The much-anticipated Heart of Democracy major update for Helldivers 2 has finally arrived, bringing with it the thrilling addition of Super Earth maps where players can engage in intense battles against the Illuminate invasion. This update, now available on both PC and PlayStation 5, introduces new mission types set in the Mega Cities of our home planet, where players can join forces with SEAF soldiers to fight back against the encroaching enemy.
The city biomes feature operations crucial to the liberation of these urban areas, which developer Arrowhead has emphasized have a "significant impact on planetary campaigns." These missions are woven into the fabric of Helldivers 2's ongoing Galactic War, a community-driven meta narrative meticulously crafted by Arrowhead.
The Illuminate have reached the Heart of Democracy.
Our Mega Cities are under siege. Liberty now hangs in the balance. The Ministry of Defence has authorised arsenal upgrades and placed SEAF soldiers on active duty. Today, we fight for the future of Super Earth! pic.twitter.com/GxkrAQCmKD
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025
As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, the Helldivers' new mission is to repel the Illuminate invasion by gaining control over strategic areas where the enemy fleet is landing. This task is likened to an intergalactic tug-of-war, with players constantly battling to maintain control amidst rapid shifts in power.
Players can now utilize Planetary Defense Cannons to combat the Illuminate fleet, as highlighted in the update's trailer. Additionally, SEAF troops will bolster the defense efforts within the cities. These units operate autonomously or can be directed to support Helldivers as they pursue their objectives. However, players must remain vigilant of civilians still present in the combat zones, as managing friendly fire is as critical as eliminating alien threats.
The Heart of Democracy update underscores Arrowhead's dedication to sustaining Helldivers 2 for years to come, following its record-breaking launch. In response to player concerns about the studio potentially shifting focus to their next project, "Game 6," Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani reassured fans, stating, "Nah. It's ALL Helldivers 2 for now. A very, very small team will spin up something later this year and go at it slowly. Helldivers is our main focus and will be for a loooong time."
Jorjani also commented on the longevity of content updates for Helldivers 2, saying, "As long as you folks keep playing and buying Super Credits we can keep it going," referring to the game's virtual currency used for purchasing Premium Warbonds. He acknowledged past challenges but highlighted the positive turnaround and the bright future ahead, thanks to the community's support.