Helldivers 2 Update Hopes to Stop the Bleeding

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 Critical Acclaim, Yet a Plummeting Player Base

Despite a record-breaking launch as Playstation's fastest-selling game, Helldivers 2 has experienced a dramatic drop in Steam players. Concurrent player numbers have fallen to approximately 10% of their peak of 458,709.

A major contributing factor was a PSN account requirement unexpectedly enforced by Sony earlier this year. This blocked access for players in 177 countries lacking PSN services, leading to negative reviews and a sharp decline in players. The game was even temporarily removed from sale in affected regions.

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

Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Hopeful Sign

To combat the player loss, Arrowhead announced the "Freedom's Flame Warbond" update, launching August 8, 2024. This update includes new weapons, armor, and missions, such as the Airburst Rocket Launcher and two new capes and cards ("Purifying Eclipse" and "The Breach"). 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, selling 12 million copies in two weeks, surpasses even God of War: Ragnarok. However, maintaining this momentum as a live service game requires sustained player engagement. Arrowhead plans to achieve this through ongoing content additions, including cosmetics and new gameplay elements, to foster long-term player retention and monetization.

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