Helldivers 2 is getting ready for its next major narrative arc. A new trailer has been released for the co-op shooter, preparing players for the Battle for the Gateway Planet. As part of the Devoid of Liberty update, players will now discover that SEAF platoons can deploy alongside them on any planet, complete with new equipment that can offer medical support and boost morale.
As for the new story, players have been tasked with conducting reconnaissance on planets within the Void’s reach that have seemingly been affected by altered-stage mutations. The primary threat for this will be the Illuminates, who have a host of new units to deal with, like the nimble Wretch and the hulking Crusher. To accomplish this task, players will get new missions that revolve around destroying Illuminate spires and gateways, gathering data, and infiltrating Illuminate structures.
A host of secondary objectives are also available that can range from destroying Void mutations to extracting new materials for research. Completing these might also help players by opening up new extraction zones on the map. Arrowhead Game Studios has described its current set of missions as being horror-themed thanks to the danger posed by the new enemies and the darker worlds on which players will have to take them on.
On the gameplay side of things, veteran Helldivers have plenty to look forward to thanks to the level cap being raised from 150 to 300. Along with this, players who had already hit the level cap and had continued to accrue experience without being able to level up will discover that they have unlocked a new rank.
This jump in level cap is part of the larger plans at Arrowhead Game Studios to overhaul the progression systems of Helldivers 2. We saw the first of this kicked off with the introduction of the Galactic War Campaigns back in June, and more changes will likely arrive in the coming months.
“The moment the new limit goes live, the game recalculates your total XP against the new level table and instantly bumps you up to wherever you should be. No re-grinding, no starting over,” explained the studio.
Starting today, Helldivers 2 players will also be able to get their hands on the Helldivers 2 X Warhammer 40,000 Legendary Warbond, which introduces a host of additions to the in-game arsenal based on Games Workshop’s sci-fi universe. There are also new armor sets up for grabs: the TG-8 Sharpshooter Medium set and the TG-122 Demo-Trooper Heavy set. Both sets offer the “True Grit” passive, which gives players +20 to their weapon handling stat and 30 percent faster reload speed for support weapons.
Players looking for more firepower can pick up the R/40-K Hot-Shot Marksman Rifle primary, the P/40-K Bolt pistol, and the 40-K Meltagun. The third one, however, is only available by calling down a Stratagem.
Helldivers 2 is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Earlier this year, Arrowhead Game Studios kicked off a major narrative arc about building walls in space, dubbed the Termind Control System 2.0. Check out our coverage for more details.
