Helldivers 2's "Escalation of Freedom" Update Reignites Player Base
Helldivers 2 has seen a remarkable resurgence in player numbers following the release of its substantial "Escalation of Freedom" update. The update, which brought players back to "Super Earth," resulted in a doubling of concurrent players on Steam within 24 hours, jumping from an average of 30,000 to a peak of 62,819.
This dramatic increase is attributed to the update's significant content additions. New enemies (the Impaler and Rocket Tank), a challenging "Super Helldive" difficulty setting, expanded and more rewarding outposts, and numerous quality-of-life improvements have revitalized the gameplay experience. The launch of the "Warbond" battle pass on August 8th further contributes to sustained player engagement.
Despite the positive player surge, the update hasn't been without its criticisms. Many players have voiced concerns about increased difficulty stemming from weapon nerfs and enemy buffs, impacting their enjoyment. Reports of game-breaking bugs and crashes have also surfaced. While the game currently holds a "Mostly Positive" Steam rating, this isn't the first instance of negative player feedback.
Prior to the update, Helldivers 2 maintained a robust Steam community, averaging 30,000 concurrent players daily. However, this represents a significant drop from its initial peak popularity. At its height, the game boasted hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on Steam, reaching a staggering 458,709.
This decline was largely attributed to Sony's mandate in May requiring Steam accounts to be linked to PlayStation Network. This restriction locked out players from 177 countries lacking PSN access, causing a significant player exodus. Although Sony reversed this decision, access remains restricted in these regions. Arrowhead Game Studios' CEO, Johan Pilestedt, has acknowledged the ongoing efforts to restore access, yet the issue persists three months later. Further details regarding Pilestedt's statements and the subsequent player backlash can be found in related articles.
