Helldivers 2's player count is declining, raising concerns. This article explores the reasons behind this downturn and Arrowhead's plans to revitalize the game.
Helldivers 2: A 90% Player Drop in Five Months
Steam Player Base Plummets
Despite a record-breaking PlayStation launch, Helldivers 2's Steam player base has dramatically shrunk. From a peak of 458,709 concurrent players, the number has fallen to approximately 10%.
A major contributing factor was a PSN account requirement unexpectedly enforced by Sony earlier this year. This locked out players in 177 countries without PSN access, leading to negative reviews and the game's removal from sale in affected regions. The initial 64% drop to 166,305 players by May has further declined to around 41,860 concurrent players—a 90% decrease. While the PS5 player base remains significant, the Steam version represented a substantial portion of the overall player count.
Freedom's Flame Warbond Update Arrives August 8th
To combat the decline, Arrowhead is releasing the Freedom's Flame Warbond update on August 8th, 2024. This update includes new weapons, armor, and missions, featuring the Airburst Rocket Launcher and two new capes and cards: Purifying Eclipse and The Breach. 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, surpassing even God of War: Ragnarok—highlights its potential. However, maintaining this momentum as a live service game requires ongoing engagement. Arrowhead plans to continue adding cosmetics, gear, and content to sustain player interest and monetization.
Despite its challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a notable co-op shooter. The player base decline underscores the importance of swiftly addressing player concerns. The future success of the game hinges on its ability to deliver engaging content and retain player attention.
