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

Helldivers 2 has rolled out a significant update with patch 01.003.000, now available on PC and PlayStation 5. This update introduces new Illuminate enemies, enhances weapon customization and progression, and revamps the Superstore to ensure that desired items are always accessible.

Following teases from developer Arrowhead, the game has launched a new invasion by the Illuminate alien faction, introducing several new adversaries. The PlayStation Blog details these new enemies: the Stingray, which are jetfighters that provide aerial support to the Illuminate, targeting Helldivers with strafing runs; the Crescent Overseer, capable of barraging Helldivers in cover; and the Fleshmob, a "failed" Illuminate experiment described as a "Frankenstein’s monster of Voteless parts," presenting a formidable challenge on the battlefield.

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

Arrowhead hinted at sightings of larger ships, leaving their capabilities shrouded in mystery, enticing players to dive back into the game to uncover more.

Helldivers 2 now features weapon customization and progression for the first time. Primary weapons can now be leveled up through mission completions, unlocking new attachments and patterns through Requisition. Players have the freedom to customize sights for precision, color patterns, magazines for ammo capacity, muzzles for optimized performance, and under-barrel attachments for desired handling, making their favorite weapons top-tier on the battlefield.

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 themed on Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds have been unlocked and will be available starting May 15, with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.

The Superstore has been updated to ensure that desired items are always available, eliminating the need for players to wait for items to cycle back into rotation.

Beyond these new features, patch 01.003.000 includes a comprehensive balance update, affecting aspects such as spread, drag, sway, melee weapon stamina costs, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.