Helldivers 2 hits Mostly Negative on Steam amid protests

Helldivers 2 fell to “Mostly Negative” on Steam after 37% of user reviews over the past 30 days were positive. The change followed player complaints about recent balance updates and a paid War Bond that includes a new exosuit stratagem.

Players reported that several enemy types were buffed while many weapons were not retuned to match those changes, and players wrote that missions now feel harder and less predictable.

A segment of the community criticized the Exo Experts War Bond because it grants access to a new exosuit stratagem only through purchase. Some players called for a boycott of the War Bond.

A Reddit AMA led by Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt drew negative responses from participants who reported their questions were not answered to their satisfaction. Discussion threads on social platforms showed growing criticism of the studio.

Arrowhead posted a statement on Steam acknowledging player concerns and outlining steps it plans to take. The studio wrote it will increase transparency around balance changes, improve the Galactic War meta-game, expand public beta testing opportunities, and release additional exosuit stratagems outside of War Bonds.

In its Steam post Arrowhead wrote: “Helldivers 2 matters to all of us, and we want to be clearer about what we’re working on and what’s coming next. Alongside new content, we’re focused on improving the core of the game – stability, progression, and the Galactic War.”

Some players remained critical after the post. One user wrote, “Stop ruining the game. Stop with the balancing updates. It’s a co-op game in a PvE environment. Why do things need to be nerfed/buffed like it’s some sort of a PvP game where balance actually matters there?” Another user posted, “Your game hits Mostly Negative recent reviews and you decide to drop this as some sort of damage control. It’s clearly not working. Shame what’s happened to this game.”

Helldivers 2 previously drew controversy over platform account requirements for its PC release in 2024. The game is operated as a live service and has seen frequent changes to weapons, enemies, and progression systems.

Arrowhead wrote that it is no longer new to live service development and that it will use player feedback to guide upcoming changes. The studio has a set of summer updates planned that it says aim to address stability, progression, and Galactic War improvements.

At the time of reporting the game’s Steam recent review rating remained Mostly Negative and player discussion continued across community channels.