Helldivers 2's player count is significantly down. This article explores the reasons behind this decline and Arrowhead's plans to revitalize the game.
Helldivers 2's Steep Decline on Steam
A Popular Game Loses Momentum
Despite a record-breaking Playstation launch, Helldivers 2's Steam player base has plummeted. Concurrent player numbers have dropped to approximately 10% of the all-time peak of 458,709.
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 a sharp decline in players. The game was even temporarily removed from sale in affected regions.
By May, SteamDB showed a 64% drop to 166,305 players. The 30-day average now sits around 41,860, representing a 90% decrease from the peak. While the PS5 player base remains substantial, the Steam version's decline is significant.
Freedom's Flame Warbond Update: A Path to Recovery?
To combat this decline, Arrowhead is releasing the Freedom's Flame Warbond update on August 8th, 2024. This update introduces new weapons, armor, missions, and cosmetic items, including the Airburst Rocket Launcher and new capes referencing key moments in the game's lore. The goal is to re-engage existing players and attract new ones.
Helldivers 2: The Live Service Model and Future Content
Helldivers 2's initial success, with 12 million copies sold in two weeks, exceeded expectations. However, maintaining this momentum as a live service game is crucial. Arrowhead plans to continue adding new content, cosmetics, and gameplay elements to sustain player engagement and monetization.
Despite its challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a noteworthy co-op shooter. Its player base decline underscores the importance of developer responsiveness to player needs. The future success of the game hinges on its ability to deliver consistent, engaging content.
