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

Helldivers 2 has just rolled out a major new update with Patch 01.003.000, now available on both PC and PlayStation 5. This update introduces new Illuminate enemies, weapon customization and progression, and revamps the Superstore to ensure your favorite items are always in stock. Developer Arrowhead has been dropping hints about this update, and now players can dive into the action and experience the changes firsthand.

The Illuminate alien faction has launched a full-scale invasion, bringing with it new enemies like the Stingray jetfighters, which provide aerial support and execute devastating strafing runs, and the Crescent Overseer, capable of laying barrages on Helldivers taking cover. Another new addition is the Fleshmob, a "failed" Illuminate experiment described as a brute force on the battlefield, requiring strategic effort from Helldivers to take down.

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 has teased sightings of even larger ships, hinting at more surprises for players to uncover in the game. Alongside the new enemies, Helldivers 2 now features weapon customization and progression for the first time. Primary weapons can now level up through mission completions, unlocking new attachments and patterns through Requisition. Players can tweak sights, change color patterns, adjust magazines for ammo capacity, optimize muzzles for performance, and modify under-barrel attachments to suit their preferred handling style, making their favorite weapons the best in their class.

A new set of patterns themed on the Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds has been added to the FRV, set to unlock on May 15 with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.

The Superstore has also seen changes, ensuring that items players want are always available, removing the need to wait for items to cycle back into rotation.

Patch 01.003.000 also includes an extensive balance pass, with adjustments to spread, drag, sway, melee weapons' stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.