Planets

Selecting a planet is the means by which Helldiver players choose the difficulty of their next mission/s. Players must first use the Galactic Campaign map to decide which enemy to fight (either Bugs, Cyborgs or the Illuminate), they will then be presented with 12 different planets for their chosen enemy, ranging in difficulty from the easiest - 1: A Dive in the Park; through various easy, challenging and hard levels; to the most difficult - 12: Helldive.

Originally, players could choose from planets with three possible environments: Snow, Desert or Forest. The free expansion pack 'Turning Up The Heat' (released 12th May 2015) added a fourth environment: Volcanic.

Each terrain type presents its own distinct difficulties or hazards that impact gameplay, for example deep snow hinders player movement while volcanic eruptions can incinerate Helldiver forces.

Missions


Every planet consists of between one and three different missions, each carried out on a procedurally generated map and featuring several random objectives which can be undertaken in any order.

The mission is deemed successful when all objectives have been accomplished and at least one Helldiver boards the extraction shuttle (players should be aware that some objectives, such as 'Escort Survivors', can be failed while still allowing the mission to be completed).

An XP Boost is awarded to every player that participates in a mission (whether successful or not), with the more difficult missions providing larger boosts. However, the following factors will all reduce the amount of XP - failing an objective; failing to get all Helldivers aboard the extraction shuttle; allowing the total number of team deaths to exceed the mission's difficulty level - for example, a maximum of 10 deaths are allowed during a Suicide Mission (difficulty level 10).

All XP contributes towards the players experience, eventually allowing them to increase in Rank.

Rewards


Once every mission on the selected planet has been completed, players are presented with their reward - An XP boost or a Stratagem unlock (the specific reward can be seen on the planet selection menu).

All successfully conquered planets also contribute Influence to the ongoing Galactic Campaign.