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 That Didn't Translate to Sustained Success

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 dropped to approximately 10%.

A major contributing factor was a controversial PSN requirement imposed by Sony earlier this year. This effectively 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% 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 substantial, the Steam version's decline is a significant concern.

Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Gamble for Revival

To combat the player exodus, Arrowhead is releasing the Freedom's Flame Warbond update on August 8th, 2024. This update will introduce new weapons, armor, missions, capes, and cards, including the highly anticipated Airburst Rocket Launcher and themed additions referencing past in-game events. The goal is to reignite interest and attract new players.

Helldivers 2's Live Service Model and Future Plans

Helldivers 2's initial success, with 12 million copies sold in two weeks, exceeded expectations. However, maintaining this momentum as a live service game is crucial for Sony and Arrowhead. The lack of a definitive ending allows for continuous content additions, providing a potential for ongoing monetization.

Despite its challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a notable co-op shooter. Its player base decline underscores the importance of responsive development and addressing player concerns promptly. The future success of the game hinges on its ability to deliver engaging content and recapture player attention.