All Helldivers 2 Planetary Hazards and What They Do

As if the threat of death at the hands of Terminids and Automatons isn’t enough danger for the average Helldivers 2 mission, the game also has a series of Planetary Hazards for you to compete with. These Planetary Hazards can wreak havoc on unprepared Helldivers, killing, wounding, or disorientating you while you attempt to bring managed democracy to the galaxy.

Luckily, intel on the planets and systems that neighbor Super Earth is detailed, and as a result, Helldivers will always know what kind of danger they'll be hurtling through the atmosphere towards. Below is a list of all the Planetary Hazards and their effects in Helldivers 2.

All Helldivers 2 Planetary Hazards

Below is a list of all currently active planetary Hazards. Remember, you can check out the planetary hazards a mission will be subject to before you land by pressing the Right Trigger (RT) on controller or C button on keyboard while on the Galactic War screen.

During a Planetary Hazard, a warning will appear at the top of the screen, describing which hazard you're currently encountering.

Blizzards

Blizzards are one of the less directly deadly hazard effects but do reduce visibility down to a fraction of normal, and also slow down your movements to a degree. This means you might find yourself running into enemy patrols and without a way to escape.

Blizzards are known to happen on the world of Vandalon IV, in the Trigon Sector. They’re also rumored to be in effect on Cyberstan

Fire Tornadoes

Fire Tornados are a deadly hazard that is luckily quite rare. During Fire Tornados, dozens of fiery cyclones will appear on the planet, and move randomly. If one hits you it can deal deadly fire damage. This also affects enemies however, meaning you can use it to your advantage.

So far, the appropriately known Hellmire is one of the few planets that is known to suffer from Fire Tornados.

Ion Storms

Ion Storms are a common problem that create one of the most inevitable situations in Helldivers 2 - the inability to call in Stratagems. Ion Storms will temporarily interrupt your  communications with your Super Destroyer, meaning you can’t call in Stratagems or reinforce. Luckily this effect is temporary, if you can survive without air support for the time being.

Ion Storms are known to occur on dozens of planets, but are especially focused around Severin and Xzar sectors that the Automatons call home.

Meteor Storms

Meteor Storms are some of the most directly deadly hazards you’ll encounter as a Helldiver. During a Meteor Storm, the planet you’re on will be pelted with meteors. Impacts are telegraphed with a glowing light, so if you see one near your feet, get moving. Upon impact, meteors will leave a large crater. A hit from a meteor can easily kill a heavily armored Helldiver - or opponent. Meteors don’t discriminate, and can even occasionally destroy objectives and enemy structures.

Meteors occur on planets without full atmospheres. These include Maia and Estanu. They occur in almost every sector.

Rainstorms

Rainstorms may not seem like much of a hazard, but their decreased visibility (that usually occurs on a jungle planet) can definitely affect you. As a result, treat this hazard as just as dangerous as a blizzard. There’s also unconfirmed reports that the effectiveness of fire-based weaponry (Napalm, Flame Throwers) is decreased during a Rainstorm.

Sandstorms

Sandstorms are almost exactly the same as blizzards, but occur on planets with sand. Obviously. Unlike their snowstorm equivalent, they don’t have a slowing effect, but can reduce visibility to an incredible degree.

Planet Durgen in the Severin Sector is currently the only known Sandstorm affected planet.

Tremors

Tremors are a hazard caused by tectonic movements on the planet you’re on. When Tremors take effect, players will be slowed to a crawl, and won’t be able to take some actions. 

Fori Prime is known for its highly frequent Tremors, but they’re common throughout many planets and sectors, perhaps caused by some unknown foe.

Other Planetary Effects in Helldivers 2

Besides Planetary Hazards, effects like Anti Aircraft, Terminid Spores, and other effects can change how hospitable a planet is for Helldivers. Make sure you’re checking the effects before you launch a mission, and beware underestimating Planetary Hazards.