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 Dramatic Drop in Steam Players

Despite a record-breaking Playstation launch, Helldivers 2's Steam player base has plummeted. From a peak of 458,709 concurrent players, the number has fallen to approximately 10%.

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

By May, SteamDB showed a 64% decline 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 this downturn, Arrowhead is releasing the Freedom's Flame Warbond update on August 8th, 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), aiming to reignite player interest.

Helldivers 2's Live Service Model and Future Plans

Helldivers 2's initial success—selling 12 million copies in two weeks—is impressive. However, maintaining this momentum within a live service model requires continuous engagement. Arrowhead plans to achieve this through ongoing additions of cosmetics, gear, and content.

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 will depend on its ability to deliver engaging content and recapture player attention.