Helldivers 2 Update: New Enemies, Weapon Customization, and Superstore Overhaul

Helldivers 2's latest update, Patch 01.003.000, is now live on PC and PlayStation 5, introducing a slew of exciting new features and changes. One of the highlights of this update is the arrival of new Illuminate enemies, which marks the beginning of a full-scale invasion from this alien faction. The PlayStation Blog details the new foes, including the Stingray, jetfighters that provide aerial support and execute devastating strafing runs, and the Crescent Overseer, capable of laying barrages on Helldivers in cover. Additionally, the Fleshmob, a "failed" Illuminate experiment described as a brute battlefield force, adds a new challenge for players to overcome.

Attention, Helldivers: This is a Galactic Emergency.

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

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 13, 2025

Developer Arrowhead has teased sightings of even larger ships, hinting at more content for players to explore. This update also introduces weapon customization and progression to Helldivers 2 for the first time. Players can now level up their primary weapons by completing missions, unlocking new attachments through Requisition. This allows for personalization through sights for precision, color patterns, magazine adjustments for ammo capacity, muzzles to optimize performance, and under-barrel attachments for handling preferences, ensuring your favorite weapons can be tailored to your playstyle.

Arrowhead has also released a collection of patterns for the FRV themed on the Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds, which will unlock on May 15 with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.

The Superstore has also seen changes, ensuring that desired items are always available, removing the need for players to wait for items to rotate back into stock.

Beyond these new features, Patch 01.003.000 includes an extensive balance pass, with adjustments to weapon spread, drag, sway, melee weapon stamina costs, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.