On August 12, 2026, Arrowhead Game Studios released a major free update, Devoid of Liberty (version 7.0.0), for Helldivers 2. Meet two new Illuminati enemies, a level cap increase to 300, 15 new ranks, and SEAF field support.
The studio didn’t just add content—they sent us into the Void, where the Illuminati have mutated into something far more dangerous. And this new feature seriously changes familiar tactics.
This article covers everything we’ve learned so far about Devoid of Liberty: who Crusher and Wretch are, how to take them down faster, why the level cap was raised, the benefits of SEAF soldiers, and what Warhammer 40,000 has to do with it. Incidentally, the update is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—and, yes, it’s completely free for all owners.
Table of Contents
Two new Illuminati enemies: Crusher and Wretch
The Illuminati have always been cunning, but this time they’ve outdone themselves. Patch 7.0.0 introduced two new units: Crusher and Wretch. Each has its own style, and if unprepared, they’ll quickly turn a mission into hell.
Crusher is slow but incredibly durable. His main gimmick is constant health regeneration. If you’re distracted for a few seconds, he’ll have already regenerated a third of his health. Players on the forums, already nicknamed “the walking wall,” recommend constantly hitting him, preferably with gas or fire. He’s especially vulnerable to headshots—precise shotgun or plasma rifle hits will disrupt his regeneration.
Wretch is the complete opposite. Fast, agile, constantly dodging and jumping. His target is your squad’s limbs. Wretch loves to flank and deliver precision strikes, so keep an eye on it with an assault rifle or laser cannon. Its weakness is its legs: a downed Wretch loses mobility and becomes an easy target.
For clarity, here’s a quick table for each:
| Enemy | Weakness | Best Weapon | Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher | Head (helmet) | Shotgun, flamethrower, gas grenades | Constant pressure, prevent regeneration |
| Wretch | Legs, limbs | Assault rifle, laser carbine, rapid-fire | Knock down, finish at point-blank range |
Level Up to 300 and 15 New Ranks
Previously, the cap was 150—and many veterans have long since reached it. Arrowhead decided it was time to give players a new goal. The maximum level is now 300, and with it come 15 new ranks and titles. And these aren’t just cosmetics: each new rank unlocks a unique icon and title, visible to everyone in the lobby. The best part is that experience is counted retroactively. If you’ve already accumulated millions of experience points after level 150, the system will recalculate it and immediately assign the appropriate ranks. Many players immediately received 5-6 new ranks. So you won’t have to grind again—just log in and claim yours. It’s safe to say this motivates even the most seasoned veterans to take up arms again.
SEAF Support – How Allies Work
Another major change is the “Heavy SEAF Presence” planetary modifier. Maps with this modifier feature SEAF squads—Super-Earth soldiers who deploy from Pelicans and assist you in combat. They are marked as green dots on the radar and operate autonomously, but you can issue them simple commands through the emote menu.
There are four squad roles:
-
Squad Leader—a commander who increases accuracy and morale.
-
Rifleman—a standard infantryman with an assault rifle.
-
Specialist—a specialist in heavy weapons (rocket launchers, grenade launchers).
-
Medic—heals with a Stim Pistol and can revive a fallen ally.
The Medic is a real asset in protracted battles. He not only restores health but can also quickly revive. The developers also added an Easter egg: if you approach a SEAF soldier and perform the “Hug” emote, they’ll reciprocate—a small gesture, but a nice touch.
Warhammer 40,000: Castellan’s Creed — New Warbond
Along with Devoid of Liberty comes the legendary Warbond, dedicated to the Warhammer 40,000 universe—Castellan’s Creed. This is a tribute to the iconic franchise, and the crossover is very tight. The set includes Astra Militarum-style armor, new weapons, titles, and unique emotes. If you’re a Warhammer fan, this Warbond is a must-buy for Super Credits.
What else changed in patch 7.0.0
In addition to the above, the patch brought a wide range of balance changes and new features:
-
New biome “The Void” – an area with distorted reality where “terrifying creatures” appear (no details yet, but it looks creepy).
-
Emote slots increased from 4 to 8 – you can now equip more gestures and commands.
-
Assisted Reload reworked – the process has become faster and more reliable.
-
Improvements to GATER, Eagle Napalm Airstrike, and anti-tank mines.
-
PSSR support added to PS5 Pro, and improved DLSS on PC.
The developers clearly weren’t lazy: the patch notes list dozens of minor tweaks, from sound bug fixes to new animations for some weapons.
Ultimately, Helldivers 2 has received a major update that doesn’t just add content, but changes the familiar gameplay. New enemies require different tactics, SEAF squads add a command element, and the level cap of 300 provides incentive for even veteran players to keep playing. The crossover with Warhammer is a nice bonus for fans.
So don’t delay: load up, grab your teammates, and head into the Void—a new war is already raging there. And remember: a managed democracy can’t defend itself.
