Helldivers 2 Update Aims to Revitalize Franchise

Helldivers 2's player count is steadily declining. This article explores the reasons behind this downturn and Arrowhead's plans to revitalize the game.

Helldivers 2's Plummeting Player Base on Steam

A Significant Drop in Steam Players

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

A major contributing factor was a PSN account requirement imposed by Sony earlier this year. This unexpectedly locked out players in 177 countries lacking PSN access, 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 sits around 41,860, representing a 90% decrease from the peak. While the PS5 player base remains substantial, the Steam version's decline significantly impacts the overall player count.

Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Hope for Revival

To combat the player loss, Arrowhead announced the "Freedom's Flame Warbond" update, launching August 8, 2024. This update includes new weapons, armor, missions, and cosmetics, such as the Airburst Rocket Launcher and two new capes referencing past events. These additions aim to reignite 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 continuous engagement. Arrowhead plans to achieve this through ongoing additions of cosmetics, gear, and content to sustain player interest and monetization.

Despite its challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a significant 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 attention.