Video game developers continue to issue patches to perfect an already-released game, and Helldivers 2 is no exception. However, players aren't too happy with the latest changes. Between the nerfs and buffs of certain weapons, it seems the new mechanics are resulting in ream and self-kills.
Helldivers 2 Shrapnel Dangers
If you have been playing the PvE shooter for a while, you'll know that ricochets from heavy shots have always been there, with players hitting armored foes and the bullet suddenly killing a teammate nearby. This time around, the damage might be harder to avoid.
In the patch notes, the developers said: "Shots that ricochet from heavy armored enemies will now properly hit the Helldiver who fired them. Trigger discipline is highly recommended," whatever "properly" hitting the shooter means.
This presents a new problem for people whose loadouts consist of heavy and explosive weapons. For instance, the Eruptor which can be found in the Democratic Detonation warbond used to be a must-have, especially in missions where you have to seal bug holes.
Now, however, players will have to be extra careful. It already inflicts damage when players fire too close since it is an explosive weapon, but explosion damage is no longer the sole issue as shrapnel now ricochets from the point of impact as well, as per Kotaku.
To make matters worse for the players who love their Eruptors, the primary weapon also had its maximum number of mags reduced. From 12 reloads, players are now only getting six, which could mean that resupplies or stray ammo boxes would be needed now more than ever.
Other Patches
For those who are fond of the flamethrower, burning damage has been reduced by 15%. While players who are accidentally caught in the flames would be thankful for the nerf, weapons and stratagems like the Eagle Napalm Airstrike would do less damage against enemies.
The LAS-99 Quasar Cannon, which has been used by many to take out larger enemies and distant objectives with one shot, will also be slightly inconvenient now. The recharge time has been increased by five seconds, so every shot needs to count.
It has been ignored for a while ever since it was nerfed, but the RS-422 Railgun might come back in action after the latest patch. It now has increased armor penetration in both safe mode and unsafe mode, although the stagger force is reduced.
Mission locations throughout the map won't be as distant from each other anymore. The minor generation improvements will improve variation in distance between objectives, which means players won't have to walk far just to reach 100% completion and help with time management.
Bile and Nursing Spewers move slower now, although one should still be aware of its projectiles. Hulk Scorchers will inflict 20% less damage, so players might just be able to survive being swarmed after being burned.
Unfortunately, the fire rate for devastators has increased, although it only applies to standard devastators. Scout Strider Riders are less vulnerable to explosions. Between enemy and weapon changes, players will have to get used to slight adjustments.
