Helldivers 2's big, free Omens of Tyranny update is live on PS5 and PC, and many veteran players have already answered Arrowhead's call, shedding their civvies, once more taking up arms for Super Earth. Omens of Tyranny introduces the much-anticipated Illuminate faction, an all-new urban biome, and the inclusion of a Fast Recon Vehicle (FRV), which is sure to fill that Warthog-shaped hole in your heart.

In a gameplay deep dive, developers from Arrowhead outline the fresh new features. The alien Illuminate themselves are more powerful than the average Terminid or Automaton and will require new strategies to overcome. Of course, they do have the numberless hordes of the Voteless at their command, zombie-like, disenfranchised abominations that will attempt to pull down unwary Helldivers. In a nice touch, the Voteless have weak eyesight but good hearing, encouraging stealth. They are directed by Illuminate Overseers, jetpack-equipped ringleaders who should be brought down first where possible.

The massive, tripedal Harvesters are pulled straight from early sci-fi literature like War of the Worlds, capable of activating powerful shields to protect themselves once roused. These machines will stalk the narrow streets of the new Colony biomes, which should give weaponry suited for urban warfare, like submachine guns, flamethrowers, and melee weapons, ample time to shine.

Will you, once more, answer Super Earth's call? Is there a pleasing symmetry to Helldivers 2 once more drawing big numbers and bookending 2024? Prepare yourself for the next deployment in the comments section below.

[source youtube.com]