Helldivers 2 dev clarifies first balance patch

Helldivers 2 players are in the midst of a post-patch meta shift, as developers defend recent weapon nerfs.

Helldivers 2 just received its first big balance patch which also introduced new mechanics, including dangerous weather conditions. After requests for a boost to the most “fun” weapon in the game, players’ prayers have been answered with a substantial upgrade to the flamethrower.

However, all is not rosy for the struggling Helldivers. A nerf to the popular Railgun has seen some players react, with them loving shredding enemy armor with the darling of the meta.

Responding to the emerging discourse around the patch, Helldivers 2 product testing lead Patrik Lasota provided some rationale for the recent changes. In a blog post for Arrowhead, they detailed the decision process.

Helldivers 2 Player Squad — ARROWHEAD GAME STUDIOS

“Since the game came out, I’ve seen a lot of people saying ‘Don’t nerf, just buff’ and other similar ideas. However, as a designer, I can tell you that it’s not a good idea, but I understand where that feeling comes from,” explained Lasota. “Too often in the gaming industry, core fantasy, and what makes a weapon enjoyable and fun, is ignored in the name of Balance.”

“I think players are afraid of Nerfs, because it’s going to ruin the fantasy of a weapon, ruin their enjoyment,” Lasota continued. “It is extremely important for us to proceed with caution so as not to ruin the fantasy and fun when we do nerfs.”

According to Arrowhead, the Helldivers 2 team’s goal is “to give you a wide range of weapon choices, where every gun has its purpose and no one is strictly better than another.”The presence of ‘must-have’ weapons and YouTube videos calling the Railgun ‘the best weapon in the game’ was alarming.

“It was significantly outperformed in terms of safety of use and convenience, not requiring a backpack or assistance to be effective, and not requiring risk to take out even larger armored targets,” Lasota said. Strengthening other weapons to this extent seems antithetical to what makes fighting for the galaxy so fun in Helldivers 2.

Screenshot of Helldivers 2 — ARROWHEAD GAME STUDIOS

“It is extremely important for us to proceed with caution so as not to ruin the fantasy and fun when we nerf,” Lasota qualified. “We hope that you, our players, will tell us when we unintentionally cross that line.”

As for whether a line has already been crossed, that’s currently unclear, but it’s good to know the team is receptive to criticism. Given how fresh this recent patch is, it’s probably a little early to panic.