Helldivers 2’s ongoing meta-narrative has taken an intriguing twist, as Arrowhead Studios announced the beginning of ‘The Second Galactic War’ after players narrowly failed to meet the last Major Order’s objective of eliminating 2 billion Automatons within a five-day period. Despite the community’s best efforts, which saw them achieve 78% of the stated goal, the promised reward of unlocking the Anti-Tank Mines Stratagem will remain elusive for now.
In an in-universe Galactic War update posted to the Helldivers Discord, Super Earth High Command signaled that the explosive co-op shooter’s storyline has escalated to a new phase. “After five days of intense decommissioning of Automatons into scrap metal for use in advanced anti-tank mines, the Helldivers came 78% towards the stated goal of 2 billion dead bots,” the message reads. “This means that the new stratagem will continue to elude the Helldiver arsenal for now…”
While the failure to unlock the Anti-Tank Mines Stratagem might be disappointing for players, the update from Super Earth High Command hints at a potentially game-changing development in the ongoing conflict. “All conflict leading up to this was merely an elaborate special operation,” the statement reveals, suggesting that the battles fought thus far were merely a prelude to a larger, more significant war.
Adding to the intrigue, the update mentions that “new recruits are being trained to bolster the ranks of SEAF, and the Helldivers are tasked with guarding these training facilities so that each recruit can be given their rigorous 72 hour basic training.” This cryptic line has led to speculation within the Helldivers community that Arrowhead might be teasing the arrival of NPC squads to aid players on the battlefield.
The possibility of introducing computer-controlled reinforcements could open up new strategic possibilities and add an extra layer of depth to the already intense and chaotic gameplay. If implemented, a Stratagem that allows players to call in a temporary four-person NPC squad could provide much-needed support during particularly challenging missions, albeit with the inevitability of these AI-controlled allies eventually succumbing to the relentless onslaught.
As Helldivers 2 enters ‘The Second Galactic War’ phase, players can expect the stakes to be raised and the challenges to intensify. Arrowhead’s commitment to maintaining an engaging meta-narrative has been a driving force behind the game’s success, with the fastest-selling PlayStation game of all time, having sold an astonishing 12 million copies in just 12 weeks.
While the journey has not been without its bumps, as evidenced by the recent controversy surrounding PSN account linking and subsequent adjustments to gameplay mechanics, Arrowhead’s dedication to delivering a compelling experience remains unwavering. As the community eagerly awaits the next chapter in the ‘The Second Galactic War,’ the prospect of new reinforcements and evolving gameplay mechanics promises to keep Helldivers 2 at the forefront of the co-op shooter genre.
