Helldivers 2, the co-op shooter sequel from Arrowhead Game Studios, has become one of the most popular games on Steam, surpassing the concurrent player peaks of some of the biggest titles from PlayStation and Xbox Studios. However, the game’s success has also brought some server problems that the developers are working hard to fix.
A Smash Hit on Steam
Helldivers 2 was released on February 15, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. The game is a follow-up to the 2015 original, which was a PlayStation exclusive. Helldivers 2 expands on the gameplay and features of the first game, allowing players to team up with up to three friends and fight against various enemies in randomly generated missions across different planets.
The game has received positive reviews from critics and players alike, praising its combat, mission variety, progression system, and humor. The game has also attracted a huge number of players on Steam, reaching an all-time concurrent max of 405,514, according to estimates from Steam Database. This puts the game in 24th place all-time, ahead of Grand Theft Auto V, Monster Hunter: World, Starfield, Destiny 2, and many other blockbuster titles.
Helldivers 2 has also become the top game in the U.S. on PlayStation 5, beating Fortnite and Call of Duty. The game’s popularity has exceeded the expectations of both the developers and the publisher, Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Server Stability Challenges
However, the game’s success has also come with some challenges, especially regarding server stability. Many players have reported issues such as mission payouts failing, being kicked to their ships, or being logged out. The developers have acknowledged these problems and said they are working around the clock to solve them.
In a post on the game’s Discord, Arrowhead said that they had to cap the concurrent players to around 450,000 to improve server stability, while they work with their partners to get the ceiling raised. They also advised players to restart the game if they have progression-related issues, and thanked them for their patience.
The developers have also announced that they will be giving out weekend bonuses to players as a way of compensating for the server issues. These bonuses will include increased XP, research points, and influence, as well as a chance to unlock a special cape.
A Bright Future for Helldivers 2
Despite the server issues, Helldivers 2 seems to have a bright future ahead, as the developers have promised to keep supporting the game with updates, fixes, and new content. The game has also received a lot of positive feedback from the community, who have praised the game’s fun and addictive gameplay, as well as its tongue-in-cheek satire of militarism and democracy.
Helldivers 2 is a game that celebrates teamwork, freedom, and democracy, while also poking fun at them. It is a game that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers, as it offers a range of difficulty levels, customization options, and gameplay modes. It is a game that has proven to be a hit on both PlayStation 5 and PC, and has set a new standard for co-op shooters.
