The latest update for *Helldivers 2* has brought the war to the doorstep of Super Earth, with the Illuminate launching a full-scale invasion. Amidst this turmoil, the devastating news that the neighboring planet of Mars has been razed by the Illuminate has struck a chord with players. The destruction of Mars, a planet that held sentimental value as the training ground for Helldivers, has ignited a fierce desire for retribution among the game's community.

In-universe news reports have detailed the extent of the damage, confirming that the Helldiver Training Sites on Mars were obliterated, and the dedicated facility operators perished while defending the planet. The once-vibrant training hub is now depicted on the Galaxy Map as a destroyed, yet still visible, mass of rock.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ MARS HAS BEEN DESTROYED ⚠️⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/sAzkM08qGz

— Helldivers NOW (@Helldivers_NOW) May 20, 2025

The shift of tutorial zones from Mars, noted by players just a week ago, now makes sense as part of the broader invasion narrative. The official *Helldivers 2* account has rallied players with a call to "Avenge Mars," posting promotional art on X/Twitter to stoke the fires of vengeance.

Mars has been razed by the Illuminate. All Helldiver Training Sites across the planet, where rigorous, thorough, and safe training of the Galaxy's Elite has long occured, have been destroyed. The expert and seasoned facility PA operators who facilitated the training died… pic.twitter.com/16yEhLK0MM

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 20, 2025

The emotional impact of this narrative has clearly resonated with the player base. Helldivers are embracing the storyline with enthusiasm, sharing memes and references from popular culture like *Starship Troopers* and *DOOM*, reflecting their determination and unity. Humorous posts also abound, with one user quipping, "Hey, the only people who are allowed to kill Helldivers on Mars are Super Earth Drill Instructors!"

As the Heart of Democracy update unfolds, players are actively engaging in the defense of Super Earth against the Illuminate forces. The situation is tense, even with the support of new SEAF units. The community is bracing for more twists and turns from game master Joel and developer Arrowhead Game Studios in the coming Major Orders, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.