After a run of daily patch note teases, Arrowhead has finally released the first major Helldivers 2 patch that forms part of the studio's 60-day plan to bring some fun back into the game. The chonky tome comes in at 4,500 words, which you can read on Steam now, but some of the bigger changes relate to you specifically. Arrowhead is tweaking damage mechanics to ensure the hurt that Helldivers - you, essentially - get is more consistent over time.
Bonus headshot damage is down to 50% from 100%, but, to compensate, you'll take increased damage to other parts of the body. "Our intent is to preserve the intensity of the gameplay while minimizing frustrating situations where sudden headshots cause large damage spikes," Arrowhead explains. Naturally, all the bugs and bots out there will also feel a difference to the damage they take.
When it came to squashing bugs, Arrowhead notes that grunts relied on primary or anti-take weapons that "haven't always performed as expected." Additionally, "with the overwhelming presence of Bile Titans and Chargers," many weapons became invalidated. To make bugs more squashable, Arrowhead has reworked armor penetration, anti-tank weapons, enemy armor and health values.
"Our goal is to improve the effectiveness of weapons such as the Autocannon, Heavy Machine Gun, Flamethrower, and Anti-Materiel Rifle against heavily armored enemies," Arrowhead says. "Although they may not be as effective as specialized anti-tank weapons, they are now more viable choi.