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Helldivers 2ditches the singleplayer approach of its predecessor to focus on multiplayer elements, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of story beats. In fact, since the co-op shooter is set in the same universe, just skipped 100 years forward, players have dreamt up countless theories about its lore.
The sequel is centered around a galactic war against the relentless alien threats of the Terminids and Automatons, and soon,the Illuminate. But what if the true enemy isn’t who we think it is? A recent theory proposes that Super Earth’s government, The Federation, might be the real villains.
The Federation Drove Out The Bugs And Created The Bots
Posted to the r/helldivers subreddit, thefan theorysuggests that Super Earth, the human homeworld in Helldivers 2, wasn’t always human-controlled. It was once inhabited by the Terminids. The Federation, seeking resources and a strategic location, launched a campaign to “liberate” Super Earth to imperialize the planet and drive out the Terminids.
“That thing deliberately shoots at you”: Dangerous Helldivers 2 Rumor May Confirm a Major Automaton Theory – The Bots Can Control Your Stratagems
To aid in this conquest, The Federation developed the Automatons, sophisticated robotic soldiers that were initially programmed to subdue the Terminids. After the bugs were driven out, The Federation sent the Automatons to other regions of the galaxy to extract resources.
However, the theory proposes that these machines proved to be a little too effective,gaining sentience and rebellingagainst their Federation masters. The Federation, fearing their own creation, wiped out the Automatons on Super Earth. Now seeking vengeance for their brethren on Super Earth, the bots scattered across the galaxy are making their way back to Super Earth.
Helldivers 2Players Are Misled Pawns In A Cruel Game
This is where the Helldivers come in, sent away on “liberation” missions across the galaxy and battling both the Terminids who want Super Earth back and the rogue Automatons. According to the theory, the soldiers are merely pawns in The Federation’s game, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but several in-game elements support the notion.
The rapid redeployment after a Helldiver’s death is a clear indication ofThe Federation’s disregard for their lives, constantly having replacements in reserve. The underwhelming performance of weapons and equipment compared to their descriptions suggests a facade of choice, with The Federation valuing resources over effectiveness.
“We’ve poked the Terminid swarm…”: Did Helldivers 2 Dev Just Confirm Our Worst Fears? New Terminid Hive Lord Unit May Be Coming After Latest Warning
Finally, the theory argues that the lack of Federation soldiers on the frontlines reveals their true priorities. The Helldivers are seen as expendable peons, being the only ones to suffer casualties, while The Federation remains safe.
Even the “tips” they provide before battle, from “Friendly Fire Isn’t, Don’t Die!” to seemingly helpful warnings, can be seen as manipulative tactics meant to keep the soldiers motivated while ignoring their actual well-beings.
The theory is quite plausible, but falls apart at one juncture: the inception of the Automatons.Helldivers 2‘s lore tells us that the bots wereprogrammed by the cyborg alien racefrom the first game, so the notion of The Federation building them is a bit misguided.
Helldivers 2: Ministry of Truth Won’t Like ‘Super Earth Created The Illuminate’ Theory
Nevertheless, it’s proof thatHelldivers 2offers up not just intense action, but also an intelligent meta commentary of blindly loyal soldiers fighting a war that shouldn’t have started in the first place.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Content Writer
Articles Published :247
A lifelong gamer, lover of cars, and Master’s student of Automotive Journalism, Viraaj Bhatnagar is a gaming writer at FandomWire who aims to be one of the greats. When he’s not hunched over on his laptop typing out copy, he can be found lapping circuits in Gran Turismo or slaying draugr in God of War.
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