| “ | Retrieve and transmit the vital research data. | „ |
| ~ Mission Briefing |
The Retrieve Valuable Data mission tasks Helldivers with collecting important research and operational data from overrun colonies and re-integrating it with the Super Earth galaxy-wide network.
It is always guaranteed to have minimum of 2 steps, with a third step added on higher difficulties. These steps go by: Collect Encrypted Hard Drive and Reactivate Power Relay (Sub-objectives that can be done in any order), and Upload Data via Local Relay (primary objective that can only be completed once all sub-objectives are complete).
Each of the objective sites generally carries a small number of Common Samples, and a few Rare Samples at Challenging (4) difficulty and higher.
Gameplay
Collect Encrypted Hard Drive
| “ | The encrypted drives were abandoned at these coordinates. | „ |
This sub-objective is guaranteed in every mission and requires the Helldiver to go to a small research outpost, download the research to an SSSD, and carry the container to the Local Relay for upload. To reiterate, this case must be manually carried by a Helldiver to the final objective and is mandatory to complete it. On higher difficulty missions, there may be multiple SSSDs to retrieve.
Helldivers are unable to use most primary weapons, support weapons, stratagems, or emotes while carrying the SSSD, and will instead drop the SSSD at its current location. The carrier is otherwise limited to one-handed weapons such as SMGs (with notable exception of the SMG-32 Reprimand), sidearms, and throwables; and Backpacks.
Again, note that the objective is not considered complete until the loaded SSSD is brought all the way to the Local Relay site. To assist the squad, the SSSD will be marked on the minimap with a Package (briefcase) icon, and the site where the data was originally stored will be grayed.
Reactivate Power Relay
| “ | Activating this generator will supply critically-needed power to SEAF devices in the region. | „ |
On Suicide Mission (7) and higher the Power Relay sub-objective will be required to complete to finish the primary objective; the power will always be active on lower difficulties. (If the Helldiver goes to the final objective before reactivating the generator, they can activate the initial terminal but cannot progress as it states "Error - No Power" on its screen.) To reactivate the Power Relay, the Helldiver must log in to the terminal via directional inputs then wait for it to perform a system diagnostics check. Once completed, it will find 5 blown fuses that must be reset individually at the terminal. Once they've all been reset, the voltage must be calibrated to maximize the output via a signal strength adjustment. After which the Helldiver must wait a short moment before they can flip the switch on the generator and complete the sub-objective.
Upload Data via Local Relay
| “ | This SEAF communication relay can be used to send information to ships in planetary orbit. | „ |
Once the Power Relay is online if on higher difficulties and the SSSD has been carried to the Local Relay location, the Helldiver can work on completing the primary objective. To begin, the Helldiver must login to the terminal via directional code and begin raising the Satellite Tower. Once fully raised, it will have to be manually aligned using the wheel at the base of the tower to match the alignment position that displays on the terminal. Once aligned, the Helldiver must wait approximately 40 seconds for the data transfer to complete, after which they'll be required to wipe all sensitive data and be considered mission accomplished.
The Local Relay site often consists of two rock formations, the larger carrying the Satellite Tower, some ammunition, and occasionally a Support Weapon, and a power transformer unit near the end of its slope. The smaller formation (often separated by shallow water) has the Terminal and various objects that provide temporary cover.
Trivia
- Note that carrying an SSSD currently prevents that Helldiver from accessing their Stratagems. The Drop command can be used to drop the package. Performing an Emote is another way to force it to drop.
- The SSSD may also be dropped by interacting with a control wheel or lever, manning an emplacement, or taking a heavy blow.
- The carrier can perform certain interactions requiring only one hand, such as operating a terminal, applying a Stim, pressing a button, collecting supplies, and reloading their single-handed weapon.
- The carrier can perform some actions normally using two hands, such as collecting Samples.
- Should an SSSD be dropped somewhere it cannot be retrieved (such as deep water), confidential Super Earth technology will return it near where it was originally picked up.