In the latest update for Helldivers 2, the invasion of Super Earth has escalated dramatically, bringing the war perilously close to home. Amidst the turmoil, it was revealed that the Illuminate have obliterated the neighboring planet of Mars, igniting a fierce desire for retribution among the Helldivers community.
In-universe news outlets have provided detailed reports of the devastation, confirming that Mars has been completely razed by the Illuminate. The destruction extended to the Helldiver Training Sites on Mars, where the dedicated facility operators heroically perished in their efforts to defend the planet.
When players access the Galaxy Map in Helldivers 2, they can see the remnants of Mars—a destroyed, yet still visible, mass of rock.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ MARS HAS BEEN DESTROYED ⚠️⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/sAzkM08qGz
— Helldivers NOW (@Helldivers_NOW) May 20, 2025
Until a recent update, Mars served as the training ground for Helldivers gearing up to spread democracy across the galaxy. The abrupt change in tutorial zones had already raised suspicions, but the motive became clear with the invasion—the Illuminate targeted a location deeply cherished by all Helldivers 2 players.
Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. All Helldiver Training Sites across the planet, where rigorous, thorough, and safe training of the Galaxy's Elite has long occurred, have been destroyed. The expert and seasoned facility PA operators who facilitated the training died… pic.twitter.com/16yEhLK0MM
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025
The official Helldivers 2 social media channels have successfully stoked the flames of vengeance, urging players to "Avenge Mars." The emotional appeal has resonated deeply within the community, with players embracing the narrative wholeheartedly. One player shared a GIF from Starship Troopers, echoing Rico's resolve to retaliate after his hometown's destruction, while another posted the now-iconic closed fist meme. The community's engagement with the storyline exemplifies their commitment to the universal narrative.
Despite the serious tone, some players couldn't resist injecting humor into the situation. "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" quipped one user, with others drawing parallels to DOOM and other media, showcasing the community's playful side.
The invasion of Super Earth by the Illuminate forces is intensifying with the Heart of Democracy update, which launched today. Players can now deploy to defend Super Earth from these extraterrestrial threats, even with the support of new SEAF units. The situation remains chaotic, and as we await further Major Orders, it's clear that more emotional twists from Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios might be on the horizon.
