Helldivers 2’s massive 7.0 update, Devoid of Liberty, is live now, and it brings some huge changes to the game’s loveable SEAF soldiers.
These NPCs are basically the equivalent of UNSC marines in Halo–fun to have around, but not particularly good at their job. Previously in Helldivers 2, SEAF soldiers could be recruited to follow players around and occasionally shoot at enemies, but were mostly good at being accidentally (or maybe not?) blown to bits by friendly fire.
In the Devoid of Liberty update, the SEAF soldiers can now appear as a planet modifier, joining Helldivers in their battles. Dropships will routinely deliver SEAF soldiers into the fray, and they are more equipped for battle than ever before. Each SEAF squad will have a squad leader, a rifleman, a heavy weapon-wielding specialist, and a medic capable of stimming wounded Helldivers.
Better yet, SEAF soldiers will now interact with players in new ways. They’re now capable of interacting with emotes, meaning they can shake hands, play rock, paper, scissors, or even give a hug to a Helldiver in need.
The SEAF changes are just one piece of the latest Helldivers 2 update. Devoid of Liberty additionally adds two new terrifying Illuminate enemy types. One, the Wretch, looks to have been ripped straight out of EA’s Dead Space franchise, with developer Arrowhead Studios advising players to aim for its limbs in order to stop its relentless pursuit. Another new enemy, the Crusher, is a walking giant capable of regenerating rapidly, meaning Helldivers will need to focus their fire and keep up the pressure in order to keep them down.
On the quality-of-life front, the update massively increased Helldivers 2’s level cap (from 150 to 300, with new ranks and rewards to earn). There’s also plenty of balance changes, including making stims more responsive, faster recovery time after a heavy landing, and buffs to short magazines and secondary weapons. To coincide with new Void-based horrors, the game’s long-awaited Warhammer 40K crossover Warbond is also available now. You can find the full Helldivers 2 Devoid of Liberty patch notes below.
For those who haven’t yet made the call to defend Super Earth and spread Managed Democracy, Helldivers 2 is one of this month’s free PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium games.
Helldivers 2 Devoid Of Liberty Update Patch Notes
New Illuminate Enemies
A new biome full of fresh horrors awaits, the void warps everything it touches and your foes have taken new hideous forms.
- The Crusher is on a deathmarch capable of regenerating while taking heavy damage and needs to be worn down quickly and consistently without a moment of pause.
- The Wretch is a relentless and nimble enemy that requires quick trigger fingers and focused aim as they are able to dodge and leap at the player while advancing to quickly dismantle its weapons along with their will to live.
- SEAF Support
SEAF have entered the battle!
Super Earth Armed Forces (SEAF) can now appear as a planet modifier, joining you in battle in your missions and enhancing your combat capabilities with a range of new tools (Stim pistols, Heavy Machine guns and more)
- The SEAF take to the stars. Super Earth High Command has mandated the SEAF be deployed directly to the frontlines of the Galactic Campaign for Democracy. Helldivers will be able to be supported by friendly SEAF NPC troops, with new and improved behavior, weaponry and updated visuals
Level Cap Increased
We’ve expanded the Helldiver rank system beyond Level 150, adding 15 new ranks and titles that carry Helldivers all the way up to Level 300. Each new rank comes with its own unique title and icon to recognize the most dedicated defenders of Managed Democracy. Super Earth thanks you for your continued service, the fight never ends, and neither does your potential.
Expanded Emote Slots
Helldivers, you now have twice as many ways to express yourself on the battlefield! The emote wheel capacity has been raised from 4 to 8 emotes.
CASTELLAN’S CREED Warbond
Channel the formidable battle prowess of the Astra Militarum’s finest in the HELLDIVERS™ 2 x Warhammer 40,000: Castellan’s Creed Legendary Warbond.
Community Feedback Changes
We’re trying out a new section to shout out some of the fixes and changes that are high up on the community’s wishlist!
GATER Upgrades
Super Earth engineers have replaced the engine and transmission in the GATER in favor of a much more powerful Super V48 Interceptor engine, this has improved its speed and handling.
The Constitution
… has stripper clips!
Assisted Reload Rework
Problem we want to solve:
- The original intent was a tactical action that needed collaboration with a designated reloader that carries the backpack
- We have reevaluated how this works and with how the game has evolved since launch we got to the conclusion that the assisted reload action require too much coordination which lead to it rarely happening
Intent and expectation with the change:
- We want to reduce the complexity with assisted reloading to promote using it more.
- Allow players to keep their backpack and reload whenever you need, while also allows a teammate to easily help you if the opportunity arises.
The change we made:
- Helldivers can now assist reload as long as one of the wielder and/or reloader of the weapon has the correct backpack
Balancing
Updated icons for backpack weapons and expendable weapons
Problem we want to solve:
- Find a specific weapon in the loadout can be hard to do with all the new weapons added to the arsenal
- It can be hard to know if a support weapon needs a backpack or can not be reloaded when only looking at the icon.
Intent and expectation with the change:
- We want to make it easier to find specific weapons and to plan your loadout.
- It should be easier to know when a weapon needs a backpack or can not be reloaded when only looking at the icon.
The change we made:
- Stratagem Weapons that require a backpack now have a backpack icon included on their loadout icons
- Stratagem Weapons that can not be reloaded now have a drop weapon icon included on their loadout icons .
Decreased heavy landing duration
Problem we want to solve:
- The original intent was to make the heavy landing to feel like you recovered from a high fall.
- The player lost control for a long time when landing on the feet from a higher fall.
Intent and expectation with the change: