The latest update for Helldivers 2 has brought the galactic conflict perilously close to Super Earth, with an invasion now in full swing. The situation escalated dramatically when the Illuminate razed the neighboring planet of Mars, a move that has ignited a fervent desire for retribution among Helldivers. In-universe news reports have confirmed the devastation, highlighting that the Helldiver Training Sites on Mars, along with the dedicated facility operators, were obliterated in the defense of the planet.
When players open the Galaxy Map in Helldivers 2, they are met with the sight of Mars, now a destroyed but still visible mass of rock. This poignant imagery was shared on social media, with the Helldivers NOW account posting:
#Helldivers2 | #Helldivers2GalacticWar
⚠️⚠️⚠️ MARS HAS BEEN DESTROYED ⚠️⚠️⚠️ [ttpp]pic.twitter.com/sAzkM08qGz[ttpp]
— Helldivers NOW (@Helldivers_NOW) May 20, 2025
Mars had served as a crucial training ground for Helldivers gearing up to spread democracy across the galaxy until a recent update shifted the tutorial zones. This change had already raised concerns among players, but the destruction of Mars has now galvanized them into action. The official Helldivers 2 account further fueled this sentiment with a poignant post on X/Twitter, calling on players to "Avenge Mars":
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… [ttpp]pic.twitter.com/16yEhLK0MM[ttpp]
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025
The emotional appeal has resonated deeply with the community. Players are embracing the narrative with fervor, drawing parallels to iconic scenes from Starship Troopers and sharing memes that encapsulate their determination. One user humorously remarked, "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" while others referenced DOOM and other media to express their solidarity and resolve.
As the invasion of Super Earth continues in the Heart of Democracy update, players are actively engaging in the defense against the Illuminate's forces. Despite the chaos, and with the aid of new SEAF reinforcements, the Helldivers are undeterred. The unfolding events, orchestrated by Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios, promise more twists and turns in the coming Major Orders, keeping the community on the edge of their seats.
