Helldivers 2 has rolled out a major update with patch 01.003.000, now available on PC and PlayStation 5. This update introduces new enemies from the Illuminate faction, enhances weapon customization and progression, and revamps the Superstore. Developer Arrowhead has been teasing the community with hints of this new content, and now players can dive into the action-packed world of Helldivers 2 with fresh challenges and features.
The Illuminate faction has launched a significant invasion, bringing new enemies to the battlefield. According to the PlayStation Blog, players will encounter the Stingray, jetfighters that provide aerial support for the Illuminate by targeting Helldivers with devastating strafing runs. The Crescent Overseer is another new addition, capable of laying barrages on Helldivers even when they're in cover. Additionally, the Fleshmob, a failed Illuminate experiment, is a brute force on the battlefield that players must strategize to take down. Arrowhead has also teased sightings of larger ships, hinting at more surprises for players to uncover.
Attention, Helldivers: This is a Galactic Emergency.
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 13, 2025
The true Illuminate invasion has begun. In a sudden and completely unprovoked offensive manoeuvre, the full Illuminate fleet is emerging from the Meridia Singularity. Nothing is safe - not even the Heart of Democracy itself. pic.twitter.com/2hgtK6akMb
A significant addition to Helldivers 2 is the introduction of weapon customization and progression. For the first time, players can level up most primary weapons by completing missions, unlocking new attachments through Requisition. This feature allows for extensive personalization, from tweaking sights for precision to adjusting magazines for ammo capacity, muzzles for weapon performance, and under-barrel attachments for handling. This level of customization ensures that your favorite weapon can become the best in its class.
Whether it's tweaking sights for precision, changing color patterns, adjusting magazines for ammo capacity, muzzles to optimize weapon performance characteristics or adjusting under-barrel attachments for the handling you want, you're in command of how your weaponry performs on the battlefield. This level of individual attunement is sure to make your favorite primary best in its class.
In line with the weapon customization, Arrowhead has also released a variety of new patterns for the FRV, themed on the Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds. These patterns will be unlocked on May 15, coinciding with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.
The Superstore has also been updated to ensure that desired items are always available, eliminating the need for players to wait for items to come back into rotation.
Beyond these new features, patch 01.003.000 includes an extensive balance pass, with adjustments to spread, drag, sway, melee weapons stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, ensuring a more refined gameplay experience.
