The Illuminate are back, and Super Earth has authorized the use of Planetary Defense Cannons (PDCs) across all Mega Cities to stop them. If you’re diving into the latest “Destroy Overships” mission type in Helldivers 2, you’ll need more than a few button presses to save humanity. Here's everything you need to know about locating, activating, and firing these massive weapons of war.

What Are Planetary Defense Cannons?

Planetary Defense Cannons are high-powered, anti-air emplacements hidden beneath the surface of major cities on Super Earth. They’ve recently been activated to counter the overwhelming firepower of the Illuminate Overships, a new threat that hovers ominously above your objectives. Unlike typical mission goals, these cannons are fully interactive and can even be reused for other purposes, making them a standout addition to Helldivers 2’s arsenal of strategic tools.

How to Activate Planetary Defense Cannons

1. Locate the Mega City and Accept the Mission

First, make sure you're on a mission labeled Destroy Overships. These missions appear in regions under heavy Illuminate control. Look for ones near Mega Cities, this is where PDCs are located.

2. Complete Sub-Objectives to Acquire Launch Codes

Before you can fire the cannon, you’ll need the launch codes. These are usually locked behind specific objectives, like storming enemy bases or hacking key terminals. Be ready for brutal resistance, bring your best gear and trusted squadmates.

3. Find the Cannon Site

Once you've secured the codes, head to the cannon site marked on your map. Ironically (and darkly humorously), most Planetary Defense Cannons are buried under children's playgrounds. Locate the nearby terminal, input the launch codes, and begin the activation sequence.

4. Raise the Cannon

After entering the codes, the massive cannon will rise from the ground. It’s an impressive sight, but your job isn’t over yet.

5. Manually Aim the Cannon

This is where the mission gets unique: you’ll find valves around the base of the cannon. These are used to rotate the turret and adjust its barrel’s elevation. Use them to aim directly at the giant Overship in the sky. It may take some teamwork and coordination, especially if enemies are still swarming the area.

6. Fire the Cannon

Once aimed, return to the terminal and initiate the firing sequence. There’s a short countdown before the cannon unleashes a massive shell into the heavens.

• First Shot: Weakens the Overship’s shield.
• Second Shot: Disables the shield entirely.
• Third Shot: Destroys the Overship in a fiery, blue explosion.

7. Repeat as Needed

Unlike SEAF artillery emplacements, you don’t need to resupply the PDC. Fire it as many times as you want, perfect for clearing out multiple Overships or other massive threats. Want to get cheeky? Try using it to blast Leviathans. It's tricky, but incredibly satisfying with a squad.

Activating and using Planetary Defense Cannons in Helldivers 2 is one of the most immersive and rewarding mission mechanics the game has introduced to date. It's more than just “go here, push button”,  it requires teamwork, coordination, and actual player control. Whether you're blasting an Overship out of the sky or just messing around with the biggest gun in the game, the PDC mission is a must-play for every dedicated Helldiver.