Helldivers 2 Factions and History Guide

[NeonQuest]

Many players drop into the intense action of Helldivers 2 without much context. Understanding the backdrop of the war you’re fighting can actually improve your tactical perspective. This guide will cover the key historical events that led to the current conflict, based on in-game information and common player discussions.

What Happened to Earth Before Super Earth?

The world you defend, Super Earth, wasn't always unified. It rose from the ashes of a planet-wide catastrophe known as The Last Great War. This conflict likely occurred in the late 20th or early 21st century and involved nuclear weapons. The result was the total destruction of regions like the entire United Kingdom and much of Russia, turning them into permanent wastelands. Amid this chaos, the Democratic Council formed, establishing a new global government called the Old Super Earth Federation under the system of "Managed Democracy." This marks the true birth of the nation you now serve.

How Did Super Earth Expand Into Space, and What Started the First War?

The invention of the Alcubierre Faster-Than-Light (FTL) drive in the early 2030s, fueled by a substance called Element-710, allowed humanity to colonize other planets. This expansion wasn't peaceful. By the 2040s, Super Earth made first contact with two alien species: the insect-like Terminids (Bugs) and the technologically advanced Illuminate. Relations broke down quickly. The Terminids were deemed a threat and were also found to decompose into valuable E-710 fuel. The Illuminate were accused of harboring planet-destroying weapons. A third faction, socialist Cyborgs who rejected Managed Democracy, also declared independence. This triggered the First Galactic War, a 40-year struggle where the elite Helldivers corps was first deployed en masse. Super Earth claimed victory in 2084, farming the Terminids, enslaving the Cyborgs, and banishing the Illuminate.

What Was “The Great Democratization” and Why Did It End?

Following their victory, Super Earth entered a century of peace and massive expansion known as The Great Democratization or Great Expansion Era. With their enemies subdued, Helldivers were mostly used for ceremonial parades and small-scale anti-rebel operations. This period of stability relied heavily on industrial-scale Terminid farms to harvest E-710 for FTL travel. However, this enforced peace was fragile. On February 8, 2184, it shattered completely. The Terminids broke out of their farms in the east, while in the west, a new robotic force—the Automatons, descended from the old Cyborgs—launched a brutal invasion. This marked the beginning of the ongoing Second Galactic War, prompting the full, emergency remobilization of the Helldivers.

Who Are We Fighting in the Current War, and What Are the Stakes?

Helldivers today fight a relentless war on multiple fronts:

The Terminids: A constant, swarming threat from the east. Their spread is now accompanied by a mysterious, system-consuming "Gloom" spore cloud.

The Automatons: A highly disciplined and deadly mechanical army from the west, known for their heavy armor and orbital defenses.

The Illuminate: In a shocking turn, this ancient foe returned in late 2184. They employ advanced stealth technology and psychic attacks, and have even successfully raided Mars and invaded Super Earth itself, resulting in significant casualties, including a previous President.

The war is dynamic, with High Command issuing Major Orders that shift the community's focus between these fronts. Success or failure in these campaigns can change the in-game galactic map, making the community's collective efforts feel impactful.

How Does the War Progress, and What is Element-711?

The narrative of Helldivers 2 is live and evolves based on the player community's performance in global campaigns. Major events, like the defense of Super Earth or the failure of a sector, are dictated by these collective efforts. A recent strategic development was "The Great Expedition" into the Gloom, where Super Earth scientists discovered Element-711, a hyper-concentrated fuel source. This discovery is a primary strategic objective for the Federation, driving the war effort deeper into enemy territory. To prepare for these extended campaigns, many divers ensure their loadouts are optimized, and for those looking to upgrade their arsenal, a wide selection of Helldivers 2 items available now at U4N can be crucial for success on higher difficulties. The war's story is ongoing, with new threats and objectives emerging regularly.

What Does This Mean for My Gameplay?

This lore directly translates into your gameplay experience. The enemy faction you are deployed against dictates your entire loadout and strategy. Fighting Terminids requires weapons good for crowd control, while Automatons demand armor-penetrating gear. The Illuminate punish careless movement and require tactical use of stratagems. Most players specialize in fighting one or two factions but remain adaptable, as Major Orders can force a sudden shift in focus. In general, the community's success on one front can often lead to increased enemy pressure on another, creating a constant, challenging battle of attrition that truly sells the feeling of a desperate, galaxy-wide war.