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 exciting update introduces new Illuminate enemies, weapon customization and progression, and significant changes to the Superstore, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Developer Arrowhead has been teasing the community with hints of an impending invasion from the Illuminate alien faction, and now the wait is over. As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, the update brings new enemies such as the Stingray, jetfighters that offer aerial support to the Illuminate by targeting Helldivers with devastating strafing runs. Another new foe is the Crescent Overseer, capable of laying barrages on Helldivers even when they're in cover. The most intriguing addition might be the Fleshmob, a "failed" Illuminate experiment described as a "Frankenstein's monster of Voteless parts turned into a brute battlefield force" that players 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 other, even larger ships," leaving room for more surprises for players to uncover in-game.

A significant feature introduced in this update is weapon customization and progression. For the first time, most primary weapons now have levels that can be achieved through mission completion, unlocking new attachments via Requisition. Players can also customize their weapons with new patterns, tweaking sights for precision, adjusting magazines for ammo capacity, optimizing muzzle performance, and fine-tuning under-barrel attachments to suit their preferred handling. This level of personalization ensures that each player's favorite primary weapon can be tailored to be the best in its class.

Here’s the official blurb:

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.

Additionally, Arrowhead has unlocked a variety of patterns for the FRV themed on the Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds. These patterns will be available starting May 15, coinciding with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.

The Superstore has also 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 weapon spread, drag, sway, melee weapon stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, ensuring a more refined and balanced gameplay experience.