Many players dive into the intense action of Helldivers 2 without much context for who we're fighting and why. The game doesn't always spell it out clearly during missions. Based on in-game lore, transmissions, and the community's understanding, here’s a factual breakdown of the major factions and the ongoing conflict from a veteran player's perspective.

How does the overall war narrative work in Helldivers 2?
In general, Helldivers 2 presents a persistent, galaxy-wide war managed by the game's developers. The community's collective efforts on different fronts push a "Major Order" or campaign narrative forward over days or weeks. Most players understand that the story is delivered through in-game news broadcasts, mission briefings, and the changing conditions on the war map. It’s a living narrative where player actions contribute to victories or defeats, which then influence what threats appear next. The current conflict is considered the "Second Galactic War," following the First Galactic War depicted in the original Helldivers game.

Who are the Terminids, and why are we fighting them?
The Terminids, commonly called "Bugs," are an insectoid species. Officially, Super Earth declares them a mindless, invasive plague that threatens our colonies. The practical reason we fight them is that they overrun planets, creating dense hives that are impossible for civilian colonies to survive. From a mission standpoint, they are a close-quarters threat characterized by swarms and heavier armored beasts.

However, the lore suggests a more complex history. They were actually farmed by Super Earth after the first war for a valuable resource they produce called "Element-710" (essentially oil). Their sudden, aggressive evolution and breakout from these farms is what sparked the current conflict. So, while we are told we're exterminating a threat, many players infer we are also cleaning up a corporate-biological disaster caused by Super Earth's own greed.

Who are the Automatons, and how are they different?
The Automatons, or "Bots," are a mechanical legion. They are the successors to the Cyborgs from the first game. In practice, they represent a very different combat challenge compared to the Terminids. Their patrols are more alert, they use sustained gunfire and heavy artillery, and they have a variety of armored units. Fighting them usually feels more like a conventional military engagement.

The in-game propaganda frames them as irredeemable, hateful machines bent on the destruction of liberty. The historical lore indicates they originated from the "democratized" Cyborgs who rebelled again, possibly due to harsh treatment and forced labor in Super Earth's mines. Their motives appear more explicitly ideological and retaliatory compared to the more instinct-driven Terminids. You can find various Helldivers 2 items available now at U4N that detail these unit types, which helps players prepare for the different tactical approaches required for each faction.

What happened to the Illuminate? Are they in Helldivers 2?
As of now, the Illuminate (or "Squ'ith") are not a playable enemy faction in Helldivers 2. The lore establishes that they were defeated and banished at the end of the First Galactic War but returned a century later to attack Super Earth again. Their technology was highly advanced, focusing on energy weapons, shields, and cloaking devices.

Most players expect them to be introduced in a future major update or season, as their inclusion would add a third, tactically distinct enemy type. Fighting them in the first game required careful strategy to break their defenses, so veterans anticipate a significant shift in meta if and when they arrive.

Is Super Earth actually the "good guy"?
This is a common question among players who pay attention to the background details. The in-game tone is satirical. Every transmission, news brief, and piece of lore is delivered with extreme, over-the-top patriotism. However, a closer look reveals that Super Earth's actions are often questionable: covering up failed biological farming programs, instigating conflicts over resources, and labeling any dissent as treason.

In practice, most players embrace the role-playing aspect of being a "Helldiver" spreading "Managed Democracy." You don't question the orders; you just dive in and complete the objective. The game’s fun comes from this cooperative struggle against overwhelming odds, not from believing in the propagandist narrative. The community often jokes that we are the foot soldiers of a dystopian regime, which is part of the game's dark humor.

How should this understanding affect my gameplay?
Knowing the background doesn't change your core objectives—you still complete missions to progress the war effort. However, it adds context to the universe and explains why the enemies behave so differently. It encourages tactical flexibility: you wouldn't use the same loadout for a slow, holding action against Bug hordes as you would for a fast-paced, cover-based mission against Automaton patrols.

Ultimately, the narrative framework exists to justify the endless, satisfying combat and to give the community shared, evolving goals. Whether you’re fighting for liberty, oil, or just for the thrill of the dive, understanding the factions makes the persistent war feel more cohesive and intentional.