Helldivers 2 is experiencing a consistent decline in its player base. Explore the reasons behind this trend and learn about Arrowhead's plans to revive the game.

Helldivers 2 Loses 90% of Players in 5 Months

Helldivers 2 Becomes Less Popular Among Steam Users

Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead and celebrated as PlayStation's fastest-selling game at launch, has seen a significant drop in popularity on Steam. Initially reaching a peak of 458,709 concurrent players, the game now struggles with only about 10% of that number.

A major setback for Helldivers 2 was the PSN debacle earlier this year. Sony's sudden requirement for a PSN account to play the game on Steam excluded players from 177 countries without PSN access. This led to widespread frustration, review bombing, and a sharp decline in player numbers. The game was even removed from sale in regions without PSN services.

By the end of May, SteamDB reported a 64% drop to 166,305 players. The current 30-day average has plummeted to around 41,860 concurrent players, marking a 90% decrease from its peak. While these statistics focus on Steam, it's worth noting that a significant portion of the player base remains active on PS5, though Steam users were the majority.

Helldivers 2 Freedom's Flame Warbond is coming on August 8

In response to the declining player base, Arrowhead has announced the Freedom's Flame Warbond update, set to launch on August 8, 2024. This update aims to revitalize interest with new weapons, armor, and missions. Highlights include the Airburst Rocket Launcher and two new capes and cards: Purifying Eclipse, a tribute to the Liberation of Choepessa IV, and The Breach, commemorating the final mission of the 361st Freedom’s Flame. These additions are intended to re-engage existing players and attract new ones.

Helldivers 2 as a Live Service Game and Push for Content

Helldivers 2's launch was a massive success, selling 12 million copies in just two weeks, surpassing even God of War: Ragnarok. As a live service game, Arrowhead aims to keep Helldivers 2 thriving by continuously adding new content, cosmetics, and gear. This approach ensures ongoing engagement and monetization without a definitive end to the game.

Despite its challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a significant title in the co-op shooter genre. The decline in its player base underscores the importance of addressing player needs promptly. As Arrowhead continues to push for more content, it will be fascinating to see how the game evolves and whether it can recapture the attention of its audience.