The latest Helldivers 2 update has stirred the community, nudging players towards exploring beyond the railgun.
Helldivers 2, the sequel to the acclaimed top-down shooter, has quickly established itself as a beloved third-person shooter since its release in February 2024. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, the game has been praised for its intense cooperative gameplay and strategic depth.
The latest Helldivers 2 patch significantly nerfed the railgun, reducing its armor penetration and damage, sparking debate among players. Arrowhead’s Patrik Lasota explained the adjustment aims to refine the railgun’s role as a high-precision tool for specific targets, limiting its ability to penetrate only medium armor in standard mode.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to encourage players to diversify their weapon choices, moving away from an over-reliance on the railgun. The game’s developers aim to rebalance the gameplay and enrich the overall experience, ensuring each weapon feels viable and unique.
In response to the nerf, opinions among players have been mixed.
Some have welcomed the change, seeing it challenging to step out of their comfort zones. A player supported the nerf, emphasizing that the update encourages players to explore other weapons like the Flamethrowers or Laser Cannon, which received buffs in the latest patch.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Some players feel the nerfs have unfairly targeted their preferred playstyles. The decrease in the railgun’s damage output has been particularly contentious, with players noting its impact on their ability to deal effectively with armored enemies.
The first balance patch has encouraged players to appreciate the breadth of weaponry Helldivers 2 offers and spotlighted a significant aspect of player culture.
A notable post from the community stated that people are too reliant on Railguns, so people are mad at the developers for balancing the weapons. They said that YouTube’s “absolute and only meta loadouts” have made players close-minded about using other weapons.
Others have highlighted the Punisher shotgun’s buff as an opportunity to rediscover underused weapons. The sentiment that “this might be the buff (Punisher buff) people are sleeping on” reflects a growing interest in exploring the updated weapons roster.
The first balance patch has called on the community to explore and appreciate the breadth of weaponry Helldivers 2 offers beyond the previously dominant railgun and shotgun meta. This shift underscores the game’s commitment to diverse and engaging combat scenarios, rewarding players who are willing to experiment and adapt.
The punisher shotgun is still terrible.
Underused weapons should have been buffed, rather than nerfing the favorites.
Player count is down post-patch per Steam tables.