After much anticipation, the Illuminate faction made its debut in Helldivers 2 during a surprise unveiling at The Game Awards in December. This new alien race injected a much-needed breath of fresh air into the game’s adversary lineup. While the Automatons and Terminds remain significant threats to players as they strive to maintain Managed Democracy on Super Earth, the introduction of the Illuminate adds deeper layers of strategy and engagement to the gameplay experience.
Moreover, the entry of the Illuminate paves the way for the potential inclusion of more enemy factions in the future. Although new additions may not be imminent, the possibility of a fourth faction emerging is now tantalizingly within reach, inviting players to speculate about upcoming challenges on the battlefield.
Could a Fourth Enemy Faction Be in the Works for Helldivers 2?
The Potential for Human Rebels
Speculation about the emergence of a human rebel faction has permeated the Helldivers 2 community for some time. Though much of this dialogue stems from fan theories, there are integral elements within the game suggesting that rebel forces might soon make an appearance. Players have been tasked with silencing “dissident radio broadcasts, ”and upon careful listening, these broadcasts reveal whistleblower messages that expose the darker actions of Super Earth.
While these broadcasts could merely serve as flavorful additions to the game’s narrative, they may well hint at a broader and more significant plot development. Given the formidable nature of the Illuminate, any prospective fourth faction must be compelling, and a band of rebels could provide the perfect narrative twist to enrich the storyline.
Interestingly, the Illuminate refer to themselves as the Squ’ith, an ancient race existing long before humans evolved into Homo sapiens, adding depth to the game’s lore.
Allowing Time for the Illuminate to Establish Themselves
Having recently marked its first year, Helldivers 2 is still in the burgeoning stages of incorporating the Illuminate into its gameplay. With this new faction only recently introduced, it took nearly a year for the enemy roster to expand in this sequel. Therefore, introducing a potential fourth faction, whether human rebels or entirely new adversaries, is likely still a considerable distance away. If the timeline holds, players may not see this new element until late 2025 at the earliest.
Despite the buzz surrounding a possible human rebel faction, it is crucial for the Illuminate to be fully explored first. There are certainly engaging storylines and lore yet to be uncovered within this alien faction throughout the upcoming year. The Illuminate needs to firmly establish its identity within Helldivers 2, similar to the Automatons and Terminds, before any new factions can take center stage.
It’s noteworthy that Helldivers 2 earned accolades for Best Multiplayer Game and Best Ongoing Game at the 2024 Game Awards, underscoring its successful live-service model and ongoing commitment to the community.
Entering the Second Year of Gameplay
With the conclusion of its inaugural year, Helldivers 2 has set a strong precedent for what a live-service experience can achieve. Despite its challenges, the arrival of the Illuminate signals a promising year ahead, filled with potential surprises and new content for players to enjoy.
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