Since launch, Helldivers 2 has thrown players into a brutal galactic war against two terrifying factions: the Automatons and the Terminids. But many veterans have started to notice something unusual—tiny, almost secret hints suggesting that a third enemy might be lurking in the shadows. Longtime fans of the original Helldivers will immediately think of one group: the Illuminate.
The Illuminate were a mysterious, high-tech alien race from the first game, known for their energy weapons, stealth fields, and mind-bending psychic powers. They vanished when Helldivers 2 launched, but evidence is mounting that they’re about to return. Here are six hidden hints that might be confirming their comeback.
1. Strange Energy Readings in the Lore
Some in-game transmissions mention “unknown energy spikes” or “non-Automaton interference” on distant planets. These lines are easy to overlook, but they stand out because no other faction uses this kind of energy. In the first Helldivers, the Illuminate were all about advanced plasma tech and psionic power, so this feels like a clear callback.
Players who dig into the lore updates and Major Orders have noticed that certain reports describe “disappearing” enemy signals. That matches how the Illuminate used cloaking in the original game—a classic move for a stealthy enemy preparing to strike.
2. The Return of Blue Glow Effects
Several recent updates added visual elements—strange blue lights, floating particles, and unusual shimmer effects—that weren’t seen before. The color blue has always been tied to the Illuminate’s aesthetic. From the soft glow of their orbs to the color of their plasma beams, that hue became their signature.
When the devs reintroduce that color in missions that otherwise feature Automatons or Bugs, it’s hard not to wonder if they’re teasing the old enemy’s tech making a quiet return.
3. Unexplained Wreckage and Hidden Structures
Exploration missions sometimes lead players to destroyed facilities or oddly shaped debris that doesn’t match either faction’s style. Sharp, curved designs and clean metallic textures hint at the Illuminate’s architecture. The community has shared screenshots of alien ruins with circular markings—eerily similar to symbols used by the Illuminate’s religious caste.
If you’re farming medals for new armor sets or stratagems, these locations can actually be good spots for quick missions. And speaking of that, many players look for ways to buy Helldivers 2 medals safely to speed up progress, though personally, I’d say exploring and grinding missions while keeping an eye out for secrets is more rewarding.
4. Audio Clues and Background Sounds
Sound designers have slipped in some odd background noises that feel out of place—strange echoes, whisper-like static, or even subtle harmonic tones when you stand near certain objectives. The Illuminate used sound-based psychic effects in the first game to disorient players, and these strange audio details might be early testing of that mechanic returning.
I once stayed on a planet a bit longer than needed after finishing an objective and heard a faint energy hum that wasn’t part of the usual environmental loop. It might’ve been a glitch… or maybe something more.
5. The Timing of Lore Updates and Player Speculation
Arrowhead Studios, the devs behind Helldivers 2, have been clever with their timing. Each time a Major Order wraps up, small pieces of text in the next update seem to shift focus from Automatons and Bugs toward “unknown external threats.” Players who’ve followed the game’s narrative arc know that such transitions usually mean something big is coming.
The developers even hinted during a community Q&A that “the war is only getting started,” which sounds like a perfect setup for the Illuminate’s return. Many community theorists are convinced the next phase of the war will expand beyond the current galaxy map—just like when the Illuminate appeared in new sectors in the first game.
6. In-Game Files and Data Leaks
Some dataminers have uncovered weapon models and textures that don’t fit either of the two current factions. Among them are sleek, glowing rifles and drones that use geometric energy patterns—almost identical to Illuminate gear. While leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt, Helldivers history suggests these discoveries often turn out to be accurate teases.
If you’ve been stocking up on resources and medals in preparation for a new faction, now’s probably a good time to do so. Many players buy Helldivers 2 medals online through legitimate marketplaces like U4GM to prepare for upcoming updates. Just be sure to keep it safe and avoid sketchy sites—progress isn’t worth risking your account.
Why It Matters
The possible return of the Illuminate would completely change how the game plays. Their tech-heavy, ranged combat would force players to adapt after months of fighting close-range Terminids and heavily armored Automatons. Imagine coordinating orbital strikes against invisible enemies or facing psionic attacks that disrupt your Stratagem calls—it would be a huge challenge, but also an exciting evolution for the community.
Arrowhead has proven that they like to surprise players with unexpected updates and lore twists. If these clues really are pointing to the Illuminate, then we might be on the edge of the game’s next big era.
Whether these hints are intentional breadcrumbs or just coincidences, they’ve definitely kept the community buzzing. For me, part of what makes Helldivers 2 great is this ongoing sense of mystery—the idea that the galaxy is bigger than we think, and that the next threat could already be watching from the shadows.
