A leaked video by a known Helldiver leaker, IronS1ghts, seems to confirm speculation around the ghoul units coming to the Iluminate faction in . First introduced in Helldivers 2 during Omens of Tyranny, the Illuminate were ultimately defeated by the combined efforts of Super Earth forces and driven back to the hidden areas on the galactic map. However, while they had seemingly disappeared, it was unlikely that the Illuminate would just give up on their conquest goals so easily.

In a new video posted to X, IronS1ghts showcased ghoul cultists that can be summoned by Illuminate zealots and illusionists while confronted by a Helldiver. After a crackle of dark energy, these multi-limbed ghouls rise from the ground and attempt to swarm the player mindlessly. In the demonstration, they were easily dispatched by the Helldiver, but this will likely be much more difficult in actual battlefield conditions. The introduction and completed progress on these potential new units suggest that the Iluminate will be making a brutal return, and are out for revenge after their initial invasion efforts in Helldivers 2 were thwarted.

In a follow-up post to the video, IronS1ghts asserted that the other abilities of the Illuminate were nerfed for the showcase, which was why “the zealot and illusionist were spamming one attack after summoning.” On their YouTube channel, IronS1ghts had also posted other in-progress looks at the Illuminate faction, including gameplay of destroying Illuminate camps and a tease of the Illuminate and their connection to the void.