Helldivers 2 ~200 Hours Later – A War Without A Cause

Despite receiving backlash from numerous fanboys, my review of Helldivers 2 remained unchanged. This game undeniably dominated the cultural zeitgeist for a period of time and continues to be a top seller on Steam. In comparison, I also gave a 6/10 score to Payday 3, another lacking live service game of similar quality.

Since the review was released, the game has undergone several patches to address certain issues and has also introduced new ones. Furthermore, I have dedicated a significant amount of time to playing the game, completing all three available warbonds, trying out every stratagem, fully upgrading my Super Destroyer, and reaching the maximum amount of resources (which consists of 250 medals, 500 Samples, 250 Rares, and 100 Supers). I have also been actively helping new players within my group improve their skills and have successfully obtained every achievement in the game.

Despite having numerous complaints about the game, I found myself continuously returning to Helldivers 2. Similar to my experience with Genshin Impact, there was something about the game that kept me and my friends hooked. However, I began to notice that my play sessions became shorter the more I engaged in the galactic war. Eventually, I would only play the game when my friends wanted to, and would opt to play something else if given the choice.

Despite my initial suspicions, the game has remained just as broken. It is possible that the server issues have been resolved, but it is also possible that they have not. Regardless, the game continues to suffer from numerous issues. Quickplay queues are still not functioning properly and there have been reports of game crashes when using Arc weapons. Unfortunately, there are numerous other cases that are equally frustrating to mention.

This is not just a minor issue. Players have uncovered the game’s unfair elements, such as how Patrols become more frequent depending on the number of fabricators/nests, primary objectives, and separated players in the match. Additionally, it has been revealed that Incendiary damage is only effective for the host of the game, and there have been instances of players not being able to be revived or dying while drowning due to glitches. One particularly concerning case involved a disabled player being unable to play the game due to its anti-cheat measures.

Despite the numerous issues that have plagued Helldivers 2 since its inception, I am certain that they will be disregarded by individuals who foolishly embody the ignorant and inept soldiers caught in the midst of the intergalactic conflict. Instead of dwelling on these problems, I will focus on highlighting additional concerns pertaining to the game’s challenges and progression.

Earlier, I mentioned that the difficulty of Helldivers 2 may feel outdated as it relies more on game mechanics rather than the player’s own abilities. Unlike games such as Cuphead or Dark Souls that test your reflexes and skills, Helldivers 2 requires players to strategize and overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Of course, it is possible and the visuals are impressive, but most of the time, it can be frustrating, even on lower difficulty levels.

At the minimum, a well-coordinated effort can successfully guide your team through any situation without any harm. My friends and I have completed numerous Helldive difficulty missions without losing a single member, whether we were facing Automatons or Terminids. However, once we obtained the necessary Super Samples to fully upgrade our Super Destroyers, we found little motivation to tackle the “Challenge”presented by those stages. The only benefit seemed to be the increased number of medals received at the end of each mission. As a result, we opted to lower the difficulty to 4-7 afterwards.

Despite some people pointing out on platforms like Reddit that spawn rates may have been affected by the latest patch, it ultimately doesn’t make much of a difference as they seem to be consistent across all difficulty levels. It has been observed that completing objectives or interacting with certain objects, such as a Terminal Sequence, can attract enemy reinforcements, making it crucial to be well-equipped and ready for a potential swarm. Without the right gear or high armor penetration weapons, it’s highly likely that your team will not survive in the more challenging difficulty levels where elite enemies are abundant.

Despite finding many issues with Helldivers 2, I am still drawn to it and continue to play it. Even if I only play it for short periods of time, I still make sure to play it every day. I also make a point to assist and support new players and strangers in their quest for peace and democracy, even though I have no obligation to do so.

The reason behind my interest in the weapons is twofold. Firstly, the weapons themselves are captivating and enjoyable to use. Among them, my top picks are the Sickle and the recently added Heavy Machine Gun. Additionally, the inclusion of the Heavy Machine Gun has revived the use of the Supply Pack stratagem in the game, which was previously thought to have been replaced by the Shield Backpack of the Guard Dog Rover.

Moreover, the thrill of uncovering landmarks and points of interest in this game is unparalleled. Exploring the map with friends, stumbling upon valuable resources or loot, and battling against tough challenges to protect our spoils is truly satisfying. It is even more rewarding to know that our findings can aid others in advancing their own game. There is no greater assistance than the support we offer to others.

Additionally, I am highly intrigued by the storyline of Helldivers 2. This is not only due to its resemblance to Starship Troopers and its clever satirical commentary, but also because Game master Joel has skillfully incorporated intriguing plot twists to maintain the intensity of the Galactic war. The battles feel well-earned, and even in defeat, we are motivated to continue fighting. This is an impressive feat that I cannot ignore.

My continued interest in Helldivers 2 has been fueled by the continuous release of new content. Not only have we received new stratagems, but the addition of exosuits has been a game-changer, particularly when facing the formidable Terminid forces. It was exhilarating to have the power of a mech at my disposal, easily taking down waves of enemies. However, on occasion, I would be caught off guard and destroyed by a sneaky enemy attacking from behind.

One of the main reasons why this game has continued to captivate me is because of its undeniable hilarity. There are times when all I need is a good laugh, and this game never fails to provide that. Whether it’s getting blown up because of a stray explosion or receiving some well-deserved karma after laughing at my friend’s recent death, the perfect amount of silliness is always present. It has brought countless lighthearted moments to my friends and me, and I am grateful for that.

Despite the passing of time, my initial impressions of Helldivers 2 remain unchanged. The game is still plagued with technical issues and imbalanced gameplay. Although some problems have been addressed, new ones have arisen, possibly exacerbating the overall experience. As a result, my stance on Helldivers 2 remains uncertain.

Despite being aware of its many flaws, I can’t deny that the highs I experience from this game are significant. In fact, I could compare it to the controversial game Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, where despite its brokenness, I am still able to find enjoyment. Nonetheless, I am not blind to the frustrations my friends have faced while playing, and the game itself has been plagued with numerous issues acknowledged by the player community over time.

The concerns I raised about the game were not meant to mock or belittle it. It is important for Arrowhead Studios to address these issues and consider them. It is unacceptable that some players are unable to fully enjoy the Helldivers 2 experience, especially when they could potentially have a great time playing with others. The game’s well-known instability problems only exacerbate the situation.

At present, Helldivers 2 has received a new update. Although the resource/medal limit remains the same, the level cap has been raised. Moreover, several weapons have been strengthened. The game has also addressed some of its previous issues, which is noteworthy. However, it has also introduced a new bug that causes crashes whenever players pick up snowballs. This suggests that we may continue to encounter stability problems regardless of what we do.

Despite the newly introduced climate changes, new primary mission types, and leaked content that may come soon, I still find it all insignificant in comparison to the bigger picture. Therefore, my recommendation remains cautiously the same as last time. As much as it pains me, I must maintain my 6/10 rating for Arrowhead fans. The game’s major issues cannot be overlooked. Hopefully, improvements will be made by the time we meet again.