Now live, Helldivers 2’s Escalation of Freedom update brings numerous weapon balancing adjustments worth reviewing before diving in.
After a brief hiatus from the sport, returning players may find the Escalation of Freedom’s updates unseen; therefore, it’s advisable to review the list of substantial new features presented here. Since Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani commemorated the release’s arrival with an ominous post: “Helldivers, assemble your forces.” “At the moment is a most… propitious time to expire.”
In the full notes available on Steam, Arrowhead outlines the adjustments made, with potential further refinements depending on community feedback. Don’t worry, the number of new features has decreased compared to previous updates, and I’m confident you’ll find at least one appealing addition.
The Exploding Crossbow, reimagined as a one-handed weapon, permitting the possibility of dual wielding it alongside a shield, much like a medieval knight, skilled in multifaceted combat, such as Michael Bay’s cinematic vision might conceive. Notwithstanding these changes, additional weapon adjustments remain.
- The SG-8S Slugger boasts a remarkable trifecta: elevated stagger pressure, elevated unfold, and elevated drag capabilities.
- The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary now boasts a more restrained magazine capacity of four, accompanied by a notable uptick in recoil intensity, now pegged at a formidable 41.
- The GP-31 Grenade Pistol’s magazine capacity has been reduced from eight to six rounds, while its ability to restock ammunition from an ammo box now replenishes four rounds instead of two.
- The AX/AR-23 Guard Canine features an upgraded magazine capacity, increased from six to eight rounds.
- The Orbital Strolling Barrage now delivers a more intense salvo experience with an increased number of projectiles (three to five), while simultaneously reducing its movement speed by a substantial 40%, making it a formidable yet controlled artillery strike.
- We’ve reduced the Orbital 120mm HE Barrage’s cooldown from 240 seconds to a more manageable 180, allowing for quicker follow-up strikes and increased overall firepower.
In light of the revised weaponry, you may wonder what types of missions await you, complementing the larva-carrying objectives previously revealed. Interestingly, Arrowhead also hints at missions focused on attacking “Automaton human processing vegetation” with the aim of destroying their nefarious Bio-Processor, a development worth noting.
Additional tweaks include refining gameplay elements, such as removing the “Atmospheric Interference” operation modifier, allowing vitality shields to effectively block snowstorms, and adjusting gunship patrols to be less frequent and more easily neutralized by targeting their engines.
What’s your vision for Escalation of Freedom, and how do the latest revisions align with your creative goals? Tell us under!
