Illuminate Invasion Hits Super Earth Streets in Helldivers 2 Heart of Democracy Update

The much-anticipated Heart of Democracy major update for *Helldivers 2* is now available on PC and PlayStation 5, introducing Super Earth maps as a new battleground. As previously leaked, the Illuminate invasion has now reached our home planet, Super Earth, allowing players to select missions in Mega Cities and fight alongside SEAF soldiers to push back the enemy forces.

The city biomes feature operations that contribute to the liberation of these urban areas, significantly impacting the ongoing Galactic War. Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind *Helldivers 2*, emphasized the importance of these missions in the community-driven meta-narrative that shapes the game's overarching story.

The Illuminate have reached the Heart of Democracy.

Our Mega Cities are under siege. Liberty now hangs in the balance. The Ministry of Defence has authorised arsenal upgrades and placed SEAF soldiers on active duty. Today, we fight for the future of Super Earth! pic.twitter.com/GxkrAQCmKD

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025

According to the official statement on the PlayStation Blog, Helldivers are now tasked with repelling the Illuminate invasion by gaining control over strategic areas where the enemy fleet is landing. This challenge is likened to an intergalactic tug-of-war, where players must constantly fight to maintain and expand their territory.

Players can utilize Planetary Defense Cannons to take down the Illuminate fleet, as demonstrated in the update's trailer. Additionally, SEAF troops will assist in defending the cities. These troops can operate independently or be directed to follow Helldivers, providing crucial support as players move towards their objectives. However, players must remain vigilant about the presence of civilians in the streets, as managing friendly fire is a key aspect of *Helldivers 2*.

The Heart of Democracy update underscores Arrowhead's dedication to sustaining *Helldivers 2* for the long term, following its successful launch last year. Addressing concerns about the studio potentially shifting focus to a new project, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani reassured players that *Helldivers 2* remains the studio's primary focus. He mentioned that only a small team would gradually work on the next project, codenamed "Game 6," while the majority of resources would continue to support *Helldivers 2*.

Jorjani also highlighted the sustainability of content updates, stating that as long as players continue to engage with the game and purchase Super Credits, Arrowhead can maintain the momentum. He acknowledged past challenges but expressed optimism about the future, crediting the community's support for the game's continued success.