Helldivers 2 has just rolled out a significant update with patch 01.003.000, now available on both PC and PlayStation 5. This major update introduces new enemies from the Illuminate faction, weapon customization and progression, and updates to the Superstore.
Arrowhead, the developers behind Helldivers 2, have been teasing the arrival of the Illuminate alien faction, and the full invasion is now underway. According to the PlayStation Blog, new enemies include the Stingray, jetfighters that provide air support for the Illuminate by targeting Helldivers with strafing runs, and the Crescent Overseer, capable of barraging Helldivers even in cover. Additionally, players will encounter the Fleshmob, a "failed" Illuminate experiment described as a brute force on the battlefield, made from Voteless parts.
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
Arrowhead has hinted at sightings of larger ships, suggesting more mysteries for players to unravel upon diving into the game.
A key feature of this update is the introduction of weapon customization and progression. Players can now level up their primary weapons through mission completions, unlocking new attachments via Requisition. These attachments, along with new patterns, allow for extensive personalization of weapons.
Here’s the official description:
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.
A variety of patterns for the FRV, themed around the Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds, will be available starting May 15 with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.
The Superstore has also seen changes to ensure that desired items are always in stock, eliminating the need for players to wait for items to rotate back into availability.
In addition to these new features, patch 01.003.000 includes a comprehensive balance pass, adjusting aspects like spread, drag, sway, melee weapons' stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage.
