Summary
Helldivers 2is the sequel to developer Arrowhead Game Studio’s cult-classic top-down shooter, in which fans can live out their sci-fi action dreams in aStarship Troopers-like world. Much liketheStarship Troopersfranchise, the universe ofHelldiversfeatures a hyper-dramatization of a united and militarized Earth, now called Super Earth, which is engaged in combat against various alien species. As players interact with the title’s various NPCs, logs, and mission briefings, they can discover its’ unique lore, particularly that of Super Earth. WhileHelldivers 2is filled with odd lore tidbits, the C1-PERM is among its most bizarre.
Helldivers 2has taken gaming by storm since its release, surpassing the player counts ofCounter-Strike,Call of Duty, andFortnitein its first few weeks. However, its performance on Steam has left some fans frustrated. Gameplay aside, the title features plenty for players to discover off the battlefield, including a deep alternative history for Super Earth and its expansion throughout the universe. Perhaps the most interesting glimpse fans get is into the lives of Super Earth’s citizens, as society itself now revolves around hyper-glorified military service and the extreme, blind prejudice against any form of alien species.
Helldivers' C1-PERM Explained
WithHelldivers' Earth now a “militarized democracy,” its citizens must contend with a variety of strange and highly specific laws and regulations. These laws dictate much of their lives beyond the battlefield. One law sees every citizen giftedan M2016 riflewhen they turn 16, while others dictate the distribution of food and other resources. One law, and its accompanying documentation, are amongHelldivers' most bizarre specifics. This document, the C1-PERM, is among Super Earth’s most important licenses, as it limits Super Earth’s ability to produce more soldiers.
The C1-PERM is a legal permit that must be completed for citizens of Super Earth to reproduce. Doing so without the proper paperwork is a crime. However, it seems that completing the paperwork is no easy task. Players can overhear two NPCs discussing the permit on the bridge of theirSuper Destroyer ship inHelldivers.According to these NPCs, the forms are not very easy to understand.
Whether this is due to complicated parameters orHelldivers’ penchant for a tough-as-nails approach to every task remains to be seen. The C1-PERM is a strange regulation nonetheless as Super Earth is chiefly concerned with producing more soldiers. As Super Earth’s government wages war on various planets, it loses countless soldiers every single day, making the C1-PERM a strange obstacle for every citizen to produce more.
Helldivers C1-PERM Discussion Reveals More about Super Earth Society
While the C1-PERM could be attacked for its potential discrimination repercussions, the surrounding discussion actually alludes to the eradication of many social issues in Super Earth society. The female NPC that discusses its difficulty also mentions having a wife, meaning that any and all couples are able to complete and submit a C1-PERM for consideration.
Likewise,Helldivers 2’s opening cinematicshows couples of various races as part of the government’s own idealized portrayal of Super Earth society. Part ofHelldivers’ strange and humorous lore is the implication that Super Earth’s formation includes the near-eradication of social prejudice, and the unification of humanity in extremely hostile—racist, even—feelings towards any form of alien life.
The universe ofHelldivers 2is filled to the brim with odd facts for players to discover, and much of its lore is still spread across the universe. The title’s narrative and galaxy are unlocked slowly over time, anddeveloper Arrowhead Game Studiosallows the full community to shape this narrative through their joined efforts. While C1-PERM is already amongHelldivers' most bizarre social tidbits, the title is sure to share a similar approach to other basics of the human life cycle.
