Helldivers 1:Galactic War
| Helldivers 2 | Helldivers 1 |
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This article is about the Galactic War from a Lore perspective. For the mechanics of the war, see Helldivers 1:Galactic Campaign. |
“Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is inhabited by more species than was previously believed, and it turns out, most of them are, in one way or another--hostile.
The SUPER EARTH military is fighting to keep back the tide of enemies that besiege us from all fronts. The elite HELLDIVERS go both beyond the front and behind our own lines to support you and our troops.— Encyclopedia description
The Galactic War is a series of conflicts waged by the 
Super Earth Federation on several fronts throughout the galaxy. Two such wars have occurred.
Overview
The Galactic War in both Helldivers 1 and Helldivers 2 serves as the primary means of narrative delivery.
In Helldivers 1, the Galactic War lasts for 20-30 days before resetting, ending if Super Earth is captured or if The Helldivers successfully eliminate all 3 enemy factions.
In Helldivers 2, the Galactic War is persistent and continuously evolving throughout the years. It is unknown if it will ever be reset.
The First Galactic War
In the years 2044 to 2084, Super Earth found itself encircled and threatened by three distinct and hostile factions: the insect-like 
Bugs, the mechanically augmented 
Cyborgs, and the enigmatic 
Illuminates. The government of Super Earth, advocating for the need to suppress these foes to safeguard its citizens' freedoms and way of life, assigned the Helldivers – a specialized combat force – for missions beyond mere warfare.
When the War Started
“It is the year 2084.
When mankind ventured into space, we were curious to see if anything loomed behind those stars; unfortunately, we were right. The initial contacts were peaceful, but soon the people of Super Earth realized the potential danger of communicating with alien species, and before we knew it, they started our first intergalactic war.
For 40 years, the war has raged on, a conflict whereby three hostile alien species are hell-bent on a single goal: the total annihilation of the human species. Luckily, the fighting spirit of man has not decayed since the last great war on Earth. We are now stronger than ever; man, woman and child alike are encouraged to try their strengths in the ultimate test - to have the courage to defend Super Earth.
— Encyclopedia description
The First Galactic War started when the Federation of Super Earth declared war against the Bugs, Cyborgs and Illuminate for a multitude of reasons. It is unknown for how long each faction was canonically fought against, given the first game's nature as a resetting war.
It should be noted that Helldivers 1 takes place in the final year of the First Galactic War, which has lasted for 40 years. A quick bit of math puts the start of the First Galactic War in the year 2044.[1]
The Bugs
BUGS TO BE EXTERMINATED!
The federation has decided that the Bug threat is becoming too great. Senator John W. Killjoy declared "The Bugs have been a plague in this galaxy for far too long, they must now be eradicated before they spread to other worlds".
The federation further announces that Helldiver troops will spearhead the assault, something that Army Tactical Command looks at in a positive light. "The Helldivers are the outfit best suited for this task. While they're on the surface of the many bug infested worlds, they have the possibility to activate lost oil pumps that are essential to the survival of the human race."
This is also proven by scientist Henk Ploeg Ph.D.: "The Bugs rapidly generate vast quantities of oil when they decompose. This is beneficial, but is not the primary reason why the Bugs must be exterminated. They are far too dangerous to be allowed to live."
— Bugs' start of war text
The Bugs are crustacean-like alien beings that decompose into oil. Super Earth first fought against them during the First Crustacean War[2] before the events of the game. The war was declared with the ultimate objective of their extermination, while simultaneously activating oil pumps on the fossil fuel-rich worlds the bugs occupied.[2]
There is no known evidence proving that the bugs actually had any hostile intentions towards humans, but to question the validity of these claims is considered treason by the Federation.
The Cyborgs
TERROR ON SUPER EARTH!
A man with cybernetic parts has detonated a bomb in the center of District 48 of Super Earth, killing 8 civilians.
Dr. Henk Ploeg explains "The Socialistic Cyborgs are perverted, lack any sense of responsibility, and have, ever since their declaration of independence from Super Earth, grown weary and hateful of what they gave up: Freedom, Democracy, Liberty, Justice and Decency.". He continues "The Cyborgs are becoming increasingly threatening in their rhetoric. With the latest development, they have put words into action and, in the most significant way, hurt Super Earth."
Senator John W. Killjoy is proud to announce that Super Earth will not sit idly by; "We are on a mission. The fleet is mobilizing to prove to all of the inhabitants of Cyberstan that you cannot kill our civilians without retribution."
Some Cyborg sympathizers question whether or not the lone individual was in any way affiliated with the Cyborg Nation, to which John W. Killjoy responds "Those hippies that believe there is a single thought of peace in a Cyborg's mind need to be put in jail, or even executed. We are going to war, and that's the end of the discussion."
— Cyborgs' start of war text
The Cyborgs of Cyberstan are a nation of technologically-augmented humans that seceded from Super Earth before the events of the game. War on them was declared after a "man with cybernetic parts" detonated a bomb in the center of District 48 of Super Earth, killing 8 civilians.
It is implied that the perpetrator had no ties with the Cyborg Nation.
The Illuminate
WAR DECLARED ON ILLUMINATE!
"We have reason to believe the Illuminates have Weapons of Mass Destruction, capable of destroying entire planets" stated house representative Powley Colle. He continued "Every statement I make today is backed up by reliable sources".
Whether or not the Illuminates prove the large threat that Mr. Colle is so certain about is met by little resistance. Some sympathizers deny this fact and instead state that "The Illuminates are an ancient and wise species, they are no threat to us unless we threaten them". These voices were set right immediately afterwards through public executions.
The Army Tactical Command has drawn out a plan for the Helldivers to go in, investigate, and eventually capture or disarm the Illuminate WMDs or any other devices that are more technologically advanced than current Super Earth manufactured technology.
Senator John W. Killjoy earlier today announced that "Super Earth would benefit greatly if we were able to get our hands on the technology". Senator Killjoy referred to the power balance which he earlier explained "The galaxy does not benefit from having a single species that has more advanced weaponry since they will not be afraid of retaliation."
The statement sends a clear message to all would-be threats to Super Earth; If they have more advanced technology than us, be prepared to pay the price.
— Illuminate's start of war text
The Illuminate - or Squ'ith as they call themselves - are an ancient and highly advanced species. They observed humanity for possibly hundreds of years[3] before their first official contact with the Federation.
They first approached the Federation of Super Earth with a peace offering[4], however the Federation accused them of possessing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) capable of destroying entire planets. Using this supposed threat as justification, humankind waged war against the Illuminate.
The length of the Galactic War
In the meta game, there were countless wars that lasted around 20-30 days. The end of each war reset the progress back to the beginning. A war could end with the players either completely eradicating their enemies or failing to fight back and Super Earth being destroyed.
Canonically, the war is said to have lasted around 40 years and ended with Super Earth defeating all the other factions.
When any faction is defeated, the players are treated to an article explaining the fate of the enemy faction they defeated.
Defeat of the Bugs
BUGS ALLOWED TO LIVE?
Helldiver troops have finally taken control of the Bug homeworld KEPLER PRIME, and while the goal of extermination has not yet been reached, a drastic change of tactics is employed.
Senator John W. Killjoy explains: "We have found through extensive research that the Bugs generate the quantities of oil that we require for a sustainable future. To eradicate them from the galaxy just doesn't seem right from a moral perspective and due to this, we have collaborated with scientists such as the brilliant Dr. Henk Ploeg to devise a way where we can safely breed this rare species and, potentially, harvest more oil than we have done before.".
There have been minor concerns from leading moral experts saying that "The Bugs have no right to live" referring to the rate at which they spread through the galaxy.
Whatever happens next is up to the government, and we know that they'll make the right decision.
— Victory Text when Bugs are Defeated
The Bugs were defeated following an assault on their homeworld: Kepler Prime. The "vast quantities of oil" they produced when decomposing is later re-identified by Super Earth as Element-710 in Helldivers 2.
Quarantine of the Cyborgs
CYBORGS DISARMED!
Following several weeks of fierce battles since the terror bombing on Super Earth, Helldiver troops have finally disarmed and quarantined the Cyborgs. Rerouters spoke to Cyborg relations expert Dr. Gustaf Smith on why a decision to disarm was made. "We must show the world that the only way to create peace is through democracy." He continued "Therefore we have installed voting booths all around the capitals of Cyberstan and enforced voting turnout by further restricting liberties for entire families if they do not vote."
Senator John W. Killjoy clarifies "We believe that the Cyborgs will change their entire culture thanks to the installation of these voting booths and the threat of being severely punished if they do not vote."
Clearly, one cannot argue with the results since the first vote has seen 85% participation so far. Apparently the Army Tactical Command has decided that the Cyborg culture will be totally democratic in five years time, and during that time Federation troops will be stationed at Cyberstan to keep the peace and run government positions. The Super Earth Construction Company, SECC, will take over the forges and industrial complexes spread throughout Cyberstan.
"We believe this will be very profitable for us, and for mankind" said CEO, Mullé Mick.
— Victory Text when Cyborgs are Defeated
The Cyborgs where sent to work in the mines of Cyberstan following their defeat by the Helldivers. Whether or not any Cyborgs did "change their entire culture" is unknown.
Subjugation of the Illuminate
ILLUMINATE SUBJUGATED!
Super Earth soldiers have managed to defeat the highly advanced Illuminate race and talks with their former leaders are under way. The government of Super Earth demands that the Illuminates sign a treaty disallowing the Illuminates from ever creating an armed forces branch and immediately turning over all technology which could be used as weapons to the federation of Super Earth.
Dr. Henk Ploeg excitedly exclaimed "The amount of technology we are going to receive will accelerate our technology tenfold and allow us to create peacekeeping devices that have the power to destroy entire planets!"
What is to become of the subjugated squid-like creatures is unclear. What is certain, though, is that they will never pose a threat to Super Earth again.
"Thanks Helldivers!" said Matthew Jing, 8yo, New New York.
— Victory Text when the Illuminate are defeated
Following their defeat on thier homeworld of Squ'Bai Shrine, The Illuminate were forced to surrender their technology before being exterminated[5][6] by Super Earth. However, a few survived, rebuilding themselves in secret until the creation of the 
Meridian Wormhole during the Second Galactic War.
References
- ↑ This has resulted in a misconception regarding the year of Helldivers 2, if it takes place in 2184 (100 years after 2084) or 2224(40+2084+100). Supplementary material later listed the official year of Helldivers 2 as 2184.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "All Bug planets have large quantities of fossil fuel. This is something that was noticed just before the outbreak of the first crustacean war." - Science Officer
- ↑ "The Illuminate have had settlements in this galaxy for millennia. In the late 21st century there were plenty of Illuminate recon ship sightings, but these were dismissed as folklore back then." - Science Officer
- ↑ "The Illuminates consider themselves enlightened, hence the name. They initially came to earth with a treacherous peace offering which later turned out to be false as they had large quantities of world-destroying devices nicknamed 'obliterator bombs'. Needless to say, the only sensible solution was to wipe them out with a preemptive strike." - Science Officer
- ↑ "We defeated the Illuminate in the First Galactic War, but were too lenient in our cleansing of their viscous imprint. Now we pay the price." - Helldivers 2, Democracy Officer
- ↑ "The advanced and highly xenophobic beings were thought exterminated in the First Galactic War (...)" - Helldivers 2, Strohmann News broadcast