If Helldivers 2’s First Major 2026 Update is Everything It’s Being Hyped Up to Be, The Game Will Never Be the Same

Right now, it’s not clear when the game’s first big update will arrive. Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Shams Jorjani has already teased that it’s going to be a doozy, though. The developer has built a solid reputation for keeping future details hidden, but Jorjani made one thing clear in a recent Q&A: “a lot of Helldivers will die.” Helldiver corpses littering the battlefield is an essential part of the fight for Managed Democracy, but in-game details are hinting that there’s going to be something different about this next Helldivers 2 update.

Helldivers 2 Could Be Gearing Up to Bring Back the Illuminate, and it Probably Won’t Be Pretty

Image via Arrowhead Game Studios

The Ministry of Truth recently made a new announcement regarding the Star of Peace. This hulking laser has the potential to be one of Super Earth’s most powerful weapons to date. There’s one glaring issue getting in the way of the laser, though. Because of the sheer power of the weapon, the Star of Peace quickly burns through normal metals. So, brave Helldivers must fight to secure the Magma Planets in order to harvest resources that are strong enough to withstand democracy’s laser. Arrowhead Game Studio is keeping tight-lipped about Helldivers 2‘s 2026 plans, but a seemingly hidden image in the Ministry of Truth’s announcement could be pointing at what to expect next — and it isn’t looking good for the Helldivers.

Eagle-Eyed Helldivers Fans May Have Found an Ominous Illuminate Easter Egg

Around the 23-second mark in the Ministry of Truth’s announcement, a brief image of a mysterious structure can be seen. What exactly the building is remains up for debate, but it looks an awful lot like an Illuminate-built structure. That’s about all that’s known at the moment, but it’s enough to send a chill up a Helldiver’s spine. Fighting the Illuminate in Helldivers 2 is no joke. With a giant space laser now in the works, an Illuminate threat that could require that much power is sweat-inducing.

Another Major Order Focused on the Illuminate is a Bloodbath Waiting to Happen

Shams Jorjani didn’t mince words. Helldivers are in for a rude awakening. Terminids and Automatons are definitely a tough challenge, but the sheer number of Illuminate that are present on the battlefield is what makes them so difficult. High armor and power in numbers make the Illuminate a force to be reckoned with, and Jorjani’s warning should be enough to get players prepared for something potentially next level.

What Could the Illuminate Easter Egg Potentially Mean?

• War on a newly discovered Illuminate planet
• The introduction of new Illuminate types

A large-scale relentless battle with the Illuminate could change the future of Helldivers 2 entirely. Of course, that’s pretty much been the case for every Major Order, since wins and losses dictate what move Arrowhead Game Studio makes next. But, this might be something on a completely different scale. If Helldivers fail the Major Order, then it could have some seriously dire consequences. Helldivers and the Illuminate went toe-to-toe on the former’s home turf with the Battle of Super Earth, and something like that could definitely happen again — only worse. The Illuminate did some serious damage its first time around, and if the squids get in control of the Star of Peace or simply prove too overwhelming to defeat this time around, it might be game over for Super Earth.

The Fate of Super Earth May Be Hanging Helplessly in the Balance, and That’s Pretty Exciting

Super Earth may seem destined to remain a stronghold for Helldivers and their fight for Managed Democracy, but losing the planet to an outside force is definitely not impossible. Whether it’s the Illuminate, Terminids, Automatons, or a yet-to-be-revealed fourth faction in Helldivers 2, the planet isn’t completely safe from being overtaken. This is purely speculation at the moment, but it’s a compelling line of thought to follow. A scenario where the Helldivers lose control of Super Earth and are forced to survive on the outskirts of space might be the huge twist that brings Helldivers 2 back into the spotlight this year. Even if Super Earth is taken over by a faction, that doesn’t mean it’s captured forever, either.

Image via Arrowhead Game Studios

A Fight to Win Back Super Earth Could Be Epic

• Developers would get to re-use the Super Earth map in a way that doesn’t feel repetitive or lazy.
• A comeback arc could add a deeper layer to Helldivers 2‘s story.
• Winning back Super Earth would be a huge moment for the community.

There have been plenty of wild battles in Helldivers 2, but losing control of Super Earth to win it back down the road is a path worth exploring. It would completely pull the rug out from under players. Such a big wake-up call has the potential to change how seriously Major Orders are taken down the road. Helldivers fight hard enough as it is, but losing Super Earth would be a bold reminder that nothing is off limits in Helldivers 2. Plans for 2026 may be kept secret for now, but developers have already been teasing new Helldivers 2 features that could be game-changers.

Some features that have been hinted at have been larger maps in Helldivers 2 and potentially even new vehicles. Only time will tell, though. The Illuminate may not be ready to take over Super Earth, but breadcrumbs are leading many to believe that the squid faction is at least cooking up something big. In the meantime, Helldivers should prepare for the worst, because even the CEO of the game’s studio thinks a lot of Helldivers aren’t going to make it out alive.

Released

February 8, 2024

ESRB

Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact

Developer(s)

Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing