In the original Helldivers, humanity celebrated a hard-fought victory over the Illuminate, a technologically advanced alien faction. However, a new theory suggests that this victory (and the subsequent celebration) may have been premature. According to this theory, the Illuminate were not completely defeated but rather commenced a “strategic retreat” of sorts—to lick their wounds, regroup, and plan their revenge on Super Earth.
The recent events in Helldivers 2, particularly the destruction of Meridia, have sparked a flurry of speculation among players, reigniting a clear interest in the Illuminate. Could the gigantic black hole that now occupies the space where the planet once stood serve as a gateway for the Illuminate’s return?
The White Hole Theory
The white hole theory, courtesy of VideoGamer’s David Coulson, proposes that the Illuminate, who were thought to be extinct, could, in reality, be hiding out in another dimension. According to this theory, the alien faction could use their advanced technology to transform the black hole into a white hole, a hypothetical region of space-time that expels matter and energy.
In simpler terms, while black holes are known for their immense gravitational pull that sucks in everything, including light, white holes are thought to be the opposite – cosmic objects that push out matter and energy.
If the Illuminate do have the technology to create a white hole from the Meridia black hole, they could potentially use it as a portal to travel from their dimensional hideout back into our universe.
This would allow them to launch a surprise all-out assault on Super Earth, catching humanity off guard and potentially turning the tide of the war in their favor.
The Role of Dark Fluid
Dark fluid, a substance derived from Illuminate technology and liberated following the First Galactic War, played a crucial role in the destruction of Meridia. Super Earth forces, acting under the major order “Operation Enduring Peace,” injected dark fluid into the planet’s core to eliminate the Terminid supercolony once and for all.
While Super Earth viewed the use of dark fluid as a necessary evil (and the destruction of an entire planet as a “tragedy”), some players have begun to question the wisdom of using alien technology in such a destructive manner.
Could the Illuminate have foreseen this eventuality and planned accordingly?
The fact that dark fluid was used in the destruction of Meridia has only fueled speculation about their possible involvement. Some players have even suggested that the Illuminate may have allowed this technology to fall into human hands, knowing that it would ultimately lead to the creation of a black hole that they could exploit in the future!
The Implications for Super Earth and Managed Democracy
If the white hole theory proves to be accurate and the Illuminate are indeed poised to return from another dimension, the consequences for Super Earth could be dire. The Illuminate were already a formidable faction in the first Helldivers game, and if they have been using their time in exile to strengthen their forces and develop new technologies, they could be an even greater threat than before.
But, regardless of how the creative minds at Arrowhead decide to handle this, it is difficult not to be thrilled about the imminent return of the Illuminate in Helldivers 2—a group that is said to be substantially more sophisticated and clever than the current Automatons and Terminids.
The upcoming chapter in the Helldivers saga promises to keep players on the edge of their seats as they face a technologically superior foe, armed with advanced weapons and tactics. After all, freedom doesn’t come free!
What is your fan theory on the Illuminate’s comeback in Helldivers 2? Are you looking forward to facing off against this new threat to liberty, freedom, and democracy? Let us know in the comments below!
