Helldivers 2 Update Hopes to Stop the Bleeding

Helldivers 2's player count is steadily declining. This article explores the reasons behind this downturn and Arrowhead's plans to revitalize the game.

Helldivers 2's Steep Decline on Steam

A Critical Acclaim, a Troubled Trajectory

Despite a record-breaking PlayStation launch, Helldivers 2's Steam player base has plummeted. Concurrent players have dropped to roughly 10% of the initial peak of 458,709.

A major contributing factor was a PSN account requirement imposed by Sony earlier this year. This effectively locked out players in 177 countries lacking PSN access, leading to negative reviews and a sharp decline in player numbers. The game was even temporarily removed from sale in affected regions.

By May, SteamDB showed a 64% drop to 166,305 players. The 30-day average now hovers around 41,860, representing a 90% decrease from the peak. While the PS5 player base remains significant, the Steam version's decline is a substantial concern.

Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Hopeful Spark

To counter this trend, Arrowhead announced the "Freedom's Flame Warbond" update, launching August 8, 2024. This update includes new weapons, armor, missions, and cosmetics, such as the Airburst Rocket Launcher and two new capes referencing past events. These additions aim to re-engage existing players and attract newcomers.

The Live Service Model and Future Content

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 sustain player engagement and monetization.

Despite its challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a notable co-op shooter. Its player decline underscores the importance of swift responses to player concerns. The game's future hinges on its ability to deliver compelling content and regain player interest.