New enemies, larger outposts, Super Helldive difficulty, and new mission types are all part of the upcoming Helldivers 2 “Escalation of Freedom” update, scheduled for release Tuesday, August 6th.
So, what exactly does this update include? While quite a lot has been revealed, Arrowhead has said that there are a few surprises waiting for us on the 6th. Here’s everything we know so far.
New Difficulty
The long-awaited difficulty level 10, “Super Helldive,” is finally here. Hardcore Helldivers 2 players have long expressed that the current Helldive difficulty has become too mundane. Arrowhead is responding by introducing Super Helldive, a new level designed to challenge even the most skilled players and prove that this difficulty will test the best.
New Outposts
Gigantic Super hives and sprawling Automaton citadels are set to challenge players with their massive scale and difficulty. Clearing these new outposts will be tough, but the rewards sound promising. Many players are eagerly anticipating testing the 380mm on these new outposts easy targets
New Environment
The new environment is a spooky swamp, covered in thick fog, occasionally lit up by a flash of lightning. Very reminiscent of a horror movie.
New Enemies
Introducing new and unique enemies keeps the game engaging. The addition of Gunships was brilliant, and they have forever changed the loadout players take into high-level Automaton missions.
With the “Escalation of Freedom” update, several new types of enemies are set to debut.
The Impaler is a formidable returning enemy from Helldivers 1. Resembling a Behemoth Charger, it has three armored tentacles in place of its head. It can anchor itself down and extend these tentacles underground to strike from a distance. The Impaler was added as a way to complicate the kiting tactics Helldivers often use against Terminids. It will be interesting how challenging these are on the new difficulty
The Terminid Alpha Commander is an enhanced version of the regular Brood Commander, boasting increased durability, lethality, and the ability to summon additional Brood Commanders. These summoned commanders can, in turn, call in Warriors, rapidly turning an encounter with a single Alpha Commander into a full-on battle with a swarm of bugs.
The Automatons are also receiving a new addition to their tank ranks: the Rocket Tank. When you’re in its line of sight, it will fire rockets directly at you. If you take cover behind a sturdy object, the tank will elevate its launchers towards the sky and unleash a barrage of rockets that arcs upwards before raining down on anyone unfortunate enough to be targeted.
Additionally, the Automaton frontlines are getting Reinforced Scout Striders. These Striders no longer have a vulnerable pilot to shoot at, however their rockets are a weakspot to target. Shooting at the rockets will cause a mid-sized explosion that can severely damage or destroy the Strider.
Additional changes include a new mechanic to the Acid Rain environmental hazard. Now anyone (including the enemy) caught in Acid rain, will have their armor significantly reduced. While this seems like a great opportunity to take out some Devastators with ease, you may want to take cover, as you are more vulnerable as well.
The Update
We’re excited to see how this update will transform the game, what surprises are in store for us, and how the story will continue. Good luck out there, Helldivers!