Helldivers 2 Players Seek Revenge After Mars Destroyed by Illuminate Invasion

In the latest update for *Helldivers 2*, the invasion of Super Earth has escalated, bringing the war perilously close to home. Amidst this turmoil, players have been hit with the shocking news that the Illuminate have utterly devastated Mars, sparking a fierce desire for retribution among the Helldivers community.

In-universe news bulletins have painted a grim picture, confirming that the Illuminate's assault has left Mars in ruins. The destruction included the Helldiver Training Sites, where countless recruits honed their skills. Tragically, the dedicated facility operators perished while defending the planet, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy.

A glance at the Galaxy Map in *Helldivers 2* reveals a somber sight: a destroyed yet still present mass of rock where Mars once thrived.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ MARS HAS BEEN DESTROYED ⚠️⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/sAzkM08qGz

— Helldivers NOW (@Helldivers_NOW) May 20, 2025

Mars had been the cherished training ground for Helldivers gearing up to spread democracy across the galaxy. The recent shift in tutorial zones had already raised eyebrows, but now the motive is clear: the Illuminate's invasion targeted a place deeply significant to all players.

The official *Helldivers 2* account fueled the fire by sharing evocative promotional art on X/Twitter, rallying players with the call to "Avenge Mars."

Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. All Helldiver Training Sites across the planet, where rigorous, thorough, and safe training of the Galaxy's Elite has long occurred, have been destroyed. The expert and seasoned facility PA operators who facilitated the training died… pic.twitter.com/16yEhLK0MM

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025

The emotional campaign seems to be resonating deeply with players. Helldivers are fully embracing the narrative, with one player sharing a GIF from *Starship Troopers* echoing Rico's resolve to crush the enemy after his hometown's destruction, while another uses the now-iconic closed fist meme to show solidarity. This immersive storytelling is a hallmark of the *Helldivers 2* community.

Despite the serious tone, there's room for levity. One user humorously remarked, "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!" Meanwhile, nods to *DOOM* and other media add a playful dimension to the community's response.

The invasion of Super Earth by Illuminate forces is a central focus of *Helldivers 2*'s Heart of Democracy update, which launched today. Players can now deploy to defend their home planet from these extraterrestrial invaders, bolstered by new SEAF support. The situation remains chaotic, and as we look forward to future Major Orders, fans can expect more twists and turns from Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios.