Summary:
Helldivers 2 has launched a new Major Order centered on the TD-110 Maelstrom Tank, with Super Earth ordering players to liberate key planets including Marfark to support its deployment. Players can also prepare their progression with Helldivers 2 Items while taking part in the campaign. At the same time, the DSS Eagle Storm has been officially deactivated, adding another major development to the ongoing Galactic War. This guide covers the new Maelstrom Tank Major Order, required objectives, gameplay changes, rewards, and how the armored vehicle performs in combat. It also examines the DSS Eagle Storm shutdown and the community theories surrounding potential 7.2 update story developments, including speculation about future Galactic War and Illuminate-related content.
1. New Major Order: Secure the Maelstrom Tank
Super Earth High Command has launched the Armored Eagle Major Order, requiring Helldivers to liberate Marfark and Phact Bay to secure territory needed for construction of the TD-110 Maelstrom Tank. The order carries a 50 Medal reward and is directly tied to the introduction of the new vehicle.
Unlike a normal reward that only appears after an objective is completed, prototype Maelstrom Tanks are already being made available during the campaign. This gives players an opportunity to test the vehicle while simultaneously contributing to the Galactic War objective.
For anyone interested in unlocking and understanding the new tank, these planets should be the immediate focus while the Major Order remains active.
2. TD-110 Maelstrom Tank Explained
The TD-110 Maelstrom is a tracked heavy vehicle designed around sustained fire and coordinated crew play. Its main armament consists of twin triple-barrel rotary guns, supported by laser-guided missile pods. The vehicle can carry up to four players, with dedicated driver, gunner, and passenger positions.
The Maelstrom also introduces a smoke-screen system, giving crews another defensive option when advancing through dangerous areas.
Its biggest strength is not simply raw firepower. The vehicle rewards communication between the driver and gunner, especially when dealing with heavy enemies while navigating difficult terrain.
3. Maelstrom Gameplay: What Players Should Know
The current Maelstrom experience already shows why vehicle positioning matters. Community testing has highlighted issues with the tank becoming difficult to maneuver across rough terrain, while snow and weather conditions can further affect its movement.
Players should therefore avoid treating the Maelstrom like a faster version of an existing armored vehicle.
The best approach is to establish firing positions before engaging large enemy groups. The gunner should focus on priority targets while the driver keeps the vehicle positioned for retreat or repositioning. Passengers can provide additional firepower and react to threats outside the main firing arc.
4. DSS Eagle Storm Goes Offline
Another major Helldivers 2 development is the temporary deactivation of the DSS Eagle Storm. High Command's official announcement framed the shutdown in deliberately bureaucratic terms, citing an “unquantifiable situation” affecting future resource budgets.
The timing has immediately attracted community attention because Eagle Storm had become notorious for its unpredictable friendly-fire potential. Current reporting indicates that the system is being taken offline while its behavior is reconsidered.
For now, players should treat the Eagle Storm shutdown as a confirmed gameplay change rather than assuming it directly signals a specific upcoming faction or storyline.
5. What Comes Next for Helldivers 2?
The combination of the Maelstrom campaign and DSS changes has created plenty of speculation around the next phase of the Galactic War. Some players are connecting the unusual DSS situation with future narrative developments, including the upcoming 7.2 update, but there is currently no confirmed evidence that the shutdown specifically represents a new Illuminate storyline or another major “black swan” event.
What is confirmed is enough to make this period important: a new armored vehicle is entering the battlefield, a new Major Order is reshaping planetary priorities, and one of the game's major strategic systems has temporarily disappeared.
Final Thoughts
The TD-110 Maelstrom Major Order gives Helldivers 2 a new battlefield objective beyond simply earning Medals. Marfark and Phact Bay are now central to the tank's rollout, while prototype access lets players learn its strengths and limitations before the wider campaign develops. Players can also buy Helldivers 2 Items to prepare for the battles ahead.
Meanwhile, the DSS Eagle Storm shutdown adds another layer of uncertainty to the Galactic War. For now, the best strategy is simple: contribute to the Maelstrom campaign, test the tank with coordinated crews, and keep an eye on future orders and official war developments rather than treating community theories as confirmed story beats.
