Helldivers 2 Update Hopes to Stop the Bleeding

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

Helldivers 2's Dramatic Player Drop on Steam

A Significant Dip in Steam Players

Despite a record-breaking launch as Playstation's fastest-selling game, Helldivers 2 has experienced a sharp decline in Steam players. Concurrent player numbers have plummeted to roughly 10% of its 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 significant drop in player numbers. The game was even temporarily removed from sale in affected regions.

By May, SteamDB showed a 64% decrease to 166,305 players. The 30-day average has further fallen to approximately 41,860, representing a 90% reduction from the peak. While the PS5 player base remains substantial, the Steam version initially comprised a significant portion of the overall player count.

Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Hopeful Sign

To counter the decline, 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 significant events in the game's lore. These additions aim 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 within a live service model requires ongoing engagement. Arrowhead plans to continuously release new content, cosmetics, and gear to keep the game fresh and financially viable.

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