Helldivers 2 Update Promises Player Revival

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

Helldivers 2's Steep Decline on Steam

A Popular Game Loses Momentum

Despite a record-breaking PlayStation launch, Helldivers 2 has experienced a dramatic drop in Steam players. Concurrent player numbers have fallen to approximately 10% of the peak of 458,709.

A major contributing factor was a PSN account requirement imposed by Sony, impacting access for players in 177 countries lacking PSN services. This led to negative reviews and the game's removal from sale in affected regions. By May, SteamDB showed a 64% decline to 166,305 players; the 30-day average is now around 41,860, 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 on August 8th

To counter the player loss, Arrowhead will release the Freedom's Flame Warbond update on August 8th, 2024. This update includes new weapons, armor, missions, and cosmetic items like the Airburst Rocket Launcher and two new capes, aiming to reignite player interest and attract new players.

Helldivers 2's Live Service Model and Future Content

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 ongoing 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 base decline underscores the importance of swift responses to player concerns. The future success of the game hinges on its ability to deliver engaging content and recapture player attention.