Helldivers 2: Warbond Drops October 31st

Arrowhead Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment have announced the release of the Truth Enforcers Warbond, a premium content addition for Helldivers 2. Read on to learn more about the game’s forthcoming Warbond.

Helldivers 2 Truth Enforcers Warbond Includes New Weapons, Armor Sets, and CosmeticsEnforce the Truth on Super Earth This October 31, 2024

The next addition to Helldivers 2 arrives just in time for Halloween, as Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony have announced that the Truth Enforcers Warbond will launch on October 31, 2024. According to Katherine Baskin, Arrowhead Game Studios’ Social Media and Community Manager, this latest Warbond isn't just a few cosmetic changes—it's a comprehensive arsenal enhancement that will allow players to "become one of Super Earth's official Truth Enforcers."

For those unfamiliar with Warbonds, they function like a live-service game's battle pass, purchased with earned Medals to unlock specific items. Unlike typical battle passes, however, these Warbonds are permanent, meaning that once acquired, you'll retain access, and you can unlock their contents at your own pace. Moreover, the Truth Enforcers Warbond will be available for purchase via the Acquisitions Center in the Destroyer ship's menu. As with prior Warbonds, it will cost 1,000 Super Credits.

Based on the developer's post on the official PlayStation Blog, the Truth Enforcers Warbond centers on upholding the Ministry of Truth's strict principles. Players will gain access to a range of advanced weaponry and armor sets, all designed to aid your Helldiver in overcoming any challenge.

One way for players to show their loyalty to Super Earth is to arm themselves with the new PLAS-15 Loyalist Plasma Pistol, a versatile sidearm capable of semi-automatic fire for rapid response or charged shots for delivering heavier damage. If players need more firepower, however, the SMG-32 Reprimand is a fast-firing submachine gun that is ideal for close-quarters combat. The SG-20 Halt, on the other hand, is a shotgun that packs a powerful punch for crowd control, as it can "alternate between stun rounds and armor-penetrating flechette rounds."

For those looking to demonstrate their commitment to Super Earth’s ideals, the Truth Enforcers Warbond also includes two new armor sets: the UF-16 Inspector and the UF-50 Bloodhound. The former is a sleek, white light armor set with red accents, perfect for players who enjoy staying mobile while still looking stylish in their cape, the "Proof of Faultless Virtue." The latter, on the other hand, is a medium armor designed for those who prefer more durability, with its red accents and "Pride of the Whistleblower" cape. Both of these armor sets will have the Unflinching perk, which reduces the staggering effect from taking hits.

In addition to the aforementioned capes, players will also have a chance to obtain a variety of banners and cosmetic designs for their hellpods, exosuits, and Pelican-1. There will even be an "At Ease" emote to further emphasize that the Truth Enforcers are serious and distinct from the satirical, militaristic style of Helldivers 2.

Furthermore, the Warbond will introduce the Dead Sprint booster. With this, players can maintain sprinting and diving despite depleted stamina. This will come at the expense of their health, making it a "high risk, high reward" item. It may prove beneficial, however, in intense situations where rapid maneuvering around enemies often determines success or failure.

Helldivers 2’s Promising Future Despite Initial Player Count Decline

Despite being a well-received launch earlier this year, with 458,709 concurrent Steam players at its zenith (not including PS5 players), Helldivers 2 has reportedly seen a decrease in its player count. This is mainly attributed to over 177 countries being barred from the game after Sony initially required linking Steam accounts to the PlayStation Network. Although Sony reversed this policy, the game remains unavailable to these regions to this day.

Its Steam concurrent player count subsequently fell to around 30,000. The Escalation of Freedom update in August doubled this figure to over 60,000, but it couldn’t sustain this player count. While this may not necessarily be a small number, especially considering it doesn't include PS5 players, it's a substantial drop from the game's initial peak. As of now, Steam's concurrent player count for Helldivers 2 is fluctuating just below 40,000.

Whether the Truth Enforcer Warbond will resuscitate the game's popularity remains to be seen. However, the accompanying trailer showcases a lot of exciting content, and upcoming Warbonds may potentially lure former players to once again fight for truth, justice, and Super Earth.