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AsHelldivers 2approaches its first-ever Liberty Day celebration on October 26th, the air is thick with anticipation. Arrowhead Game Studios, the mastermind behind this galactic democracy simulator, has been dropping cryptic hints like breadcrumbs, leading players down a trail of speculation and excitement.

But amidst the fireworks and patriotic fervor, a question lingers in the minds of veteran Helldivers: Where are the squids? The Illuminate, that enigmatic faction from the first game, has been conspicuously absent from the sequel.
As we gear up for Liberty Day, fans can’t help but wonder if Arrowhead has an ace up its sleeve—or should we say, a tentacle?

The Return of the Squids?
Liberty Day inHelldivers 2isn’t just about parades and flag-waving—it’s a prime opportunity for Arrowhead to shake things up. And what better way to do that than by reintroducing an old foe?
This innocent question on Reddit sparked a flurry of responses, with many players hoping for the grand return of the Illuminate. One particularly cheeky comment even came with a meme suggesting the squids themselves might be behind the speculation:

The sarcasm is palpable, but it highlights the community’s eagerness for the Illuminate’s return. The Arrowhead devs’ secretive nature, combined with their penchant for dropping hints, has only fueled the fire. Recent events—likethe creepy kill counter that appearedat the start of the month—have many players convinced that the squids are just waiting for the right moment to strike.
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Some players are even envisioning scenarios worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster:
Now that’s how you celebrate democracy—with a side of alien invasion! But this idea isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. With the recent success of the #BuffDivers update bringing many players back to the game, Arrowhead might see Liberty Day as the perfect opportunity to capitalize on that momentum and introduce a game-changing new threat.

Theories and Speculation Let Loose
As Liberty Day approaches, the theories are getting wilder by the minute. Some players are drawing parallels to iconic sci-fi moments:
This theory aligns withArrowhead‘s knack for dramatic storytelling. The idea of the Illuminate using Liberty Day as cover for a surprise attack fits perfectly with the game’s blend of humor and high-stakes action.

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Others are eyeing the current-under-construction Democracy Space Station with extreme suspicion:
Talk about a housewarming party gone wrong! The DSS has been a major focus for players, and its destruction could be just the kind of shocking event Arrowhead needs to kick off a new chapter in theHelldivers 2saga. But perhaps the most intriguing theory involvesthe mysterious black hole left behindafter Operation Enduring Peace:
Could this unassuming black hole be the Illuminate’s ticket back into the fight? It’s a compelling idea, especially given Arrowhead’s history of turning seemingly minor plot points into major story developments.
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As we count down the days to Liberty Day, one thing is clear: the Helldivers community is ready for whatever Arrowhead throws their way—be it Bugs, Bots, or tentacled terrors from beyond the stars.
The recent success of Patch 1.001.100 is proof that the developers have finally recalled how to keep their player base engaged, and the addition of a new faction could be just what the game needs to take things to the next level.
What do you think Arrowhead has in store for Liberty Day? Are you ready to face the Illuminate once again? Share your theories and battle plans in the comments below!
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :965
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.