Helldivers 2 has enjoyed unparalleled support from the gaming community. However, for many veteran players, the honeymoon phase is officially over. Despite paying a $40 price tag for the game, the community is revolting against Arrowhead. Their allegation: that Helldivers 2 is being treated as a Free-to-Play (F2P) live service game.
One Reddit user (u/Impressive-Money5535) did not hold back while criticizing the game. The user called out every facet of the game and the decision-making leading up to it, in their post.
Arrowhead is treating HD2 like a Free 2 Play title.
Helldivers 2 is a $40 game with a F2P monetization system. byu/Impressive-Money5535 inHelldivers
Players are furious that core gameplay progression is either locked behind the paywall of a Premium Warbonds or incredibly grind-y.
Helldivers 2 Is Plagued by Microtransactions
Image Credit: Arrowhead Games
Image Credit: Arrowhead Games
Image Credit: Arrowhead Games
The central argument of the viral Reddit post is that Helldivers 2 is being compared to War Thunder, a F2P game, which has everything locked behind a paywall. However, players have already shelled $40 on the game but are met with the same treatment.
The argument of massive grind or real-money transactions is further echoed by Helldivers 2’s Level 25 wall. Fans of the game chimed in on the post arguing that once players reach Level 25, the base game’s progression virtually halts. From that point on, Premium Warbonds become the only meaningful way to unlock new gear.
Another issue that has been highlighted is the lack of free rewards. Early in the game’s cycle, Arrowhead used to give players free stratagems simply for completing Major Orders and free armor from special events. These days almost every new mechanical addition is locked behind a Warbond paywall.
Arrowhead’s Early Goodwill Has Faded Over Two Years
Helldivers 2 used to be the community’s darling, now it seems that the tide is shifting. Image Credit: Arrowhead Games
Back when the game launched, it was lauded by gamers and critics alike. It was labelled as a breath of fresh air. Apart from other factors, its modest monetization and consumer-friendly approach were the driving factors behind the positive PR.
Johan Pilestedt, who was CEO at launch before stepping down to Chief Creative Officer in May 2024, quoted during the game launch regarding monetization, won the fans’ hearts too (via VGC).
‘You have to earn the right to monetize’– I truly believe that. If people want to support this title they have an option, but we are never forcing anyone to do so.
However, the community now feels that Arrowhead has stopped earning that right. Fans state that the studio is now prioritizing the financial demands of Sony rather than player experience.
Game NameHelldivers 2DeveloperArrowhead Game StudiosPublisherSony Interactive EntertainmentRelease DateFebruary 8, 2024
Do you also believe that Helldivers 2 has become a sort of F2P with a $40 price tag? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
