Flying insects spread terror in Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 players have had a tough time recently in the galaxy-spanning fight against the Terminids and the Automata.

To make matters worse, troublemakers within the ranks of the Federation have begun spreading rumors that a new enemy, reminiscent of the sandworms of Dune, may be on the horizon.

More terrifying than the enemies that might arrive in Helldivers 2 are the new enemies that are already there. Introduced quietly in the last patch, a horrifying new breed of flying Terminid has appeared.

Players report flying insects in Helldivers 2, game director categorically denies

In a hilarious post on Managed Democracy.

I’ve heard rumors of flying bugs in @helldivers2. I want to officially refute such preposterous claims.Everyone knows that “Bugs can’t fly”. And I’m not alone in thinking this. The Ministry of Truth agrees that this is propaganda from bug sympathizers that want to brainwash…

— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) March 12, 2024

“I’ve heard rumors about flying bugs in Helldivers2. I want to officially refute such absurd allegations. Everyone knows that ‘Bugs can’t fly,'” explained Pilestedt, in his best imitation of a citizen of Super Earth. “And I’m not alone in thinking this. The Ministry of Truth agrees that this is propaganda from bug sympathizers who want to brainwash good people.”

Helldivers 2 players attempted to refute Pilestedt and the Ministry of Truth’s narrative by pointing out the flying Terminids on the game’s cover. Pilestedt conveniently dismissed the rebuttals as “image manipulation by traitors.”

“It could be anything. Probably just swamp gas reflecting off an eagle,” said a Helldiver getting in on the joke. “That’s a true Patriot,” Pilestedt replied, giving perhaps the highest praise one could receive from the developer.

In case there’s still any confusion at this point, there are definitely flying Terminids in Helldivers 2. Players have posted gameplay videos of the winged horrors in actual combat.

The fact that these new enemies in Helldivers 2 were not detailed in any patch notes was remarkably well received by players.

The consensus seems to be that it adds a lot to the game’s emerging meta-narrative to have surprises like this. The fact that Pilestedt is in the game is an added bonus.