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

Helldivers 2 has just rolled out a major update with patch 01.003.000, now available on PC and PlayStation 5. This update introduces a slew of exciting new content and gameplay enhancements, ensuring players have more ways to engage with the game than ever before.

The highlight of this update is the new invasion by the Illuminate alien faction, as teased by developer Arrowhead. The PlayStation Blog details the arrival of new enemies, including the Stingray, a jetfighter that supports the Illuminate from the skies with devastating strafing runs, and the Crescent Overseer, capable of laying barrages on Helldivers even in cover. Another new foe is the Fleshmob, described as a "failed" Illuminate experiment—a brute force on the battlefield created from Voteless parts that Helldivers must work hard 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 also hinted at sightings of even larger ships, sparking curiosity about what other challenges players might face in the game.

One of the most anticipated features in this update is the introduction of weapon customization and progression. For the first time, most primary weapons in Helldivers 2 have levels that players can achieve by completing missions. These levels unlock new attachments through Requisition, along with patterns for weapons.

Here’s what the official blurb has to say:

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.

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

Additionally, the Superstore has been revamped to ensure that desired items are always available, eliminating 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 spread, drag, sway, melee weapons stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, ensuring a more refined and enjoyable gameplay experience.