Nerfs in Helldivers 2 'Remove the Fun.' Johan Pilestedt Promises Changes in Balance Approach and Asks Players If It's Too Early for New Paid Content
Johan Pilestedt and other developers of Helldivers 2 have promised to look into the issue of gameplay balance. A new Warbond has also been added to the game, after players voted for its release.
Gameplay balance updates probably cause more discord among game fans than anything else. However, the devs of Helldivers 2 themselves admit that the recent nerfs may have been excessive and seek players' opinions.
Ironically, complaints about nerfs have intensified, particularly after what was probably the smallest balance patch to date. The patch 01.000.302 only changed one weapon. The R-36 Eruptor now deals more damage, but no longer generates shards. Players were complaining about killing themselves and their allies even when they were far from the explosion.
Explosive balance sparks controversy
However, many players opposed this change. Removing the shards and leaving only the explosion was intended to diminish Eruptor's charm and power significantly. (By the way: some fans blamed these changes on... the users of the Helldivers 2 Discord channel; via DotEsports).
Of course, the players argued about the issue of the loss of power, although the discussion on this subject was temporarily cut off by a message from Thomas "Twinbeard" Petersson. Some changes, such as Eruptor, "aren't working as they should," admitted one of the community managers at Arrowhead studio. But at the same time, Alex "Alexus" Kravchenko (responsible for HD2 balance) was saying something completely different (via Reddit).
There is no doubt that the issue of this nerf was the final straw. Earlier, there were already voices saying that the "balance adjustments" spoil the fun by "nerfing" the primary weapons. Many fans feel that the developer relies too heavily on "nerfs," despite the numerous improvements provided by Arrowhead Game Studios that have made players love other weapons.
Arrowhead CEO also doesn't like killing the fun
Yesterday, the opponents of the existing balance changes received unexpected support. Johan Pilestedt admitted that the studio "has gone too far in some areas" and intends to talk to his team about the balance of Helldivers 2. He also mentioned - echoing some players - that "it feels like every time someone finds something fun, the fun is removed" (via X).
The head of Arrowhead Game Studios didn't agree with all opinions regarding balance. Nevertheless, he hinted that his changes cannot be dictated only by "numbers" and "charts" (via Discord/ X). He addressed the players' counterarguments about Alexus's explanations, arguing for the validity of changes in damage value before and after the change in this manner.
Moreover, Alexus also spoke out on this matter, responding to the players' questions. He noted that the change with the shards "accidentally" removed the exploit players were using to deal more damage, albeit unknowingly. He added that they cannot restore Eruptor to its previous state and cannot guarantee its buffs, but the developers are looking into the issue.
Polar Patriots (not) delayed
It's also worth mentioning that today's launch of new Warbonds may have been postponed. No, not because of any delays at Arrowhead studio. Pilestedt organized a survey asking players about postponing the release of Polar Patriots to a later date (via X).
The reason was simple: the team had concerns about whether releasing new paid content in the context of the confusion with the requirement to have a PlayStation Network account was a good idea. That's why the developer decided to opt for a "democratic solution."
The majority of X users voted against delaying the debut. As a result, the Polar Patriots are now available in Helldivers 2. However, in the comments to the survey, many internet users didn't hesitate to criticize the issue of balance. Hopefully, players won't have any reason to complain with the next patch and its changes. At least not too many, because there is probably no chance of satisfying everyone.
