Helldivers 2 has just dropped mechs for everyone to pilot, and they’ve been mighty helpful in the fight against the two current warring factions—the Terminids, a.k.a “The Bugs,” and the Automatons, or “The Bots.”
With what the new leaks have shown us, however, players shouldn’t get too cocky. The Illuminate faction is almost here, and judging by their looks, they’re not here to play around.
Helldivers 2 Upcoming Illuminate Faction Look Terrifying
Up until now, players have been working together to drive off the Terminids and Automatons with a wide variety of weaponry and the power of teamwork. Even though it didn’t go perfectly, with players losing Malevelon Creek to the Automatons, hope wasn’t lost.
Recently, the game introduced a much-needed mechanic into the game—mechs. Players can pilot these giant weapons and greatly change the tide of the ongoing struggle. And after the new leaks we just saw, they couldn’t have come any sooner.
New enemy leaks (Illuminate)#HellDivers2 pic.twitter.com/GFTCSGasKd
— Helldivers Alerts (@HelldiversAlert) March 10, 2024
These terrifying, eldritch-horror lookalikes are part of the Illuminate faction. Players of the first Helldivers would recognize the name and might even shake in their boots, as they were nothing to scoff at.
After looking at the leaks, most players seemed to have only one thought in mind.
Jesus Christ they look terrifying
— Zanic (@Zanicart) March 10, 2024
One player felt that mechs couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
So THIS is why we got mechs…
— DeanoSauruz (@DeanoSauruz) March 10, 2024
Another X user didn’t feel quite the same about mechs.
I don’t t think mech will do much better against these guys because mech can barely fight automatons
— CBGAMING (@thecbgaming) March 11, 2024
However, there was some unrest about the leaks themselves:
Why does sh*t always leak these days. Nothing is a surprise anymore. Do you know how much damage & extra work it causes the marketing for games when it happens.
This brings up a much-needed discussion about leaks—is it fair for a developer’s hard work to be released to the public when things are subject to change?
People could have expectations about an upcoming mechanic that could look or function completely differently upon release, causing anger or confusion. Leaks can also spoil those who didn’t want to know certain information in the first place.
On the other hand, leaks are a way for players to get excited about upcoming content and even prepare in advance. It’s an interesting way to start discussions within the community.
What is the Illuminate Faction in Helldivers 2?
For the uninitiated, the Illuminate is an ancient and technologically superior alien civilization that carries insane weapons of mass destruction. Their homeworld is known as Squ’lath Shrine, known as a forest planet.
It sounds a bit intimidating, but nothing major, right? Well, they’re known for being a pain to fight against as they’re very good at disrupting the flow of combat, using methods like shields, teleportation, mind-control, and other insane abilities.
Amid this backdrop, mechs won’t be nearly enough to sustain the democratic force. Lucky for players, there are other reinforcements on the way, like an NPC squad of Helldivers, new weapons, and more.
Are you excited to fight against the Illuminate faction? Will you be joining the fight for the first time? Let us know in the comments below!