Major Helldivers 2 Patch Will Make Players Feel More Powerful, Bugs Much Squishier

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has deployed a new update, one that makes sweeping changes to virtually every aspect of the game. In the hefty patch notes, Arrowhead describes how it aims to make the game feel intense but less frustrating to play. The patch is part of Arrowhead’s 60-day action plan to whip Helldivers 2 back into shape, and overall, players should feel more empowered whenever they drop down to a new planet.

“Our intent is to preserve the intensity of the gameplay while minimizing frustrating situations where sudden headshots cause large damage spikes,” Arrowhead explained in the Steam patch notes. Some of the changes include major reworks to enemies, overhauls of several weapon archetypes, and tweaks to Helldiver health. For example, Hulks have had their armor reduced, making them more vulnerable to a wider range of weapons, and several bugs like Hunters, Chargers, and Bile Titans have less health and new vulnerable points to focus attacks on.

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Weapons have seen sweeping changes, and players can expect the autocannon, heavy machine gun, flamethrower, and anti-materiel rifle to be more effective against enemies. “Although they may not be as effective as specialized anti-tank weapons, they are now more viable choices making your loadouts more versatile, fostering better team collaboration and planning,” Arrowhead wrote.

As for Strategems, many of these have been improved as well, especially the ones capable of damaging heavily armored enemies. They now do even more damage, and Arrowhead says the goal for these changes is to have the Stratagems on a similar or higher power level than before. The developer will also monitor and adjust these changes based on player feedback and its own analysis, and players can expect another balance pass in two months.

Helldivers 2 was a big hit when it launched earlier this year, as the combination of satirical humor, action-packed encounters, and a regular cadence of new content helped make it the fastest-selling PlayStation game of all time.