There is no denying that Helldiver 2 needed some serious updates upon release. I would argue that it still does, despite its monumental success. With this latest update, the team has rolled out a number of fixes and game-changing updates.
Something I have appreciated about the Arrowhead Studios team is their attention to the community. Rather than just ploughing ahead with whatever the money men say, they have been tirelessly responding to fans. This has resulted in a game that not only moulds itself to the community but also addresses their issues. With the latest Helldivers 2 update, their vigilance is clear. I have played through some of the tweaks and changes they have made, and I have my own opinions on them all.
Updates to the enemies
Enemies needed a tweak. This was to be expected with the update, really, and the changes are in direct response to the players.
Redistribution rather than reduction
One of the biggest gripes for players, especially on levels over 7, was the game’s habit of dropping a pile of Titans on you. Often, as the game got to the later stages, swarms of the largest and hardest enemies would arrive, making the game challenging to the point of being annoying. The update has remedied this.
Now, they haven’t reduced the number of the larger enemies on the map. Instead, the Helldivers 2 update has redistributed the giant beasts more evenly around the map. I have found that instead of being swarmed by Bile Titans, there is a massively increased hoard of the other types. I find I am fighting Bile Spewers and Chargers a whole lot more.
This change certainly has its benefits. Before, I had to equip myself for too many of the larger enemies, meaning my load-outs were becoming stale. Now, with the latest Helldivers 2 update, I am able to get more creative. I know I won’t be facing down hordes of building-sized armour.
Weakspot warfare
I wake up in the night sometimes, sweating and screaming, dreaming once again of the unstoppable Chargers of Helldivers 2. Shoot for the weak spot, I hear someone shout. What weak spot? I cry as yet another Helldiver gets crushed to paste beneath their endless march.
With the latest Helldivers 2 weak spot update, the leg meta will finally be remedied. Previously, the only real way to bring these guys down was with anti-tank and heavy armour piercing to the legs. Now, the actual weak spot on the face has been fixed. This means they will pose less of a threat but require more skill under the pressure of a high-speed force of destruction.
However, the Helldivers 2 update has not removed the leg meta from the game. I would have been sad to see it go. Dropping a Charger at the last minute by blowing its leg off is just one of the many badass moments in the game that make it feel so good.
Tons of Gun
For a switch-up in the gunplay, the latest Helldivers 2 update has introduced four new weapons. They are only available with the season pass, but they look worth the time or money. For me, getting my hands on a new shotgun is the one. The Arc-12 Blitzer combines Arc and shotgun for something I have no doubt will have my friendly damage through the roof.
Along with the new guns comes a stun grenade and all the emotes, outfits, and capes you could want.
Quality of Life
Many quality-of-life updates have been needed for the game, including two very important ones. Along with some bug fixes and exploits, the change to armour and the meteor shower are included. Until the latest Helldivers 2 update, there was no armour rating, meaning heavy armour had no benefit over light. Now, with the rollout of the patch, Heavy Armour finally does what it says it will.
The meteor showers are a great concept for Helldivers 2 if they work. Now, with the update, there are white patches on the ground before they strike. This gives you time to avoid them with a dive. Previously, I would die multiple times to ‘Explosion’ for no apparent reason.
New planets, new missions
With the update come all-new missions against the Termanids. Termicide plants need activating across the planets. After playing through a few of these, I noticed how much they rely on teamwork. There is little to no chance of solving them solo.
Encouraging communication is great for a game like this. So far, the community has been one of the best I have seen for years. The game continues to bring comradery and brotherhood to the liberation of Super Earth.
