Helldivers 2 NPCs Will Hug You Back Now, Even When No One Else Will
Helldivers 2 has received its major 7.0 update, titled Devoid of Liberty, introducing substantial new content and improvements to the co-op shooter. The update centers on players’ defense of Super Earth against a new threat: void-mutated enemies emerging from a rift in Illuminate space.
Two new Illuminate enemy types headline the update: the Crusher and the Wretch, both melee-focused bruisers reminiscent of creatures from Dead Space and Silent Hill. These additions bring much-needed variety to encounters with the Illuminate faction.
A significant quality-of-life improvement enhances SEAF soldiers—the NPC Super Earth Armed Forces troops that assist Helldivers during missions. Previously characterized as mostly ineffective cannon fodder, SEAF soldiers have been substantially buffed with improved equipment including Stim pistols and heavy machine guns. They now appear as a selectable planet modifier, providing more consistent tactical support.
The update’s most charming addition is a new interaction mechanic: SEAF soldiers now reciprocate when players hug them. This community-beloved feature adds personality to missions, though timing such embraces during active combat remains inadvisable.
The player level cap has been increased from 150 to 300, accompanied by 15 new titles awarded at 10-level intervals. Prior experience earned above level 150 was banked and automatically converts to unlock appropriate new titles.
Sources
- Helldivers 2 NPCs Will Hug You Back Now, Even When No One Else Will
- Huge Helldivers 2 Patch Adds New Illuminate Enemies, a New Biome ‘Full of Fresh Horrors,’ a Level Cap Increase and Much More
- All new titles in Helldivers 2’s Devoid of Liberty update
- You can now cuddle Helldivers 2’s beloved SEAF troopers, though maybe don’t do what I did and try it when a Crusher’s standing next to you
- Helldivers 2 borrows from Dead Space and Silent Hill for its horrific new aliens
- You can hug the Super Earth grunts in Helldivers 2’s Devoid of Liberty update, which revamps NPC troops and adds new Illuminate enemies