Helldivers 2 Update Aims to Halt Declines

Helldivers 2 is experiencing a consistent decline in its player base. Let's delve into the reasons behind this trend and explore Arrowhead's plans to revitalize the game.

Helldivers 2 Loses 90% of Players in 5 Months

Helldivers 2 Becomes Less Popular Among Steam Users

Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead and celebrated as PlayStation's fastest-selling game at launch, has seen a dramatic drop in its player count on Steam. From a peak of 458,709 concurrent players, the game's numbers have dwindled to just 10% of that high.

A major factor contributing to this decline was the controversial PSN requirement introduced earlier this year. Sony's sudden mandate that players link a PSN account to their Steam purchase led to the exclusion of 177 countries without PSN access. This move not only barred players in these regions from playing but also sparked widespread discontent among those who could comply, resulting in a review bombing and a sharp drop in player numbers. Consequently, Helldivers 2 was removed from sale in countries without PSN services.

By the end of May, the game had already lost 64% of its players, with SteamDB reporting 166,305 concurrent users. The current 30-day average has further declined to approximately 41,860 players, marking a 90% drop from its peak. While these statistics reflect the Steam community, it's worth noting that a significant portion of the player base remains active on the PS5. However, the Steam version is believed to have constituted the majority of the game's players.

Helldivers 2 Freedom's Flame Warbond is Coming on August 8

In response to the declining player base and to attract new players, Arrowhead has announced the Freedom's Flame Warbond update, set to launch on August 8, 2024. This update will introduce exciting new content, including the much-anticipated Airburst Rocket Launcher, new armor, and missions. Additionally, two new capes and cards, Purifying Eclipse and The Breach, will be added. Purifying Eclipse pays homage to the Liberation of Choepessa IV during the First Galactic War, while The Breach commemorates the final mission of the 361st Freedom’s Flame. These additions aim to enhance the game's appeal and reinvigorate the player community.

Helldivers 2 as a Live Service Game and Push for Content

Helldivers 2's launch was a resounding success, selling 12 million copies in just two weeks, surpassing even God of War: Ragnarok. However, as a live service game, Arrowhead aims for sustained success rather than a short-lived peak. With no definitive end to the game, Arrowhead can continuously introduce new cosmetics, gear, and content, fostering an ongoing cycle of engagement and monetization.

Despite facing challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a significant title in the co-op shooter genre. The decline in its player base underscores the importance of addressing player needs promptly. As Arrowhead continues to push for more content and strives to recapture player interest, the future of Helldivers 2 will be fascinating to watch.