One Year Later, Helldivers 2 is the New Live-Service Standard

Helldivers 2 has reached another impressive milestone, as it has now been a full year since the game first launched on February 8, 2024. Helldivers 2 took a lot of gamers by surprise, quickly gaining traction with its satirical humor centered around the fight for Super Earth. Instead of a top-down shooter like its predecessor, Helldivers 2‘s third-person perspective and action-packed battlefield resonated with a wider audience, bringing an onslaught of fresh fans to the series.

One of the most powerful ways Helldivers 2 has excelled, though, is through its approach to the live-service method. Live-service models can prove to be controversial, since they tend to focus on microtransactions as a means to ensure longevity. While Helldivers 2 does feature some microtransactions, players can still enjoy it just as much without in-game purchases. The game’s premium currency, Super Credits, can be earned by simply playing, which keeps Helldivers 2 from feeling like a pay to win scenario. However, what makes Helldivers 2‘s approach work even better is how Arrowhead Game Studios makes world-building an integral part of the process.

Helldivers 2 Has Continued to Expand Its Lore in Innovative and Unique Ways

Fans Play an Essential Role in the Story of Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 has continued to add post-launch content, as is common for live-service titles, but the methods in which Arrowhead does this require the community to play a central role in Super Earth’s fight for managed democracy. Major Orders serve as the main objectives within Helldivers 2, and the outcome can drastically affect the storyline. These Major Orders bring players together to complete the task at hand, and if they fail, enemy factions can gain more control. It’s a simple, but clever, way to not only make players feel like they are part of the world, but it also creates an incentive that isn’t tied to any type of in-game purchase.

The experience of playing the game seems to be what is most important to Arrowhead, and it should serve as a live-service blueprint going forward. The way in which Major Orders are handled by developers can make the game’s world feel even more rich and lifelike. For example, after it was suspected that cheaters helped complete a Major Order, an update was sent to players stating, “As is customary. Medals have been awarded to all Helldivers who honorably performed their duties, and the ones submitting false samples have had their pet fish summarily executed.” Helldivers 2‘s unique brand of humor is a hilarious contrast to its violent world, and updates like this only add to the charm.

Shadow-Dropping Major Helldivers 2 Content Keeps Players Guessing

One of the biggest updates to come to Helldivers 2 yet is the Omens of Tyranny update. Revealed at the 2024 Game Awards, Arrowhead surprised players by announcing a shadow-drop of fresh content that finally brought the long-awaited Illuminate faction to the battlefield.

While the surprise arrival of the Illuminate gives Helldivers 2 a high bar to reach for its next big update, Arrowhead’s ability to have fun with the game and its community is bound to give the game some serious longevity.

Looking to the Future of Helldivers

Now that the first year is down, it will be fascinating to see what Helldivers 2 has planned for the future. Creative Director Johan Pilestedt recently announced a sabbatical, so it will be interesting to find out what his successor brings to the table. Only time will tell, but if Helldivers 2 continues to put a player’s experience over in-game purchases, then the second year is bound to be a success, as well.

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Released

February 8, 2024

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence

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Developer(s)

Arrowhead Game Studios

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