Helldivers 2 Update Planned to Stem Game's Decline

Helldivers 2's player count is significantly dwindling. This article explores the reasons behind this decline and Arrowhead's strategy to revitalize the game.

Helldivers 2's Steep Decline on Steam

A Popular Game's Unexpected Dip

Despite a record-breaking Playstation launch, Helldivers 2's Steam player base has plummeted. From a peak of 458,709 concurrent players, the numbers have fallen to approximately 10%.

A major contributing factor was a PSN account requirement unexpectedly enforced by Sony earlier this year. This effectively locked out players in 177 countries lacking PSN access, leading to negative reviews and the game's removal from sale in affected regions. The Steam player base, while a significant portion of the overall player count, experienced a dramatic 90% drop from its peak to around 41,860 concurrent players. While the PS5 player base remains substantial, the Steam decline is a serious concern.

Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Path to Recovery?

To counter this downturn, Arrowhead is releasing the Freedom's Flame Warbond update on August 8, 2024. This update will introduce new weapons, armor, missions, capes, and cards, including the highly anticipated Airburst Rocket Launcher. These additions aim to re-engage existing players and attract new ones.

Helldivers 2's Live Service Model and Future Plans

Helldivers 2's initial success, with 12 million copies sold in two weeks, exceeded expectations. However, maintaining this momentum within a live service model requires consistent content updates. Arrowhead plans to continue adding cosmetics, gear, and content to keep the game fresh and financially sustainable.

Despite the challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a noteworthy co-op shooter. Its player decline underscores the importance of swiftly addressing player concerns. The success of the upcoming content updates will be crucial in determining the game's long-term viability.