Helldivers 2 Update Adds Enemies, Weapons, Store Revamp

Helldivers 2 has rolled out a substantial game update introducing Illuminate adversaries, enhanced weapon personalization, progression systems, and Superstore modifications. Patch 01.003.000 is currently available for both PC and PlayStation 5 platforms.

After multiple developer hints from Arrowhead, Helldivers 2 launches a fresh offensive from the extraterrestrial Illuminate faction. As outlined in the PlayStation Blog, this brings formidable new opponents like the Stingray - aerial combat units delivering devastating precision attacks - and the Crescent Overseer, capable of targeting entrenched Helldivers. Also appearing is the grotesque Fleshmob, described as "a monstrous amalgamation of Voteless components serving as overwhelming battlefield threats."

Attention, Helldivers: This is a Galactic Emergency.

The true Illuminate invasion has begun. In a sudden and completely unprovoked offensive manoeuvre, the full Illuminate fleet is emerging from the Meridia Singularity. Nothing is safe - not even the Heart of Democracy itself. pic.twitter.com/2hgtK6akMb

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 13, 2025

Developers hinted at sightings of additional massive spacecraft, suggesting players might uncover more threats during gameplay.

The update introduces comprehensive weapon personalization for primary firearms. Players can level weapons through mission completion, unlocking attachments via Requisition points along with visual customization patterns.

Here's the official description:

Customize your arsenal with precision optics for accuracy, magazine modifications for capacity, muzzle attachments for performance tuning, or under-barrel additions for improved handling. This unprecedented control lets you optimize your preferred weapons for maximum battlefield effectiveness.

Arrowhead has also released FRV weapon patterns featuring Viper Commando, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers themes from the Warbonds archive. These designs become available May 15 alongside the Masters of Ceremony Warbond launch.

The Superstore receives quality-of-life improvements, ensuring constant availability of all items rather than time-gated rotations.

Beyond new content, Patch 01.003.000 delivers extensive gameplay balancing addressing bullet dispersion, recoil mechanics, melee stamina consumption, shrapnel effects, and incendiary damage calculations.