Helldivers 2 adds Illuminate Void with new planets, foes

Arrowhead Studios has opened the Gateway to the Illuminate Void in Helldivers 2, allowing players to travel through a stabilized wormhole at Rirga Bay into a cluster of starless planets. The update is live and continues the game’s narrative after the in-game Census Thunder operation, during which Helldivers collected Voteless tissue samples that enabled Super Earth’s Ministry of Science to develop the Gateway technology.

Planets inside the Void appear without stars and show visible alteration from Void influence. Landscapes have been reshaped, many worlds contain ruined Illuminate structures, and corrosive Void flora is common. Helldivers will encounter dangerous Illuminate forces and two named threats, the Wretch and the Crusher, while exploring ruined sites and ancient installations.

The central campaign objective is to liberate the Source Planet, formerly known as Seasse. Players must clear Illuminate holdouts on Seasse, destroy ancient technology linked to the Void’s spread, and gather information about how the corruption affects planets and systems.

Void missions change the usual operation format by offering randomized primary objectives on each planet. Objectives can require destroying Illuminate structures, scouting zones, or documenting findings with a new tactical video camera. These varying objectives require teams to change loadouts and tactics depending on whether they need to assault fortified positions, perform reconnaissance, or secure evidence.

Secondary extraction zones play a larger role on Void planets. Additional extraction points become available as Helldivers destroy Illuminate Warpgates, providing alternate evacuation routes when a mission becomes untenable. Some operations include support from SEAF squads, and players use their Destroyer for final extraction once objectives are complete or evacuation is ordered.

The update moves frontline operations away from the main Galactic War theater into the Void and combines environmental hazards, new enemy types, randomized mission goals and expanded extraction mechanics. The new tools and objectives are part of the campaign content focused on exploring and countering Void corruption.