Major Order (Helldivers 2)

Major Orders serve as the main objectives in Helldivers 2. Players have to complete time-limited community goals in order to make progress in the Second Galactic War. The course of the war is not scripted as outcomes of battles depend entirely on player actions. Due to this dynamic nature of the game, major orders can have various consequences for the Galactic War depending on whether players succeed or fail to complete them. For example, planets can be liberated from or lost to enemy factions, preventing them from or allowing them to push into further sectors of the galaxy.

Note: Helldivers need to have participated in combat on the planets involved in the order to receive the associated rewards, although many have received rewards despite not having participated due to inactivity or other reasons.

= Major Orders Timeline =

Operation Valiant Enclosure

 * Briefing: Freedom is under attack. The Terminid outbreak threatens to spread out of control, and probability of child eviscerations is at an all-time high. In response, our scientists have developed the Terminid Control System: a planet-wide bug extermination network. The TCS will be constructed on an unbroken line of Barrier Planets, quarantining the bugs behind them. The worlds leading to the Barrier Planets are crawling with Terminids. This Infestation must be cleansed.
 * Overview: The bugs are out of control. They must be pushed back to the Barrier Planets, where the Terminid Control System will be built. Liberate all planets between Super Earth and the Barrier Planets: Heeth and Angel's Venture
 * Outcome: SUCCESS

Automaton Attack

 * Briefing: The Automatons have launched cowardly surprise attacks on multiple highly-populated Super Earth planets. The Super Earth Armed Forces in the region have been overrun. Million of citizens are in grave danger of death, or disenfranchisement. This grievous attack on Freedom will not go unanswered. The homes of our citizens must be defended.
 * Overview: The Automatons have launched a cowardly surprise attack against our innocent civilian populations. Their homes must be defended. Win at least 8 Defend Campaigns against the Automatons.
 * Outcome: FAILURE

Defense of Draupnir and Mantes

 * Briefing: Intercepted messages indicate bot plans for a significant push. Increased resistance on Automaton planets is anticipated.
 * Overview: Defend Draupnir and Mantes
 * Outcome: FAILURE - Despite the valorous efforts of the Helldivers, Automaton marauders have invaded Super Earth territory. Patriotic citizens mourn as their sufficiently-sized homes burn to the ground. Super Earth citizens demand justice, and they will receive it. But for now, the Terminid Control System is ready for activation.

Defense of Heeth and Angel's Venture

 * Briefing: Terminid spores have engulfed Heeth and Angel's Venture, spawning hordes of Terminids that overwhelmed our colonial militias. Clearly, the bug hive instinct oriented their mindless expansion towards dishonoring the memory of those who fought to free these planets. Countless Helldivers paid for these lands with their lives. We cannot lose them now.
 * Overview: The Terminids are swarming Super Earth planets. Designated planets must be under Super Earth Control when order expires: Heeth, Angel's Venture
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - SEAF reinforcements have arrived, and through the judicious application of personnel massing tactics, the Terminid advance has been repelled. Your efforts to hold both planets were essential. Good work, Helldivers. You have honored the memories of your fallen allies.

Liberation of Veld

 * Briefing: Contain the Terminid outbreak, before the bugs are able to spread further.
 * Overview: Liberate Veld
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - Well done, Helldivers. SEAF Containment Teams will take over cleanup and inoculation operations from here. Colonists have been advised that there is absolutely zero threat of further Terminid violence, and to settle their families with total peace of mind. Additionally, the pilots allocated to spore clearance on Veld have now been redirected to Helldiver support operations.

Liberation of Tien Kwan

 * Briefing: Tien Kwan is home to the sole arsenal of new Exosuit technology. It is only a matter of time before the Automatons discover the arsenal and steal it for themselves. Liberate Tien Kwan, before it is too late.
 * Overview: Secure the new line of combat Exosuits by liberating the planet where the production facilities are located. Liberate Tien Kwan
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - Well done, Helldivers. Tien Kwan has been returned to the care of Managed Democracy. The Morgunson Arsenal, and its stockpile of freshly-produced Exosuits, were recovered intact. The EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit is now available for requisition.
 * Notes: New stratagem unlocked upon completion: EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit.

Activation of the Terminid Control System

 * Briefing: Upon each Barrier Planet now stands a network of massive, Termicide-dispensing towers: the Terminid Control System. Once activated, the TCS will exterminate every Terminid on that planet, and inoculate it against all future infestations. However, surges in Terminid activity have forced the SEAF Engineers to evacuate. Now, only Helldivers can ensure the safety of our citizens. The Terminid Control System must be activated - at any cost.
 * Overview: Termicide-dispensing towers have been built all over every Barrier Planet. They need only to be activated to quarantine the bugs for good. Activate the Terminid Control System on the Barrier Planets: Erata Prime, Fenrir III, Meridia, Turing
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - The Terminid Control System is fully activated. The Termicide is working as intended, culling millions of Terminids on the Barrier Planets. Our citizens may finally rest easy, knowing their children are forever safe from being eaten alive by fascist insects.
 * Notes: Had an event-exclusive mission type: Activate Terminid Control System. New enemy type introduced after completion: Shrieker.

Operation Prime Liberation

 * Briefing: In support of civilian population expansion and new energy demands for FTL travel, the Helldivers are ordered to cull the Terminid swarm within the Quarantine Zone through liberation of several planets.
 * Overview: With the TCS securing our citizens' lives, now we can secure their economic future, by culling the Terminid population and harvesting the E-710 they provide. Liberate Fori Prime and Zagon Prime.
 * Outcome: FAILURE - Though many Terminids have been mercifully culled, the Helldivers were unable to penetrate as far side the Quarantine Zone as ordered. The expansion of our citizens to new planets will be reduced in line with reduction of expected Element 710 to be produced. Further procreation applications will be denied until further notice.

Operation Hell-Draco - Protect the Civilian Biomass Collection Team

 * Briefing: Civilian Biomass Collection Teams (BCTs) are gathering and processing inert Terminids on liberated bug planets. The Helldivers must maintain control of these worlds until these operations are complete.
 * Overview: Designated planets must be under Super Earth control when order expires. Fori Prime, Estanu, Crimsica, Hellmire.
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - The last of the crude solid E-710 has been collected, processed, and shipped off-planet, providing a healthy boost to our colony settlement effectors. The Planets can now be left behind to allow the Terminids to repopulate—under careful supervision.

Operation Swift Disassembly

 * Briefing: Interrogators have extracted alarming information from captured bots, through use of Unpleasant Sensory Experience Simulations. The Automatons are planning something called "The Reclamation," which appears to be a massive invasion of unprecedented scale. Further details are scarce. In response, High Command has authorized OPERATION SWIFT DISASSEMBLY. The objective: eradicate the Automatons entirely. It will consist of several phases, each critical to overall success.

Phase 1: Disrupt Communications

 * Phase 1 Briefing: We have identified a long-range communications array deep in Automation space. Its capture may reveal critical intelligence about the enemy’s plans. In order to support the destruction of the Automatons, the Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked new support weapons for immediate distribution. The LAS-99 Quasar Cannon and MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun are now available for requisition.
 * Phase 1 Overview: Liberate Troost
 * Phase 1 Outcome: SUCCESS - The Automaton Comms Array on Troost has been decommissioned. Strangely, it appears to have been broadcasting outside the Galactic Frontier. Analysts are working to determine more, but much data was already deleted. However, we did discover a transmission containing blueprints for a new Automaton type: aerial gunships. With this advance warning, our hardworking factory laborers have been instructed to accelerate of our most effective anti-air weapons.

Phase 2: Reduce Non-Sentient Combatant Production

 * Phase 2 Briefing: Intel analysis have identified the planet Tibit as the most significant producer of illegal Automaton combatants. Liberating this planet would significantly impact the enemy’s capacity to replenish decommissioned socialists. It would also limit further theft of the planet’s natural resources from future generations of inarguably sentient humans.
 * Phase 2 Overview: Liberate Tibit
 * Phase 2 Outcome: FAILURE - The Automatons have retained Tibit, and its manufacturing facilities. Reports indicate they have already begun increasing production elsewhere. Intercepted bot chatter includes expressions of great sorrow for the "murder" of in-development bots - a transparent attempt at disinformation, as bots can neither feel nor be considered alive. However, the simulated oaths of vengeance may indicate actual strategic intent. A counteroffensive is likely.

Liberate Malevelon Creek

 * Briefing:  Several weeks ago, our citizens watched in horror as Malevelon Creek fell to the Automatons. Millions of valiant heroes perished attempting to defend it. For too long, the bots have maintained their illegal occupation, desecrating the memory of the fallen by rapidly depleting the planet's exceptionally rich rhodium deposits. This travesty will be allowed no longer. Take vengeance for the fallen. Honor our heroes. End the theft of valuable minerals. Liberate Malevelon.
 * Overview: ''The Automatons have illegally occupied and mined Malevelon Creek for too long. The time has come to take it back. Liberate Malevelon Creek.
 * Outcome: SUCCESS -  At long last, Malevelon Creek is free. The heroes who died in its defense can finally rest in peace, knowing justice has been served, and the planet's rhodium deposits will be mined by the citizens who rightfully own them. Colonists are returning to the ruins of their settlements, pickaxes in hand, hopeful for a prosperous future. For at last, dawn breaks upon a free Creek.

Phase 3: Hold Ground

 * Phase 3 Briefing: The Automatons, clearly having calculated their impending shutdown, have put their remaining resources into a large-scale counterattack. Desperate as it is, should this re-invasion succeed, it may jeopardize our ability to destroy the bots in time to prevent their incoming invasion. Hold ground.
 * Phase 3 Overview: ''Designated planets must be under Super Earth control when order expires: Malevelon Creek, Ubanea, Draupnir.
 * Phase 3 Outcome: SUCCESS - The Automaton counterattack has been repelled. They no longer have the resources to sustain an offensive on such a scale. While the timeline of their phaseout has been extended, it remains within reach.

Final Phase: Annihilation

 * Hologram Message: The Automatons have been a thorn in the side of Freedom long enough. Though the Ministry of Intelligence has not yet discovered where they came from, or what they want, we can wait no longer. There is only one sure way to defend our citizens from the bots: total eradication.
 * Phase 4 Briefing: (FINAL) Annihilation: All Helldivers are ordered to make an all-out push to completely destroy the Automaton Legion. Despite the enemy's losses Automaton messages still include references to "The Reclamation." They must be annihilated before this plan can be carried out. Countless Helldivers gave their lives to acquire this opportunity. Do not let their sacrifices be in vain. Protect our way of life. Destroy the Automatons at any cost.
 * Phase 4 Overview: Designated planets must be under Super Earth control when order expires: Maia, Tibit, Durgen.
 * Motivational Reinforcement: The Automatons are lifeless, emotionless, hateful socialists. They murdered innocent families. They ravaged Malevelon Creek. Worst of all, they threatened our way of life. All without any provocation or cause save a hard-coded hatred of Freedom. Save our citizens. Save Managed Democracy. Annihilate the Automaton threat, once and for all.
 * Tibit Liberated Message: The factories on Tibit have been destroyed. Now, the enemy will be forced to distribute their existing forces more thinly, lowering their planetary resistance. The Automatons are beginning to crumble. Keep up the attack.
 * Phase 4 Outcome: SUCCESS - The Automaton threat has been fully eradicated from our galaxy. Our citizens are safe, our heroic fallen avenged. With the bots eradicated and bugs contained, the galaxy is free once more. The supposed threat posed by the so-called "Reclamation" can be considered fully ended. Out of an abundance of caution, SEAF teams will continue to search what remains of Automaton facilities and servers for any additional intelligence.

Operation Rearing

 * Briefing: With the Automatons eradicated and Terminids contained, the time has come to work towards a more prosperous future for all citizens. To that end, construction of new, safer, and more efficient E-710 farms will soon commence. On these farms, Terminids will be raised in spacious enclosures and enriched with state-of-the-art nutritional supplements, all under careful supervision. Clear the way for the safe construction of the E-710 farms.
 * Overview: Clear the way for the construction of new, safe, and more efficient E-710 farms. Liberate the designated planets: Hellmire, Estanu and Crimsica
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - With the planet cleared, laborer's have broken ground on the first of many Terminid Enrichment and Extraction Centers. New security measures, E-710 extraction procedures, and accelerated growth additives will be tested and perfected, laying the groundwork for development across the rest of the Terminid Quarantine Zone. Thanks to the Helldivers, the future of humanity is bright. Procreation applications will now be considered for approval, following the typical 180-day review process.

The Reclamation
'''HIGH PRIORITY BROADCAST. ALL UNITS TO LIBCON 1. FEDERATION UNDER ATTACK. MULTIPLE PLANETS HAVE FALLEN.'''

''A massive Automaton Invasion Fleet, comprising tens of thousands of warships, arrived from FTL jump to the Valdis Sector and overran nearly every planet in just hours. Attacks on communications networks delayed warning until now. SEAF reserves are scrambling. All Helldivers are called to deploy immediately to the defense.''

''This Fleet dwarfs the Automaton armies destroyed in Operation Swift Disassembly. As we predicted from the start, they were merely a vanguard. This is the Automatons' true force. Where the Automatons hid this fleet, and what their true intentions are -- those questions must be answered later.''

The Reclamation has begun.

Operation Courageous Defense

 * Briefing: The automatons have revealed their true force: a massive invasion fleet sweeping through our territory. Defenses are scrambling. Slow its advance as much as possible.
 * Overview: Succeed in the Defense of at least 5 planets.
 * SUPER DESTROYER FLEET UPGRADE - In response to increased enemy threat, Helldivers are now authorized to requisition Level 4 Modules for all Super Destroyer systems. Like previous upgrades, the Level 4 Suite significantly upgrades the Super Destroyer with cutting-edge technology, provided by defence contractors who are galactic leaders in quality and safety. These critical upgrades will be installed without delay upon submission of the requisite number of samples, proof of commitment to furthering the cause of Liberty.
 * Outcome: FAILURE - The Automatons have seized control of many innocent and once-beautiful worlds. The valiant and tireless defence raised by the Helldivers was commendable, but it was not enough to stop such a large and cowardly assault. Any colonists not driven from their homes were likely slaughtered, their votes forever lost.

Operation Menkent Line

 * Briefing: We must halt the Automatons advance. Helldivers are ordered to establish and hold the Menkent Line, consisting of the planets Menkent and Lesath. Establishing this defensive line will allow SEAF Engineers to begin construction of orbital defences on those planets, deterring the advance of the Automaton Fleet and allowing counteroffensive preparations to begin. 
 * Overview: The Automaton advance must be halted. Establish and hold the Menkent Line to allow establishment of orbital defences. Designated planets must be under Super Earth control when order expires: Menkent and Lesath
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - The defence held . The Menkent Line has been established. The Automaton advance has been arrested. Rudimentary orbital defences have been established along the line, and are being augmented by hardworking SEAF and civilian labourers. Meanwhile, the SEAF Forward Command Base on Vernen Wells is up and running, providing fresh recruits and supplies to the front.

Operation Cassiopeia

 * Briefing: With the Menkent Line established, the Automaton Fleet has been forced to divert their plans. Now, they are attempting a concerted effort to punch through at a single planet. The Automatons are likely to muster the entirety of their strength for this endeavour. You must outlast the enemy. Hold the planet, no matter the cost.
 * Intelligence Brief: The Automatons have deployed a new heavy unit: the Factory Strider. Previously deployed in very limited quantities, likely prototypes, this massive abomination is a walking Automaton fabricator. It is heavily armed and armored, and should be engaged with coordinated firepower and unhesitating aggression.
 * Overview: The Automaton are attempting to punch through the line at a single planet. Hold it at all costs. Designated planets must be under Super Earth control when order expires: Marfark
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - The Automaton Invasion Fleet has been repelled. The bots committed much of their reserves to this attack. Even the large-scale deployment of the Factory Strider could not break the resolve of the Helldivers. The situation remains dire. The Automatons still illegally occupy vast swaths of our territory. But with this victory, the Helldivers have won the oppurtunity to turn back the tide.''

Operation Harvest

 * Briefing: Thanks to the valiant and unceasing defence of the Helldivers, a robust defensive line has been established. This is likely only a temporary respite, while the bits refit in preparation to break through our defences once more. We now have the oppurtunity to refuel our war effort. The defence effort depleated our E-710 reserves. In order to allow for a counter-offensive, the Helldivers are ordered to manually produce Terminid corpses for conversion into E-710.
 * Overview: The Automaton invasion has slowed, thanks to the valiant defence efforts. We must take this chance to refill our E-710 reserves in order to stage a counter-offensive. Kill 2,000,000,000 (two billion) Terminids.
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - In further proof of their elite training and irreplaceable value, the Helldivers reached the target set for Terminid biomass production far faster than anticipated. While additional destruction of Super Earth's enemies is always beneficial, E-710 refinement pipelines are full at the present time. There will be ample opportunities for additional biomass production in the future. Super Earth High Command commends the Helldivers for their boundless enthusiasm to destroy the enemies of Freedom. (Note: This order was completed in just over 12 hours, making it one of the fastest orders ever completed in HD2 History)
 * Message from Command: In further proof of their elite training and irreplaceable value, the Helldivers reached the target set for Terminid biomass production far faster than anticipated. While additional destruction of Super Earth's enemies is always beneficial, E-710 refinement pipelines are full at the present time. There will be ample opportunities for additional biomass production in the future. Super Earth High Command commends the Helldivers for their boundless enthusiasm to destroy the enemies of Freedom.

Operation Enduring Bulwark

 * Briefing: Freedom is under attack once more. In an act of sinister syncronicity, both the Terminids and Automatons have launched large-scale assaults. The Helldivers must now defend our citizens on two fronts at once.
 * Overview: Both the Terminids and Automatons are attacking. Defend our territory on both fronts. Succeed in the Defence of at lease 10 planets.
 * Message from Command: During the ongoing attack on Vernen Wells, the Automaton horde have managed to knock out long-range communications arrays allowing us to track our forces across the galaxy. This means that, unfortunately, we will be unable to provide updates to liberation percentage and ongoing galactic war progress for the foreseeable future. Super Earth High Command have dispatched expert SEAF engineering teams, under the protection of our Helldivers, to repair these arrays as soon as possible. In the meantime, errors and incomplete data may be displayed on Destroyer systems and tracking software. Continue the fight!
 * Outcome: SUCCESS - Freedom has overcome oppression once more. Even the combined might of the Terminids and Automatons was no match for the fierce and obedient resistance of the Helldivers. Through some ground was lost, our enemies are exhuasted, their assault broken upon the immovable shield wall of the Helldivers. The fight is far from over, but the light of Liberty shines bright over the worlds of the Federation today.
 * Note: Two points were awarded with the capture of Oshaune, due to an attack on Fori Prime shortly before Oshaunes' liberation. This meant that both Oshaune and Fori were completed together and both awarded a point.

Phase 1: Citizen Rescue

 * Briefing: Intel has identified citizens on two planets. On Choohe, citizens who have proved their loyalty through testing of a new Fortification Stratagem are trapped. On Penta, citizens who have synthesized tons of caustic chemicals for a new Support Weapon Strategem are awaiting rescue. Likely, only the citizens and weaponry of the first planet liberated will be saved.
 * Overview: Brave surviving citizens on Choohe and Penta may still be saved, along with the weaponry they have continued to develop. Only the first planet to be liberated is likely to still have any surviving personnel or equipment. Choose Democratically. Liberate Choohe and Penta
 * Outcome: FAILED (1/2) - The Automatons, in their calculated oppression and hardwired avarice, have stymied our valient efforts to liberate Choohe. The loss of the indispensible explosives on the planet will mena significant delays to the production of Anti-Tank Mines. The explosive technicians on Choohe have almost certainly been torn to pieces by the vicious blades of the Automatons. All will agree that every possible resource was directed towards their salvation. Their sacrifice is hereby honoured.
 * Dispatch: Penta Liberated. 90% of Penta's chemical factories have been secured. Fleetwide distribution of Airburst Rocket Launchers can now commence. Most of the chemical technicians who had been trapped on the planet were rescued. Tragically though, some had already perished by the time we reached them, having succumbed to the toxic fume poisoning. The Automatons show no hesitation in the use of chemical warfare against civilians. The sacrifice of these heroes will never be forgotten. (Upon Liberation of Penta, the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher became available for purchase in the Stratagems Section of the Super Destroyer.)

TCS Failure
HIGH PRIORITY BROADCAST

'''OP. LEGITIMATE UNDERTAKING TERMINATED. EMERGENCY SITUATION IN TERMINID QUARANTINE ZONE.'''

''Several weeks ago, the Helldivers activated the Terminid Control System (TCS) on the Barrier Planets: Erata Prime, Fenrir III, Meridia & Turing. Since then, the Termicide produced by the TCS has kept the Terminids at bay.''

''However, the TCS is no longer functioning as intended: Terminid outbreaks have erupted on all Barrier Planets. The bugs are displaying resistance to Termicide, something our top scientists previously believed impossible.''

''The situation on Meridia is even worse. There, Terminid reproduction has exploded overnight, and continue to increase exponentially. The planet is already almost fully infested.''

''While the exact mechanism for this hyper-reproductive adaptation is unknown, it appears to be linked to continuted Termicide Exposure. So far, this effect is limited to Meridia. It cannot be allowed to spread.''

''Operation Legitimate Undertaking has been placed on indefinite hiatus. Meridia is unsalvagable. The Helldivers are ordered to deactivate the Terminid Control System on the remaining Barrier Planets immediately.''

Operation: Firebreak

 * Briefing: Terminid Outbreaks have erupted on all Barrier Planets. The bugs appear to be showing resistance to Termicide. On Meridia, Terminid reproduction rates have exploded overnight. While the mechanism for this adaptation is unclear, it appears to be linked to continued Termicide Exposure. It cannot be allowed to spread. The Helldivers are ordered to deactivate the Terminid Control System on the remaining Barrier Planets immediately.
 * Overview: Termicide Exposure has been linked to a hyper-reproductive adaptation causing massive bug outbreaks. Meridia is already lost, but the remaining Barrier Planets can still be saved. Deactivate the Terminid Control System (TCS) on Erata Prime, Fenrir III, and Turing.
 * Outcome: IN PROGRESS (1/3)