Helldivers 2 leak suggests a talon-lashing bug from Helldivers 1 could return

Following the eradication of the Terminid supercolony on Meridia in Helldivers 2, a counter-assault from the game’s aggressive bug hordes was almost inevitable. Although every recent operation against the creepy-crawlies has succeeded, skirmishes against them could become much harder because according to a recent Helldivers 2 leak, the Terminids may bring in a powerful, talon-lashing bug from the first game: the Impaler.

First introduced in the original Helldivers game, the Impaler is a tanky behemoth that appears similar to the Charger. But instead of rushing headfirst with its hardened carapace to deal damage, it uses its claw-like head covering to skewer and eviscerate your squad. The Impaler does this by burrowing its head in the ground, after which three sharp talons pop out right where you and your team are standing.

However, once it digs its head into the earth, it exposes its weakness, which you can exploit to bring it down quickly. Like the Hive Guard’s torso, the Bile Titan’s underbelly, or the Charger’s rump, the Impaler also has mushy innards vulnerable to ‘Liber-tea’-infused rounds. Burrowing its head exposes this weak spot, giving you ample time to pepper it with bullets. Or, you know, you can also avoid wasting precious ammo by unloading a Quasar Cannon round on it once you see it. Completely your choice.

As always, though, it’s worth remembering that Arrowhead Game Studios hasn’t confirmed the Impaler’s return as of writing. So, no matter how believable the recent Helldivers 2 Reddit leak looks, we recommend taking this information with a grain of salt for now. But with the developers constantly adding new content to the game, you may not have to wait long before you can potentially see it in the game yourself.

While you wait for its arrival, check out our recommendations for the best Helldivers 2 boosters and the best Helldivers 2 loadouts so you know what to bring on the next mission.