Helldivers 2's recent patch significantly enhances the Flamethrower, a powerful but previously unwieldy stratagem. Released in early February 2024, Helldivers 2, a Sony-published, Arrowhead Studios-developed co-op shooter, quickly amassed a large player base, becoming a PlayStation hit.
The FLAM-40 Flamethrower, while devastating, suffered from poor control. A March damage buff (50%) spurred experimentation, but its sluggishness remained a drawback. The latest update, 01.000.403, changes this.
This patch addresses issues with the Peak Physique armor passive, introduced in mid-June with the Viper Commandos Warbond. Intended to improve weapon handling and increase melee damage, this perk malfunctioned, exacerbating the Flamethrower's slowness. A Reddit user's video, highlighted by Helldivers 2's official Twitter, demonstrates the dramatic improvement in handling post-patch. Previously, the Flamethrower's turning was described as "like a truck," severely hindering aiming and maneuverability.
The swift resolution of this bug is a testament to the developers' responsiveness. While players celebrate the enhanced Flamethrower usability, some issues remain. For example, firing the Flamethrower while using the Jump Pack causes it to point upwards—a bug hopefully addressed in future updates. The improved handling makes the Flamethrower a more viable option, particularly when paired with the now-functional Peak Physique armor perk.
