Summary
Helldivers 2received its biggest update yet with Escalation of Freedom, releasing an extensive set of patch notes revealing all of the new content, bug fixes, and balancing that has also arrived. After going silent for a couple of months withHelldivers 2breaking away from its more frequent updating policies, many fans wondered what was next for the popular online co-op experience. There were no shortage of rumors and leaks regarding new enemies and other gameplay modifiers, some of which turned out to be true once the next big release was announced.
Without much warning, Arrowhead surprised fans towards the end of July by announcing amassive new update forHelldivers 2called Escalation of Freedom. With the update, players would be getting tons of new content to refresh the experience, though if that wasn’t enough, the studio also confirmed another Premium Warbond launching just 2 days later, giving fans access to new fire-based weaponry and armor. Now, update day has arrived and players can see the full scale of changes Arrowhead has unleashed uponHelldivers 2.
For many fans, the biggest piece of thisHelldivers 2updateis the new content, starting with Difficulty Level 10. For those who want a massive challenge, Super Helldive introduces formidable new enemies and intense challenges that aim to test even the more experienced and hardened player.New Terminids like the Impalerand Spore Charger join Automaton troops like the Rocket Tank and Reinforced Scout Strider to force players to adapt while taking on new mission objectives, dealing with unique environmental hazards, or checking out the newly added swamp planet.
However, new content isn’t the only piece to the Escalation of Freedom update, as the patch also introduces extensive bug fixes and balancing adjustments as well. Certain weapons, like the Slugger and Exploding Crossbow have recieved tweaks, with the former being more mixed with an increase to stagger at the cost of spread and drag. Unfortunately, some popular weapons have also seen some nerfs with the Breaker Incendiary and Grenade Pistol being at the forefront of that. The HE Barrage, Walking Barrage, and Guard Dog have also been tweaked slightly, while further gameplay adjustments should make certain frustrating modifiers such as the frequency of Gunship patrols, much more manageable. However, one of the biggest gameplay adjustments is that a newanti-griefing measure has been added intoHelldivers 2, allowing players who are kicked to not only continue but earn the full set of rewards.
Man are hoping the Escalation of Freedom update is the first entry into an interesting rest of 2024 for Helldivers 2. Since the game launched back in February, there have been no shortage of rumors and leaks regarding a third faction which many believe to be the returningIlluminate from the originalHelldivers, though Arrowhead has yet to officially confirm or deny anything. Regardless, this update makes it clear that Arrowhead certainly aims to keep this game alive and well for the forseeable future.
Major Updates
Difficulty Level 10 - Super Helldive
A new, extreme difficulty level designed for the most experienced and skilled Helldivers, featuring formidable new enemies and intense challenges.
New mission objectives
Two new secondary objectives will soon be active on a planet near you! These faction-specific optional objectives will have you assaulting Automaton human processing plants to destroy their evil Bio-Processor, and venturing deep into Terminid territory to extract with a living larva sample that the bugs will do anything to get back!
Bigger enemy outposts
Assault Terminid strongholds and Automaton fortresses in the new difficulty Super Helldive.
The challenge will be great but the rewards even greater. Search the conquered outposts thoroughly for the confidential data and make sure to extract with it. May liberty guide your path.
New Bugs and Bots
New and enhanced threats to freedom emerge.
Guess who’s back to bug you again? The Impaler returns, burrowing its head and popping tentacles from the ground to catch you off guard. Watch out for its lethal limbs, but don’t miss its weak spot when it digs in - it seems like self-preservation still isn’t its strong suit!
The Impaler however is not all.
Prepare for the rest of the formidable foes! The Rocket Tank rolls in with heavy armor and devastating firepower. The Reinforced Scout Strider now has its previously vulnerable spot fortified and boasts two rockets on each side for greater firepower! The Spore Charger fearlessly invades through the thick acidic fog, accompanied by an Alpha Commander, watch out for its friends!
New swamp planet
Prepare to dive down into an eerie and foggy version of the swamp planet. Keep your wits about you and do not let fear take hold.
New environmental hazards
Acid Storms - Temporarily lowers armor for enemies and the player. Make use of this but stay on high alert Helldivers.
Misc weapon fixes
Helldivers 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Do you believe in freedom? Can you stand in the face of oppression – and defend the defenceless? Wage war for peace. Die for democracy.Join forces with up to three friends and wreak havoc on an alien scourge threatening the safety of your home planet, Super Earth, in this multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC from Arrowhead Game Studios.Step into the boots of the Helldivers, an elite class of soldiers whose mission is to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using the biggest, baddest and most explosive tools in the galaxy.Helldivers don’t go planet side without proper backup, but it’s up to you to decide how and when to call it in. Not only do you have a host of superpowered primary weapons and customizable loadouts, you also have the ability to call on stratagems during play.Helldivers 2 features Arrowhead’s best cooperative gameplay yet. Collaboration will be vital: Teams will synergize on loadouts, strategize their approach for each mission and complete objectives together.1Enlist in Super Earth’s premier military peacekeeping force today. We are heroes… we are legends… WE ARE HELLDIVERS.
