Helldivers 2 New Update, Escalation of Freedom, Nerfs Flamethrowers and Popular Guns, Fans Are not Happy

Helldivers 2 is one of the most popular shooters on the market. We have to say that the title has seen better days though. In its prime times, the game was played by over 450 000 players on Steam (via SteamDB). Now it is around 40 000 in its daily peak. Developers do not stop, though, and released the largest to date update, probably hoping for bringing some people back. We will have to see how it will work in the end, but it is possible to read first players’ comments already. We can say that they are mixed. Many fans are furious about balance changes, which, among others, nerfed flamethrowers.

• Controversial balance changes in Helldivers 2 update
• A surprise nerf of flamethrower in Helldivers 2 Escalation of Freedom

Controversial balance changes in Helldivers 2 update

So, what is all the fuss about? Let’s look at part of the long Escalation of Freedom patch notes:

1. SG-8S Slugger

Increased stagger force

Increased spread

Increased drag

1. SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary

Decreased number of magazines from 6 to 4

Increased recoil from 28 to 41

1. GP-31 Grenade Pistol

Decreased ammo capacity from 8 to 6

Increased the number of rounds replenished from an ammo box from 2 to 4

In the case of both Breaker Incendiary and Grenade Pistol, the most devastating blow for fans is the smaller ammo capacity, which makes both of these guns much less useful on the battlefield. Slugger, on the other hand, was buffed partially, but two other changes (increased spread and drag) are not warmly welcomed by fans. In conclusion, those nerfs seem to be quite unpopular. However, maybe the biggest surprise is not openly stated in the patch notes themselves.

A surprise nerf of flamethrower in Helldivers 2 Escalation of Freedom

The biggest change though is not so obvious. In the aforementioned patch notes, one of the points in the “Miscellaneous fixes” section is: “Adjusted flame effects to work more realistically.” Players have discovered in a hard way that it means “flamethrowers were nerfed”. They can’t be used to effectively hit weak legs of Chargers anymore. Many fans believe that the new flame behavior makes this weapon useless.

Of course, there are people who like the changes and believe that some nerfs were necessary. So, we need to remember that negative voices are not the only ones. But it seems that they are in majority right now. However, the final verdict of players will be known in the next few hours/days, as the emotions will calm down.