Helldivers 2: Communication Challenges, Unrealistic Standing Mechanics, and Player Frustrations

Stockholm, Sweden Sweden
Community suggestions include adding proximity chat and dedicated radio button for improved communication
Helldivers 2 has experienced a decline in player base since launch
Players are expressing frustrations with communication issues and standing mechanics
Some players argue for more information about enemies before battles to aid preparation
Helldivers 2: Communication Challenges, Unrealistic Standing Mechanics, and Player Frustrations

Helldivers 2: A Co-op Shooter Losing Players and Facing Community Frustrations

Helldivers 2, the critically acclaimed co-op shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, has been experiencing a significant decline in player base since its release. The game passed Destiny 2's concurrent player count on Steam only weeks after launch and had sold over 12 million copies by May 2024 according to Sony.

Despite the commercial success, Helldivers 2 is facing challenges within the community. Players are expressing their frustrations with various aspects of the game, including communication issues and standing mechanics.

Communication in Helldivers 2: A Missing Feature? One player suggested that Arrowhead Game Studios should consider adding proximity chat and a dedicated radio button to improve communication between teammates. This feature could make the experience more immersive and realistic, as players often struggle to coordinate attacks or provide support during battles.

Helldivers 2: A Need for Better Preparation? Another player argued that the game developers should allow players to learn more about the enemies they face before being thrown into battle. This feature could help players prepare better and have a smoother experience, as they would be able to strategize and coordinate with their teammates effectively.

Helldivers 2: The Frustration of Standing Up A recent rant on the Helldivers subreddit highlighted how the slow standing-up animation often leads to frustrating deaths that feel unavoidable in Helldivers 2. Players are arguing that this issue is not only unrealistic but also a major hindrance in achieving Managed Democracy, one of the game's primary objectives.

Despite these challenges, Helldivers 2 remains a popular choice for co-op gaming enthusiasts. Arrowhead Game Studios continues to release updates and patches to address various issues and improve the overall experience for players.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Are there other factors contributing to the frustration with standing mechanics besides unrealism?
  • Is the decline in player base a significant concern for Arrowhead Game Studios?

Sources

88%

  • Unique Points
    • Helldivers 2 passed Destiny 2’s concurrent player count on Steam only a few weeks after its release.
    • Sony confirmed that Helldivers 2 had sold over 12 million copies by May 2024.
  • Accuracy
    • Helldivers 2 has lost around 90% of its players on Steam.
    • Approximately 38,048 concurrent players are currently playing Helldivers 2 on PC.
  • Deception (80%)
    The article provides factual information about the decline in player count for Helldivers 2 on Steam. However, the author makes editorializing statements that imply deception and sensationalism. The author states 'This doesn't paint a good picture for the future of PlayStation’s live service ambitions.' and 'It’s possible that Helldivers 2’s decline in player count isn’t that big of a deal, but to see a massively successful title experience such a dramatic drop in players does bring into question the long-term viability of future live service games from Sony.' These statements are not factual and are intended to manipulate the reader's emotions. The author also selectively reports information by focusing on the decline in player count without mentioning that Helldivers 2 had a massive initial success with over 450,000 concurrent players at its peak.
    • This doesn’t paint a good picture for the future of PlayStation’s live service ambitions.
    • It’s possible that Helldivers 2’s decline in player count isn’t that big of a deal, but to see a massively successful title experience such a dramatic drop in players does bring into question the long-term viability of future live service games from Sony.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

  • Unique Points
    • Helldivers 2 is losing its fanbase at an alarming rate.
    • A player suggested adding proximity chat and a dedicated radio button for better communication in Helldivers 2.
    • Arrowhead Game Studios should consider this idea to make Helldivers 2 more immersive and realistic.
  • Accuracy
    • Helldivers 2 has lost around 90% of its players on Steam.
    • The game needs a major update, particularly with the expected introduction of the Illuminate.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

77%

  • Unique Points
    • Helldivers 2 players are frustrated by the slow standing up of their characters after ragdolling and how the game prioritizes standing over using stims, often leading to avoidable deaths.
    • The issue has sparked a heated debate within the Helldivers community with many players arguing that the slow and steady rise from prone to standing position is not only unrealistic but also a major hindrance in achieving Managed Democracy.
    • A recent rant on the Helldivers subreddit highlights how the slow standing-up animation often leads to frustrating deaths that feel unavoidable in Helldivers 2.
  • Accuracy
    • Helldivers 2 already allows inputting Stratagem codes while diving to call in support; enabling using Stims in the same way could prevent many frustrating deaths.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains editorializing and sensationalism. The author uses phrases like 'major pain points', 'hot topic', and 'aggravating' to describe the game's physics. They also use the phrase 'cheap and unavoidable' to describe deaths caused by the physics, implying that these deaths are not fair or justified. Additionally, there is a lack of disclosure of sources in the article.
    • However, in the heat of intense battles against the unrelenting Tyranid hordes or armies of Automatons, it can quickly transition from being amusing to aggravating. Too often the physics lead to deaths that feel cheap and unavoidable.
    • Helldivers 2 already allows you to input Stratagem codes while diving to call-in support, so haven’t the developers at Arrowhead Game Studios enabled using Stims in the same way? It could prevent many frustrating deaths.
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The author provides a detailed and critical analysis of the gameplay mechanics in Helldivers 2, specifically addressing the issue of how slow characters stand up after being ragdolled. The author also discusses the community's reaction to this issue and presents possible solutions. However, there are no formal fallacies present in this article. There is a mention of 'the game prioritizes standing up over using a stim,' which could be interpreted as an appeal to authority, but it is not a formal fallacy as it does not claim that the game developers made this decision for any reason other than design choice.
    • The post highlights how the slow standing-up animation often leads to frustrating deaths that feel unavoidable in Helldivers 2. After being ragdolled by an explosion or charging enemy, Helldivers are left vulnerable on the ground.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author does not demonstrate any clear bias in the article. However, there are several instances where the author uses language that could be perceived as negative towards Helldivers 2's ragdoll physics and standing animations. The author also quotes other users expressing frustration with these aspects of the game. While this does not necessarily indicate bias on the part of the author, it does create an overall tone that may be perceived as critical or negative towards Helldivers 2.
    • Helldivers 2 already allows you to input Stratagem codes while diving to call-in support, so haven't the developers at Arrowhead Game Studios enabled using Stims in the same way? It could prevent many frustrating deaths.
      • ] Helldivers are left vulnerable on the ground. Mashing the button to use a stim to quickly recover some health seems like the obvious choice. However, the game prioritizes the standing up animation over using the Stim, leaving the player open to follow-up attacks. By the time Helldivers finally rise to their feet, they're often one hit away from death again.[
        • The physics lead to deaths that feel cheap and unavoidable. You'll be fighting for your life, only to suddenly get yeeted across the map by an unseen enemy, ragdolling helplessly into more danger. Or a hail of friendly fire will send you pinballing around, leaving you disoriented and doomed.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        94%

        • Unique Points
          • Helldivers 2 players want to be informed before being thrown into battle
          • The game developers could improve the in-game mission preparations by allowing players to learn more about the enemies they face
          • This feature could help players have a smoother experience
        • Accuracy
          • ] Helldivers 2 players want to be informed before being thrown into battle[
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication