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Helldivers 2 has been out for over a year now, and players are returning to one of its most infamous sectors to hold out against a renewed invasion effort from the Automatons. In doing so, though, a new line has been formed, and Helldivers around the world are holding out against improbable odds to rebuff the bots.
For those who don't dive, the Automatons are one of the enemy factions in Helldivers 2; terrifying, Skynet-esque machines who played a central role in the big in-game conflict a year ago. The invasion wound up centering around Malevelon Creek, whose jungle environments and deadly hail of laser fire led to its nickname of "Robot Vietnam." Helldivers 2 players fought hard, lost the planet, then liberated it in a harrowing turnaround.
The Creek became legend in the Helldivers community, with a cape commemorating the victory getting sent out to players. Now, a year later, the Automatons are back with more firepower and intent on re-taking the Creek. The Major Order went out: Defend Malevelon Creek, by any means necessary.
Helldivers 2 players started dropping into zones around the Sevrin Sector, the area of the galactic map where Malevelon Creek lies, to form a defensive line of planets. Four planets — Vandalon IV, Ingmar, Pöpli IX, and Dolph — created a barrier between the invading Automatons and the path to the Creek. And Pöpli IX has been hit hard.
"What did I miss?" asked one user in r/Helldivers, noting the sheer chaos erupting on Pöpli IX. As of this morning, the planet was at invasion level 40. The Automatons were dropping in both the Incineration Corps (special units using flame throwers and incendiary ammo) and the Jet Brigade (specialized Jump Pack models). Ammo from resupply pods was decreased to 50%, and then cryo-good transports were interrupted, reducing reinforcements (respawns) to three for all operations on Pöpli IX.
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In short, Pöpli IX had everything thrown at it. As one player put it, "by protecting one legendary planet, we've created another one." But that's the fun part: Arrowhead is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Pöpli IX, and players are loving it.
"I’ve been playing since launch, but something about the fight for Pöpli IX hits different," one thread said. "Two bot subfactions clashing at once? Absolute chaos. There’s a real sense of stakes and attrition — like the front line is constantly shifting, but everything still feels desperate. It’s not just another mission, it actually feels like a war."
The slow escalation of forces over time elicits an interesting dilemma for Helldivers, who find themselves backed further and further into a corner, holding out against the worst odds. Players have been responding, diving into the new battle lines to try and hold out.
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Pöpli IX has also seen Arrowhead's systems play well with player input. As the bots neared victory with an hour left, players managed to implement the DSS Eagle Storm. This gave Helldivers an opportunity; the bot frontline could not advance for 24 hours, giving players a chance to swing the planet back.
That swing, and the ensuing ammo and respawn restrictions, just built up more excitement around holding the line at Pöpli IX. Multiple sub-factions, limitations, and a high enemy invasion level has led to drops on Pöpli IX being intense. Oh, I forgot to mention: there are intense heat warnings and fire tornadoes.
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It looked like Malevelon Creek was due for another legendary conflict, but instead, the focus has shifted, and a new moment has sprung up from this invasion.
"It was the community that made malevolen creek the legend that it is today," one poster said. "And I believe Pöpli IX deserves similar status." I'm personally inclined to agree with them.
There's still, as of this writing, one day and just under 20 hours until the Major Order ends. The bots could still throw even more at the sector, trying to break through the player-built line and push towards the Creek. Either way, it feels like we've seen a new Helldivers legend form right in front of our eyes.
Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
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