Overview of Estanu
Estanu is one of the three planets in the Draco Sector and has witnessed the most combat in the Terminid front. The planet has seen 14 successful defense operations, 6 victorious liberation campaigns, and 5 consecutive successful defenses during Operation Enduring Bulwark, a feat only matched by Gatria.
Estanu also holds the tragic record for the highest death toll in the war, with 158,189,192 Helldivers fallen in service to Freedom.
Topography
Estanu is a cold, barren planet, covered in snow and ice, with rocky mountains and deep crevasses cutting through the landscape. The harsh winds and freezing temperatures make survival difficult, and vegetation is sparse, with only small patches of resilient plant life.
History
Throughout its history, Estanu has been a crucial battleground, first serving as a key location for E-710 harvesting operations before becoming a focal point of the Second Galactic War. The planet was frequently targeted by both Terminids and Automatons, leading to numerous military operations.
During Operation Organic Harvest, Helldivers were tasked with exterminating 2 billion Terminids in just a week to replenish dwindling E-710 reserves—a task they accomplished in under 24 hours. However, soon after, Estanu endured 5 consecutive Terminid assaults in Operation Enduring Bulwark, solidifying its reputation as a fiercely contested world.
The Failure of the Terminid Control System led to dangerous mutations in the Terminid populations, eventually causing Estanu to fall alongside much of the Draco Sector. During the Second Galactic War, the Helldivers launched multiple liberation campaigns, including Operation Hive Breaker, where they briefly reclaimed the planet before losing it again during Operation Andromeda.
Estanu remained a critical research site under Terminid occupation, with scientists using it for Terminid behavioral studies as part of the Terminid Research Initiative. Later, the Helldivers executed Operation Glorious Xenocide, eliminating over a billion Terminids to reclaim lost ground.
Despite repeated losses, Estanu was liberated once again during Operation Vengeful Cleansing and subsequently defended against multiple Terminid incursions, including those during Operations Lighthouse, Prometheus, and Brute Force. However, the planet fell yet again during Operation Ring of Freedom, though a determined counteroffensive restored its freedom shortly afterward.
In the final months of 2184, Estanu was targeted by the Terminids once more. During Operation Courageous Exodus, Helldivers held the line against overwhelming forces while volunteers were mobilized for the Democracy Space Station. The planet’s final major battle occurred on November 6th, where a fierce 17-hour fight ensured its survival, allowing the Helldivers to refocus efforts on reclaiming other strategic worlds.