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

Helldivers 2 has just released a significant new update, Patch 01.003.000, which is now available for both PC and PlayStation 5 players. This update introduces a host of exciting new features, including the addition of new enemies from the Illuminate faction, extensive weapon customization and progression, and changes to the Superstore to enhance your gaming experience.

Developer Arrowhead has been teasing this major update for a while, and it's finally here with a full-scale invasion from the Illuminate aliens. As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, players will encounter new enemies such as the Stingray, which are jetfighters that support the Illuminate from the sky, targeting Helldivers with devastating strafing runs. Another new enemy is the Crescent Overseer, capable of laying barrages on Helldivers even when they're in cover. Additionally, the Fleshmob, described as a "failed" Illuminate experiment, is a brute force on the battlefield that players must work hard to destroy. Arrowhead has also hinted at sightings of larger ships, suggesting there might be more for players to explore in the game.

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

One of the most anticipated additions in this update is the introduction of weapon customization and progression. For the first time, most primary weapons in Helldivers 2 have levels that can be achieved by completing missions, unlocking new attachments through Requisition. Players can now tweak sights for precision, change color patterns, adjust magazines for ammo capacity, optimize muzzles for performance, and modify under-barrel attachments for better handling. This level of customization ensures that you can tailor your weapons to perform at their best on the battlefield.

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.

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

The Superstore has also seen significant changes, ensuring that the items you want are always available without the need to wait for them 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 weapon stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, ensuring a more refined and engaging gameplay experience.