Helldivers 2 players have been waiting eagerly for the next major update, and while Arrowhead Game Studios hasn’t dropped the new patch just yet, recent developer discussions and data-mined leaks have shed light on several exciting developments—and a few scrapped ideas. From helmet passives and armor customization to potential five-player squads and new Illuminate structures, there’s plenty for the community to unpack.

The Current Major Order and Communication Frustrations

The latest major order tasks players with liberating multiple planets, including Arata and Estanu, while holding Hellmire against ongoing Terminid attacks. The order references SE forces—an updated strategy element players are speculating may soon allow the deployment of SE troopers on non-urban planets.

However, many Helldivers 2 fans expressed frustration this week when no update was released as expected. An official message from community ambassadors confirmed that the team is “still cooking,” suggesting the mid-October patch might be delayed until late October or even November. This lack of consistent communication has been a recurring complaint among the player base, who are eager for clearer development timelines.

Scrapped Features: Five-Player Squads and Low-Gravity Planets

One of the most intriguing topics from developer discussions was the concept of five-player squads. According to Arrowhead, internal tests revealed that expanding teams beyond four completely broke the game’s tactical balance. With five players, teams could cover every Stratagem type, removing key decision-making elements that define Helldivers 2’s intense cooperative gameplay. Still, some fans are hoping the feature could return as a limited-time mode in the future.

Another experimental concept was low-gravity planets, where players could bounce and maneuver like space marines. While the idea sounded fun, the developers found it created massive gameplay and AI issues. Jetpacks, projectiles, and enemy pathfinding all required reworking, so the feature was ultimately shelved. Still, it’s easy to imagine this concept returning someday as a chaotic “Lost in Space” event or challenge mode.

Helmet Passives and Armor Customization: What’s Next

Originally, helmets were supposed to offer passive bonuses—such as extra armor, improved visibility, or even friendly-fire resistance—but these mechanics were dropped to maintain game balance and meet production deadlines. For now, helmets remain purely cosmetic.

However, new armor customization systems seem to be in active development. Data miners have found recolor shaders, new armor variants, and early support for swapping armor passives in future builds. Developers like Johan Pilestedt have hinted that these features are still on the roadmap, suggesting players may soon get to mix and match their armor abilities and aesthetics more freely.

This is great news for players who want to personalize their loadouts without affecting gameplay balance. For those who prefer immediate access to full customization options, some players even choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals or explore various Helldivers 2 items for sale from reliable player markets such as U4GM to speed up their progression.

Illuminate Expansion: Warp Gates, Antimatter Generators, and Psionic Warfare

Data-mined mission strings hint that the Illuminate faction—long rumored to receive an overhaul—is about to expand dramatically. References to new assets such as “Warp Gate,” “Quantum Rift,” “Antimatter Generator,” and “Illuminate Stronghold” suggest a full-scale faction rework.

The Antimatter Generator, in particular, could become a high-stakes mission objective, potentially functioning as a catastrophic power source players must disable before catastrophic consequences. Meanwhile, the Illuminate Stronghold points to a more developed enemy infrastructure, replacing the simple encampments seen in current missions with fully realized bases.

Perhaps most intriguing is the term “Mindbreaking,” which may refer to psionic attacks that distort player perception or invert controls—mechanics reminiscent of the first Helldivers. Combined with the Illuminate’s advanced technology and mysterious Warp Gates, this faction could soon deliver some of the most complex and unpredictable encounters in the game.

The Bigger Picture

While Helldivers 2’s next update may be taking longer than fans hoped, it’s clear that Arrowhead is experimenting with deep and meaningful features that could reshape the game’s long-term future. From armor reworks to new enemy factions, these developments suggest the studio is preparing for a much larger evolution of Super Earth’s ongoing war.

For now, players should focus on current major orders, keep an eye out for developer announcements, and prepare for the eventual Illuminate onslaught. Whether you’re diving for democracy or grinding for medals, the battlefield of Helldivers 2 is only getting more intense.

Helldivers 2 is entering an exciting phase of development, with potential new customization systems, major faction updates, and experimental features waiting in the wings. While not everything will make it into the next patch, the developers’ ambition is clear—and the community’s anticipation is at an all-time high.