Arrowhead Game Studios has released a major new update for Helldivers 2, titled Devoid of Liberty, targeting the expanding threat of the Illuminate faction. Coinciding with the content drop, Helldivers 2 has officially joined the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, making the title accessible to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers at no additional cost starting August 12, 2026.

Exploring the Illuminate Void and new mission objectives

The update shifts the Galactic War focus toward the "Void," a corrupted sector of space heavily altered by Illuminate presence. High Command has commissioned reconnaissance operations into these altered, mutated environments closer to the heart of the abyss.

Players will engage in new primary and secondary mission types, including:
- Primary Objectives: Destroying Illuminate spires and gateways, gathering data intel, and infiltrating enemy strongholds.
- Secondary Objectives: Eradicating Void mutations, extracting research materials, and opening secondary extraction zones to facilitate faster squad evacuations.
- Mutated enemy variants: Wretch and Crusher
- The Devoid of Liberty release introduces two mutated Illuminate enemy variants emerging from the Void:- The Wretch: A fast, agile opponent capable of dodging counter-attacks and rapidly overwhelming exposed Helldivers.
- The Crusher: A heavily armored threat that requires sustained firepower to defeat before its health regenerates.
Player progression and SEAF Platoon reinforcements

To aid in the assault, Arrowhead has expanded player progression and introduced tactical AI allies on the battlefield:

- Progression Ranks: The security access cap has been increased to 300 ranks, unlocking new titles for players to earn.
- SEAF Platoons: Super Earth Armed Forces (SEAF) units now deploy alongside player squads via dropships.

 These AI allies assist in combat, administer medical support using stims, and react positively to player emotes such as salutes, handshakes, and hugs.