Helldivers 2 has just rolled out a significant update with patch 01.003.000, now available on both PC and PlayStation 5. This update introduces a host of new features including fresh Illuminate enemies, weapon customization, and changes to the Superstore, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Following several teasers from developer Arrowhead, Helldivers 2 now faces a full-scale invasion by the Illuminate alien faction. The PlayStation Blog provides details on the new enemies, such as the Stingray, which are jetfighters offering aerial support and executing devastating strafing runs on Helldivers. Another new enemy, the Crescent Overseer, can target Helldivers in cover with barrages. Additionally, the Fleshmob, a brute force created from a failed Illuminate experiment, challenges players to strategize their destruction.

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

Arrowhead has hinted at sightings of larger ships, suggesting there might be more for players to explore upon diving back into the game.

A major highlight of the update is the introduction of weapon customization and progression. Players can now level up their primary weapons by completing missions, unlocking new attachments through Requisition. This customization extends to altering sights for precision, color patterns, magazines for ammo capacity, muzzles for performance optimization, and under-barrel attachments for handling preferences.

Here's the official statement on weapon customization:

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.

Arrowhead has also released a collection of patterns for the FRV themed on the Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers Warbonds. These patterns will unlock on May 15, coinciding with the launch of the Masters of Ceremony Warbond.

Additionally, the Superstore has undergone changes to ensure that desired items are always available, eliminating the need for players to wait for items to rotate back into stock.

Beyond these new features, patch 01.003.000 includes a comprehensive balance update, adjusting aspects like spread, drag, sway, melee weapons' stamina cost, shrapnel spawning, and fire damage, to enhance gameplay mechanics.