Helldivers 2’s buff patch seems to be a hit, with the community rejoicing and players returning to the game

Developer Arrowhead Games made good on its promise, launching the biggest patch yet for Helldivers 2. Weapons were buffed, enemies were reworked, and my precious Eruptor got its groove back (welcome back, shrapnel). But most of all, the community appears happy and players are returning.

“This is honestly the best patch ever,” reads the headline of a post on the game’s official subreddit. Such headlines have become more frequent, drowning out the cascade of posts written by frustrated community members. It feels like it’s been a long time coming.

Members of the Helldivers 2 community have been vocally quite unhappy with how the game has been managed. In the last several months, many have bemoaned weapons nerfs and reworks. Players have suggested that the constant patches and updates harmed the effectiveness of weapons and stratagems, reducing their options when dealing with heavies such as Chargers. As disappointment reached a fever pitch, some players even decided to do the unthinkable: Turn treasonous.

What a difference it’s been since the patch dropped.

Helldivers 2 players return, as memes replace discontent

Players on the community subreddit and X have been heaping praise on Arrowhead following the patch. The difference has been night and day. I visit the Helldivers subreddit several times a week and, until recently, it was mostly me doom-scrolling like I was punishing myself by hopping on X. It’s quite the change, seeing angry posts get replaced by joyous applause.

Johan Pilestedt, the CCO of Arrowhead, took to X to ask for everyone’s thoughts on the patch. While there was at least one saying it was too late, others’ replies were certainly more positive.

“I haven’t had this much fun with the game in months,” reads a reply by X user Swany. “I think you guys really knocked it out of the park.”

Things aren’t perfect yet, however. Some are concerned that the game is easier now that weapons are more powerful. On a more serious note, there are still many countries that have been locked out due to a PlayStation Network account requirement. It’s been months, and there hasn’t been much word of a fix.

But, for the most part, things seem to be on the rise. Players are returning to the game, with SteamDB showing a steady rise to 68K players on Steam. It’s a big jump from the game’s lowest point of 15K players in early September. The in-game player count is even more impressive, with around 90K players reported the night the patch landed.

Things are looking up once again for the game. Today also marks the launch of the new Premium Warbond, Chemical Agents. So far, it seems like another hit for Arrowhead. Let’s hope the momentum continues.