Why the Absence of Illuminates in Helldivers 2 Benefits the Game

Helldivers 2 is walking in the well-worn tracks of its predecessor, and it wouldn’t make sense for the game to miss out on bringing back the iconic Illuminate enemy faction. Fans are eagerly awaiting their return, but Arrowhead Studios might want to hold back on introducing any new enemy factions for now.

Bringing the Illuminate back into the fold in Helldivers 2 would undoubtedly mark a turning point for the game. Although it’s not officially confirmed, it feels almost certain that this mysterious faction will make their comeback. However, the timing of their introduction is crucial and could potentially affect how long Helldivers 2 remains engaging. At the moment, the game should focus on enriching the narrative with new missions and enemy units for the Terminids and Automatons, reserving the return of the Illuminate for when the game most needs a fresh twist.

With the dreaded Illuminates yet to appear, the spotlight remains firmly on Helldivers 2’s other foes: the Terminids and Automatons. While each has had its memorable moments, these occurrences have been somewhat sporadic. This leaves plenty of space for Helldivers 2’s Galactic War to unfold further with new stories centered around these factions, without the necessity of adding a new enemy just yet.

The drama in the Terminid conflict continues with intriguing developments like the addition of new enemy units such as Shriekers and Impalers, and the transformation of the Meridia Super Colony into a mysterious black hole. Despite it being over three months since the Gloom was first introduced in August 2024, fans are still on edge, waiting for the next chapter in these unfolding stories.

Meanwhile, the Automatons have had their own developments, most notably the completion of a new Defense and Security System (DSS). Given this major achievement, players are bracing for the inevitable Automaton retaliation. All these unfolding storylines from the Terminid and Automaton fronts keep players deeply invested in the game, negating the immediate need for a fresh enemy faction.

Timing the return of the Illuminate faction could significantly impact the game’s longevity. At the moment, there’s no strong indication of additional enemy factions beyond the likely Illuminate return. Introducing them too soon could potentially disrupt Helldivers 2’s progression and its narrative arc.

Even though the Illuminate’s eventual arrival will not overshadow the Automatons and Terminids entirely, their absence does give the current factions more room to shine. There’s still vast potential for expanding the Terminids and Automatons with new units, mission types, and storyline developments. This breathing room allows Helldivers 2 to hold off on the Illuminate’s entrance, ensuring that any new introduction feels fresh and needed.

In the dynamic universe of Helldivers, every strategic decision influences the broader game experience. For the game to maintain its appeal, the careful timing of new content like the Illuminate faction will be crucial. In the meantime, players can enjoy the ongoing interstellar conflicts and the evolving stories of the Terminids and Automatons, whose battles are far from over.