Helldivers 2 Devoid of Liberty Update Is Live
Arrowhead Game Studios released Helldivers 2 Version 7.0.0, Devoid of Liberty, on August 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. The update opens the Illuminate Void front with new missions, Wretch and Crusher enemies, SEAF support, 15 new ranks through level 300, and eight emote slots. On the same day, Helldivers 2 joined the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium members, alongside a community challenge to eliminate 500 million enemies by August 18 for four Helldiver PlayStation avatars.
Devoid of Liberty Version 7.0.0 Is Live
Helldivers 2 received the Devoid of Liberty update on August 12. Version 7.0.0 expands the Galactic War toward the Illuminate Void and introduces new environments, missions, enemies, support units, progression changes, balance adjustments, and fixes.
The update is live on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox.
The Fight Moves Toward the Illuminate Void
Devoid of Liberty introduces planets affected by the expanding Void. Their environments have been altered by mutations, with the changes becoming more pronounced closer to the Void.
New primary objectives include:
- Destroying Illuminate spires and gateways.
- Completing data reconnaissance.
- Infiltrating Illuminate structures with your squad.
New secondary objectives are also available.
- Eradicate Void mutations.
- Extract materials for research.
- Open a secondary extraction zone that can provide another location for evacuating the squad.
Wretch and Crusher Join the Illuminate Forces
Version 7.0.0 introduces new mutated threats connected to the Void.
Wretch
The Wretch is a fast enemy that can dodge attacks and leap toward Helldivers. Its mobility allows it to close distance quickly and pressure players who do not eliminate it before it reaches them.
Crusher
The Crusher is a much heavier enemy that can absorb substantial damage and regenerate. Sustained damage is needed to prevent it from recovering during a fight.
SEAF Soldiers Can Join Missions
Super Earth Armed Forces can now appear as a planet modifier.
When active, SEAF NPC soldiers deploy into missions and fight alongside the Helldiver squad. Their available equipment includes Stim Pistols, Heavy Machine Guns, and other combat tools.
Version 7.0.0 also gives SEAF troops updated behavior, weaponry, and visuals. The patch notes additionally confirm that SEAF soldiers can destroy enemy spawners.
The Level Cap Is Now 300
The Helldiver progression system has been expanded beyond the previous level 150 cap.
Version 7.0.0 adds 15 new ranks that extend progression through level 300. Each new rank has its own title and icon.
The emote wheel has also been expanded from four slots to eight.
Assisted Reload and Movement Changes
Arrowhead changed several player controls and interactions in Version 7.0.0.
Assisted reload no longer requires the assisting teammate to be the player carrying the correct backpack. A reload can now be assisted as long as either the weapon wielder or the assisting Helldiver has the required backpack.
Heavy landing recovery is shorter. The heavy landing animation was reduced from 1.32 seconds to 0.8 seconds.
Stim inputs are also buffered for a short period. If a Helldiver cannot use a stim at the exact moment the input is pressed, the action can automatically execute once stimming becomes possible within the following two seconds.
Weapon and Stratagem Balance Changes
Version 7.0.0 adjusts ammunition, reload behavior, stratagems, and equipment.
Change | Version 7.0.0 result |
|---|---|
R-2124 Constitution | Full stripper clip reload added when reloading from empty |
AR-23 family short magazines | Spare magazines increased from 12 to 16 and starting magazines from 7 to 9 |
SMG-37 Defender and SMG-72 Pummeler | Spare magazines increased from 9 to 12 and starting magazines from 6 to 8 |
SMG/FLAM-34 Stoker | Spare magazines increased from 10 to 13, starting magazines from 6 to 7, reload reduced from 2.8 to 2.3 seconds |
SG-225 and SG-225IE short magazines | Spare magazines increased from 9 to 11 and starting magazines from 6 to 7 |
SG-225SP Breaker Spray and Pray | Spare magazines increased from 16 to 20 and starting magazines from 11 to 12 |
P-113 Verdict | Maximum spare magazines increased from 8 to 10 and starting magazines from 4 to 6 |
M6C/SOCOM Pistol | Maximum spare magazines increased from 8 to 10 and starting magazines from 5 to 6 |
P-19 Redeemer | Spare magazines increased from 4 to 6 |
Eagle Napalm Airstrike | Explosion radius increased from 8 meters to 10 meters with a wider bomb pattern |
MD-17 Anti-Tank Mines | Demolition strength increased from 30 to 40 |
Support weapons that require a backpack now display a backpack symbol on their loadout icons. Support weapons that cannot be reloaded also display a drop weapon symbol.
GATER and Enemy Adjustments
The GATER received changes to speed, handling, durability, ammunition capacity, knockback, and impact damage. Its engine and transmission were replaced with a Super V48 Interceptor setup.
Enemies no longer attack the GATER without reason when nobody is inside and it is not drilling. Weapons also no longer lock onto its tank.
Several enemies received adjustments and fixes:
- Hunters can attack FRVs more consistently.
- Veracitors now guard outposts.
- Veracitor charges interact more correctly with buildings and obstacles.
- Gatekeeper encounter rates were increased to more closely match Veracitor encounters.
- SEAF soldiers can destroy enemy spawners.
- Enemies can climb stairs during Establish Communication Uplink missions.
Crash and Visual Fixes
Version 7.0.0 includes several stability fixes across PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Windows.
The patch addresses crashes connected to the Core Drill, spreading fire, Mortar Sentries, CR7 and higher Cyberstan missions, the user interface, and Windows systems using monitors with different DPI scaling.
A PlayStation 5 and Xbox crash that could occur after resetting settings without an existing save was also fixed.
Other platform-specific changes include:
- PlayStation 5 Pro support for the upgraded PSSR upscaler.
- Additional image quality improvements when using upscaling.
- Reduced edge ghosting when using NVIDIA DLSS on Windows.
- An Xbox option to view another player's Gamecard when joining a game already in progress.
Castellan's Creed Is Part of Version 7.0.0
The patch highlights also include HELLDIVERS™ 2 x Warhammer 40,000: Castellan's Creed Legendary Warbond.
The Warbond brings Astra Militarum themed equipment into Helldivers 2 and launched alongside the August 12 update.
Community Challenge Ends August 18
A community challenge is running alongside the Devoid of Liberty release.
Players collectively need to eliminate 500 million enemies by August 18. Completing the target unlocks four Helldiver PlayStation avatars.
Helldivers 2 Joins PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
Helldivers 2 entered the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on August 12, the same day Version 7.0.0 launched.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members can access Helldivers 2 through the catalog.
Note: PlayStation states that Game Catalog and Premium or Deluxe lineups can differ depending on region. Console gameplay also requires internet access and a paid online subscription.
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