Arrowhead has unleashed the first major update for *Helldivers 2* in 2025, bringing a wave of significant changes. Patch 01.002.101, available now, extends the gas effect duration from spray weapons, reinstates the ability to emote while airborne or ragdolling, and implements numerous balance adjustments and bug fixes. As *Helldivers 2* approaches its first anniversary, and with the introduction of the Illuminate faction adding a fresh layer of challenge, players are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the ongoing Galactic War narrative. The update's substantial 5GB+ size hints at more than just balance tweaks and bug fixes, fueling speculation of hidden additions.

One particularly noteworthy—and slightly unsettling—fix deserves special mention:

Fixed a small visual bug with the Stalker’s tongue (you don’t want to know what it took to fix it)

Helldivers 2 Update 01.002.101 Patch Notes:

Balancing

General Changes

• Increased spray weapon gas status effect duration from 6 to 10 seconds.
• Implemented a despawn timer for Illuminate dropship wreckage to prevent path obstructions.

Helldiver

• Added a clause to the Principles of Correct Posture for Safe Lifting, allowing jogging while carrying two-handed items (barrels, SEAF Artillery Rounds).

FRV

• Authorized grenade and stratagem deployment while leaning from the FRV.
• Tuned FRV handling for improved cornering.

Sidearms

• Increased starting magazines from 2 to 3.
• Increased spare magazines from 4 to 5.

Stratagem Support Weapons

TX-41 Sterilizer

• Removed crosshair drift recoil.
• Decreased camera climb recoil.
• Increased spray weapon gas status effect duration from 6 to 10 seconds.

Armor Passives

• The bug with Siege Ready Armor Passive (granting extra ammo to all magazine-based weapons, not just primaries) remains unfixed for now. The Armory description will be updated later.

Backpacks

AX/TX-13 “Guard Dog” Dog Breath

• Reworked for increased effectiveness, focusing on gas-based mechanics. Now prioritizes enemies unaffected by gas, conserving ammo.
• Improved targeting logic to prevent excessive roaming; targeting originates from the Helldiver's position.
• Increased targeting range from 10 to 20 meters.
• Increased spray weapon gas status effect duration from 6 to 10 seconds.

Stratagems

MD-6 Anti-Personnel Minefield

• Decreased cooldown from 180 to 120 seconds.
• Increased damage from 350 to 700.
• Increased mine deployment spread by 20% to reduce chain explosions.

MD-I4 Incendiary Mines

• Decreased cooldown from 180 to 120 seconds.
• Increased damage from 210 to 300.
• Increased mine deployment spread by 20% to reduce chain explosions.

MD-17 Anti-Tank Mines

• Decreased cooldown from 180 to 120 seconds.

SH-20 Ballistic Shield Backpack

• Now blocks melee attacks until destroyed.

Fixes

Resolved Top Priority Issues:

• Emoting while falling/ragdolling restored (fall damage remains unchanged).
• Illuminate spawner ship shields now take impact grenade damage.
• Fixed collision gaps inside Illuminate spawner ships.
• Health packs fully restore stims.
• High-damage weapons now detonate spawned Hellbombs.

Crash Fixes, Hangs, and Soft-Locks:

(A comprehensive list of numerous crash fixes is omitted for brevity.)

Social Issues & Matchmaking:

• Improved matchmaking for closer regional matches.
• Improved matching with similar difficulty lobbies.
• Fixed chat history clearing issue.

Weapons and Stratagems:

(A comprehensive list of numerous weapon and stratagem fixes is omitted for brevity.)

FRV:

(A comprehensive list of numerous FRV fixes is omitted for brevity.)

Helldiver:

(A comprehensive list of numerous Helldiver fixes is omitted for brevity.)

Enemies:

• Fixed a small visual bug with the Stalker’s tongue.
• Fixed enemy non-reaction to missed shots.

Miscellaneous Fixes:

(A comprehensive list of numerous miscellaneous fixes is omitted for brevity.)

Known Issues

Top Priority:

(A comprehensive list of known issues is omitted for brevity.)

Medium Priority:

(A comprehensive list of known issues is omitted for brevity.)