Helldivers 2's "Escalation of Freedom" Update: A Resurgence After a Dip
Helldivers 2 has seen a remarkable resurgence in player numbers following its substantial "Escalation of Freedom" update. The update, released on Super Earth, propelled the game's concurrent player count on Steam from a consistent average of 30,000 to a peak of 62,819 within 24 hours – a doubling of its player base.
This dramatic increase can be attributed to the update's comprehensive overhaul. New challenging foes, such as the Impaler and Rocket Tank, alongside a grueling "Super Helldive" difficulty setting, and expanded, more rewarding outposts, have revitalized the gameplay experience. Further enhancements include fresh missions, objectives, anti-cheat measures, and various quality-of-life improvements. The upcoming launch of the "Warbond" battle pass on August 8th adds another layer of engagement.
Despite the positive player influx, the update hasn't been without its critics. Numerous players have voiced concerns about increased difficulty stemming from weapon nerfs and enemy buffs, deeming it detrimental to the game's enjoyment. Reports of game-breaking bugs and crashes have also surfaced. While the game currently holds a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam, this isn't its first brush with negative player feedback.
The Prior Player Decline: A Look Back
Prior to the update, Helldivers 2 maintained a robust Steam community, averaging approximately 30,000 concurrent players daily – a significant achievement for a live-service game. However, this figure pales in comparison to its initial peak popularity, which saw hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on Steam, reaching a high of 458,709.
This sharp decline was largely attributed to Sony's mandatory linking of Steam accounts to PlayStation Network in May. This decision effectively locked out players from 177 countries lacking PSN access. Although Sony later reversed this policy, these regions remain unable to play Helldivers 2. Arrowhead Game Studios' CEO, Johan Pilestedt, has acknowledged the ongoing efforts to rectify this situation, yet the issue persists three months later. Further details on Pilestedt's statements and the subsequent player backlash can be found in related articles.
