Helldivers 2 Patch Makes Big Balance and Gameplay Changes, New Warbond Has a Space Cowboy Theme

Helldivers 2's latest patch, 01.002.200, delivers significant balance adjustments and bug fixes to enhance the co-op shooter experience. Numerous weapons and stratagems have received tuning, impacting gameplay dynamics. A key improvement boosts the game's AI processing power, particularly noticeable in scenarios with many enemies, resulting in quicker enemy responses. This does, however, introduce a minor performance trade-off. Automatons, in particular, now pose a more challenging threat due to their enhanced reaction speeds in larger groups.

The stratagem loadout menu has been reorganized for improved navigation and usability.

Helldivers 2: Borderline Justice Warbond Screenshots

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Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the "Borderline Justice" Warbond for Helldivers 2, themed around space cowboys. This brings new weaponry, including the R-6 Deadeye lever-action rifle, LAS-58 Talon revolver, and TED-63 Dynamite. The GS-17 Frontier Marshal medium Helldiver suit and GS-66 Lawmaker heavy armor, both fitting the theme, are also included. The Gunslinger armor passive enhances secondary weapon reload and draw speeds while reducing recoil. The Warbond launches March 20th.

Helldivers 2's ongoing Galactic War continues its focus on the Illuminate, who are steadily pushing a black hole towards Super Earth. Future developments remain uncertain, but speculation suggests a potential confrontation at the Illuminate's home world or a major battle on Super Earth itself.

Helldivers 2 Update 01.002.200 Patch Notes:

Balancing:

• Primary Weapons: Numerous primary weapons received damage, fire rate, spread, magazine capacity, and projectile penetration increases and other improvements. Specific changes include:

  • SMG-32 Reprimand: Spread reduced.
  • SG-8S Slugger: Spread and damage increased.
  • AR-23C Liberator Concussive: Fire rate increased.
  • R-63 Diligence: Magazine capacity increased.
  • MP-98 Knight: Damage increased.
  • STA-11 SMG: Damage increased.
  • SMG-37 Defender: Damage increased.
  • SMG-72 Pummeler: Damage increased and stun improved.
  • AR-23 Liberator: Damage increased.
  • STA-52 Assault Rifle: Damage increased.
  • BR-14 Adjudicator: Damage increased.
  • AR-61 Tenderizer: Damage increased.
  • R-36 Eruptor: Projectile penetration and lifetime increased.

• Stratagems: Several stratagems now have increased uses or improved ergonomics and damage. Specific changes include:

  • Eagle 110MM Rocket Pods: Increased uses.
  • EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit: Increased uses.
  • EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuit: Increased uses.
  • TX-41 Sterilizer: Increased ergonomics.
  • M-105 Stalwart: Damage increased.
  • MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun: Improved armor penetration.

• Enemies: Automatons have improved situational awareness and reaction speeds, especially in groups. AI calculations have been increased, improving enemy responsiveness (with a slight performance cost). Automaton and Illuminate dropships have received health and shield upgrades. The Barrager Tank Turret's armor and weak points have been corrected.

Gameplay:

• Separate gyro inversion settings have been added.
• The Stratagem loadout menu has been recategorized.

Fixes:

Numerous fixes address crashes, hangs, soft-locks, weapon and stratagem issues, social and multiplayer problems, and miscellaneous bugs. See detailed list below.

Known Issues:

Several known issues remain, including problems with mission terminals, stratagem ball physics, pathfinding, and more. See detailed list below.