The battle for Super Earth in *Helldivers 2* has reached a fever pitch, as players unite to resist the relentless advance of the Illuminate fleet. However, a recent wave of controversy surrounding the invasion storyline has sparked frustration and triggered a surge of negative reviews on Steam.
The latest update, *Heart of Democracy*, brought months of narrative buildup to a dramatic climax. The Meridian Singularity—a black hole created during an operation against the Terminids—was hurled toward Super Earth as the vanguard of the Illuminate’s grand invasion. With the black hole opening a wormhole, the “Great Host” poured through and descended upon the planet, transforming it into a sprawling warzone.
In the days following the update, players have fought valiantly to defend Super Earth’s Mega Cities—each representing real-world metropolises. York Supreme mirrors New York, while Remembrance aligns with Buenos Aires. As of now, only two cities remain standing: Equality-On-Sea (Shanghai) and the capital, Prosperity City (Stockholm).
As the conflict approached what feels like its final act, the community mobilized around each Major Order, embodying the spirit of the Helldivers and rallying behind evolving missions. Some players even redirected efforts to other fronts, such as a campaign against Automaton forces that successfully restored the DSS—an enormous military orbital station—to Super Earth, bolstering defensive operations.
EOS. WILL NOT. FALL.
– byu/Gabry2 in Helldivers
As the defense of Equality-On-Sea became the focal point of resistance, global camaraderie flourished. Players from around the world dropped in to reinforce the city’s defenses, supported by memes, messages, and coordinated efforts to keep the percentage bar rising. Despite heavy bombardment from the Great Host, the Helldivers held strong.
Some Chinese memes
– byu/leoooooooow in Helldivers
This moment showcased the unique strength of *Helldivers 2*: the organic storytelling born from player collaboration, developer-led events, and emergent gameplay. It was a testament to how deeply invested the community can become in shaping its own wartime theater.
However, not everything went according to plan—or at least, according to expectations.
Equality-On-Sea never reached 100%. That number—99.9783%—has become a symbol of growing discontent among players. Unlike previous Major Orders, which often concluded with a clear success or failure state, this one was about holding the line rather than liberating territory. In theory, hitting 100% might not be possible given the continuous nature of the invasion.
Still, many players interpreted the percentage meter differently and expected full liberation. Combined with rumors of an upcoming showdown in Prosperity City, this misunderstanding fueled a fresh wave of negative feedback. Within 24 hours, over 2,300 negative reviews were posted on Steam, compared to just 324 positive ones.
This game is being review bombed for not letting players liberate EoS
– byu/ImpossibleWorld5563 in Helldivers
#Helldivers2 | #Helldivers
Here we go again! pic.twitter.com/z86PuaKvKd
— Helldivers NOW (@Helldivers_NOW) May 29, 2025
It’s important to note that while this backlash is significant, it doesn’t compare to the infamous PSN-related review bombing of May 2024. Nonetheless, the disappointment is understandable. This should have been a crowning achievement in *Helldivers 2*’s evolving story—combining narrative depth, strategic coordination, and intense cooperative play.
Having participated in the defense of Super Earth firsthand, I can attest to the sheer intensity and scale of the battles. Arrowhead has masterfully crafted an atmosphere of desperation and defiance, where every drop counts and every soldier matters.
Unfortunately, the emotional weight of the event has been somewhat overshadowed by the ongoing debate. What began as a unifying experience across borders has taken on a slightly sour tone. Despite calls from moderators and fan communities to stay focused and avoid divisive rhetoric, the controversy has cast a shadow over an otherwise incredible chapter in *Helldivers 2* history.
At the time of writing, the fight continues in both Equality-On-Sea and Prosperity City. Equality-On-Sea maintains a slightly higher defense percentage, but the ultimate order remains unchanged: Hold Super Earth. With luck, the Helldivers will prevail, and the community can come together once more to celebrate a hard-fought victory.
