Why Helldivers 2’s Illuminate Being a No-Show Still is Actually in the Game’s Favor

Considering how much Helldivers 2 has followed in the footsteps of the original game, it would be a missed opportunity for the Illuminate enemy faction not to return to the franchise. Yet while the return of the Illuminate faction in Helldivers 2 remains highly anticipated, Arrowhead Studios should arguably hold off on introducing any new enemy factions to Helldivers 2.

The Illuminate faction reappearing in Helldivers 2 would surely be a major milestone that will forever change the game, so despite not being confirmed, it seems inevitable that the Illuminate will return. However, the timing of when this might happen is of the utmost importance, potentially impacting Helldivers 2’s longevity. For the time being, Helldivers 2 should continue to explore new story events, missions, and enemy units for Terminids and Automatons, and save the return of the Illuminate faction for a rainy day when the game needs it most.

Helldivers 2’s Missing Illuminate Faction Might Set an Unfortunate Precedent

The anticipated Illuminate faction still nowhere to be seen in Helldivers 2 might be an unfortunate sign regarding a particular aspect of the game.

The Absence of Helldivers 2’s Illuminate Faction Gives Terminids and Automatons More Time in the Spotlight

While there have been a few standout moments on both the Automaton and Terminid war fronts, these events have been few and far between. Consequently, Helldivers 2’s ongoing Galactic War can still carry on with new Automaton and Terminid story events for the foreseeable future without the need to introduce a new enemy faction just yet.

Helldivers 2’s Terminid and Automaton Wars Are Far From Over

Some of the most notable story developments on the Terminid war front have been the introduction of the new enemy units like Shriekers and Impalers, the Meridia Super Colony turning into a mysterious black hole, and the uncontrollable spread of the Gloom. However, it’s been over three months since the Gloom was first revealed in August 2024, and even longer since the Meridia black hole incident, with players still waiting to see what will become of these developments.

Helldivers 2
’s Terminid Impalers and Shriekers will only be present in missions on hard difficulty (level five) or higher.

Meanwhile, on the Automaton front, there have also been several recent story developments, namely the finished construction of the new DSS in Helldivers 2. With players making such a major accomplishment, retaliation from the Automatons is seemingly inevitable. Needless to say, Helldivers 2’s Terminid and Automaton wars are far from over, keeping players engaged without the need to introduce a new enemy faction just yet.

The Timing of Helldivers 2’s Illuminate Faction Returning Could Make or Break the Game’s Longevity

Since there’s been no concrete evidence so far to suggest that there will be any additional enemy factions in Helldivers 2 beyond Terminids, Automatons, and the potential Illuminate faction, the introduction of the Illuminate faction will be a major moment in Helldivers 2’s lifecycle. Consequently, playing this trump card and releasing the Illuminate too early, such as the game’s current state, could negatively affect Helldivers 2’s long-term lifecycle. Instead, Helldivers 2 should save the return of the Illuminate faction for a rainy day and focus on maintaining the ongoing Automaton and Terminid Galactic War story arcs for the time being.

Even though the anticipated release of the Illuminate faction in Helldivers 2 won’t mean that Automatons and Terminids suddenly become irrelevant, the absence of the Illuminate naturally allows Helldivers 2’s existing enemy factions to remain in the spotlight. With plenty of room to grow Terminids and Automatons with new enemy units, mission types, and major story events before the Illuminate faction arrives, Helldivers 2 can afford to take its time with introducing the Illuminate, or any other new enemy factions.

Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.
Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.
Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.
Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.
Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1
Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.

Systems