldivers and Super Earth scientists culminated in two major projects. First, the Penrose Energy Siphon slowed the black hole's momentum. Later, the Repulsive Gravity Field Generator, constructed at Pilen V, finally halted it completely in late April 2185. This apparent victory was short-lived. The Illuminate's main fleet, the "Great Host," then emerged from the stabilized wormhole and launched a direct invasion of Super Earth in May. After a brutal, ten-day battle that saw the fall of mega-cities and the death of the President, the Helldivers and SEAF forces ultimately repelled the invasion, though at a tremendous cost.

Where are the Illuminate now, and how do we fight them?

Following their defeat at Super Earth, the Illuminate retreated to the Galactic South. They currently control a swath of planets and have been "twisting" captured cities, altering their infrastructure for unknown purposes. From a gameplay perspective, Illuminate missions demand a different approach. Most players find that area-control Stratagems (like orbital barrages or static field conductors) are less effective against their mobile, teleporting units. Prioritizing high-precision, single-target weapons and stratagems to handle shielded enemies and disruptors is generally more successful. Team coordination to break their cloaking and manage patrols is crucial.

What is the state of the major orders and the galactic war?

The war is now a persistent three-front conflict. Major Orders typically rotate between containing Terminid outbreaks, pushing back Automaton advances, and attempting to curb Illuminate expansion in the south. It's common for a Major Order focusing on one enemy to be interrupted by a sudden, urgent offensive from another. Player forces are often split, meaning achieving 100% liberation on an Illuminate front can be challenging before the community's attention is forced elsewhere. This reflects the ongoing, chaotic nature of the war.

What are some practical tips for managing resources and progression?

Earning Requisition Slips, Samples, and Medals is core to progression. Most players focus on completing personal and Major Orders for consistent rewards. Running higher-difficulty missions yields more samples but requires a well-coordinated squad and a versatile loadout. It's wise to specialize your Stratagems and Ship Modules based on the enemy faction you plan to face for an extended session. While the in-game economy is designed for steady progression through gameplay, some players look for shortcuts. A small number of players might choose to buy helldivers 2 items online from third-party sources, but this is generally discouraged by the community due to risks like account compromise and the satisfaction of earning rewards through gameplay.

Is the Illuminate war over?

No. The Illuminate were severely weakened but not eradicated. They remain an active, though currently contained, threat in the Galactic South. Their ability to cloak their movements and their long-term goal of rebuilding their empire means they are a persistent strategic concern. High Command regularly issues orders to liberate planets they have corrupted. In general, players should expect the Illuminate to be a recurring adversary, with their controlled sector acting as a permanent, volatile front in the endless war for managed democracy.