Helldivers 2: Illuminate faction & everything we know explained
The Illuminate are likely to join the lineup of enemy factions in Helldivers 2. While there's still no official confirmation, there are plenty of clues.
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Helldivers 2 has two main factions currently, but we are expecting more to join the lineup soon, and who better than the Illuminate from the first game? Here's everything you need to know about them and what suggests they might be making a return.
Who are the Illuminate?
The Illuminate are an organic species of sentient alien life who have formed a highly sophisticated civilisation that's lasted for several hundred thousand years.
In their own tongue, they are called the Squ'ith, and were originally an aquatic species before evolving to conquer the stars through teleportation technology.
At the time of Helldivers 2, they have no presence in the galaxy, having been wiped out in the first game. However, it appears they may make a return to take revenge on Super Earth.
Everything we know about the Illuminate
While the Illuminate were one of three main factions in the first game, they are not available in Helldivers 2. They aren't officially confirmed to be coming to the game at the moment, however, they'll likely show up as the third faction in the future.
There are a few things both in-game and out of the game that point toward the Illuminate making a return.
Firstly, there are dialogue references to the faction from ship characters from time to time, meaning they're still a part of the canon.
Illuminate on Map
byu/NJRhailFire inHelldivers
Some users have also seen blue lights in-game, which many in the community believe to be a tease, based on blue being the main colour of the Illuminate. These could be red herrings or just something else entirely, but it is curious.
The Galactic War map also has some sides that are completely empty, suggesting that there is room for more enemies to arrive in the future. In early September, some players could even see the sectors of a third faction for a brief period, as the developers accidentally pushed it live.
One of the biggest clues that the Illuminate will be coming back is thanks to dataminers, who have delved into the game files and found the actual models and lines for some of the enemies in the faction.
It's worth noting these could just be holdovers of an abandoned faction during development, but they do heavily resemble many Illuminate enemies from the first game, and more importantly, bear the Illuminate name.
There is also new datamined content all the time, suggesting the faction is in active development. More recently, there have been lines found that reference drone abilities, teleporting, proto fire beams, and other ability IDs.
It's safe to say that the Illuminate is a real thing and a real threat to Helldivers. When they'll be released into the game, we have no idea. It could still be a while away, as testing and designing a whole new faction is no easy task.
About The Author
Tarran Stockton
Tarran is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. He previously wrote reviews for his college newspaper before studying Media and Communication at university. His favourite genres include role-playing games, strategy games, and boomer shooters - along with anything indie. You can also find him in the pit at local hardcore shows.
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