Illuminate Attacks Begin with Widows Harbor - Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 has entered a new chapter of its campaign with a surprise assault on Widows Harbor. The enemy? The Illuminate. Their sudden appearance introduced powerful units that overwhelmed many squads. The skies above Super Earth are now in constant threat. Early signs suggest this is just the first wave.
The assault coincides with information shared by Iron Sights and a regional PlayStation post. According to their report, the Heart of Democracy update will arrive on May 20, and the next Warbond becomes available on May 16. These will add major content, including new cities, units, and a potential shift in mission types.
Super Earth Invasion and Mega City Frontlines (Helldivers 2 – Galactic Emergency Invasion Update)
Iron Sights revealed the plan behind the current events. The Illuminate built a fleet in secret, hidden beyond the Meridian wormhole. That fleet now advances toward Super Earth. The primary objective? Take the capital. A leaked image showed their strength and warned players: if even one mega city remains, Super Earth stands. But if they fall, the planet is lost.
The map now includes multiple mega cities: Eagleopoulos, Administration, Remembrance, York Supreme, Port Mercy, Prosperity City, and Equality Zero. Each location offers a unique feature. While full details remain unclear, players must defend all cities to maintain control.
Each battle will push Helldivers into unfamiliar terrain. These cities are far larger than any past mission area. The buildings tower overhead, and the streets stretch across massive urban zones. This isn’t a simple reskin. It’s a different type of conflict.
SEAF Units and New Objectives Introduced
In addition to new zones, players now have unexpected help. SEAF units and loyal civilians appear on the battlefield. These NPCs support ongoing battles and bring more life to the frontlines. A screenshot shared by Iron Sights shows SEAF troopers operating within a major city. While buildings still seem inaccessible, the scale of combat has increased.
Mission variety also improves. One new task includes activating a planetary defense cannon to shoot down enemy forces. Other assignments include holding ground while SEAF units operate, or clearing Illuminate-controlled zones. These additions reflect a major shift in gameplay direction.
While the presence of SEAF troops may seem cosmetic at first, their role could increase later. Long-time players will recognize mentions of them in past data files. Now that they’ve appeared, future updates may allow Helldivers to call them in during combat.
Coretta Kelly’s Broadcasts Tell the Full Story
Players received more than new objectives. A series of reports from in-universe broadcaster Coretta Kelly explain the situation. Her announcements document the start, middle, and end of the battle for Super Earth. The first message calls for shelter as the Illuminate invade. The final one confirms their withdrawal—at a heavy cost.
“Mega cities lie in ruins. The death toll of high classification citizens is still being counted.”
“The battle is won. The valiant Helldivers, aided by SEAF soldiers, have saved our home.”
– Coretta Kelly
The victory required days of fighting, and several city centers suffered massive damage. Superstone Park, once a location of pride, has been lost. Though Helldivers succeeded, the threat remains. This marks the beginning of a much larger galactic threat.
What Comes Next for Helldivers 2?
The current situation offers more than a one-time mission. It signals the start of a longer campaign. With Super Earth now vulnerable, future battles may involve protecting survivors, rebuilding strongholds, and driving back the Illuminate on other fronts.
The Heart of Democracy update will likely expand on everything just introduced. Players should prepare for new equipment, urban-themed missions, expanded maps, and possibly the debut of new enemy classes. Arrowhead Studios has already hinted at more events in the coming weeks.