Players of Helldivers 2 have been buzzing with speculation about the potential return of the Illuminate faction from the original game. Recent updates on SteamDB have intensified the discussion, as changes to the game’s files repeatedly mention “gameplay_illuminates.” This discovery has been viewed as a more substantial hint than earlier rumors, which were sparked by the sighting of mysterious blue beams in the game. However, not everyone is convinced that this points to a definitive return of the faction.
Many fans are skeptical due to how conspicuous the hint appears. On Reddit, players joked that the term “illuminates” might simply refer to updates in the game’s lighting rather than new content. One commenter humorously predicted that the patch notes could announce realistic terrain illumination instead of any reference to the faction. This mix of excitement and doubt underscores the playful relationship between the developers and the community.
Arrowhead’s history with updates adds another layer of uncertainty. The developer typically uses cryptic terms such as “mimosa” and “wushu” for updates, which reveal little about their actual content. This makes the explicit mention of “gameplay_illuminates” unusual and has led some to suspect it could be an intentional troll or a red herring rather than a genuine teaser for something significant.
Even so, some players remain optimistic, believing this could be a calculated way to drop a hint for those closely following updates. A potential return of the Illuminate faction would be thrilling for fans eagerly awaiting new additions to the game. However, Arrowhead’s previous approach to rumors, such as dismissing sightings of flying Terminids as “propaganda,” leaves the community uncertain about what to expect.
For now, the possibility of the Illuminate’s return remains speculative, keeping fans engaged in lively debate. Whether the updates signal a major addition or serve as a clever distraction, the ongoing mystery has stirred excitement and ensured that Helldivers 2 remains a hot topic among its player base. The truth may only become clear with time, but for now, the speculation adds to the game’s intrigue.
