Helldivers 2 player compiles every balance patch, reveals more weapons have received buffs than nerfs

A live-service game needs constant updates and improvements to keep its player base busy and entertained. So, unsurprisingly, balance patches in Helldivers 2 have always been a big community talking point with the number of weapon changes that Arrowhead Game Studios have implemented to date.

Unfortunately, not every patch has been received with acclaim and optimism. Players have often complained about the nerfs some guns have received since launch, prompting beloved community figure Johan Pilestedt to say he’ll place more attention on weapon rebalancing upon being appointed as the studio’s CCO. However, based on one player’s recent compilation of Helldivers 2’s balance patch history, the number of nerfs players claim AGS has introduced may have been exaggerated.

According to a post from Reddit user MuglokDecrepitus, 29 weapons have received some form of a buff to date. In contrast, only four have apparently been hit with nerfs (Quasar Cannon, Guard Dog Rover, Shield Generator Pack, and the Railgun). Surprisingly, however, they included the Arc Thrower in the former category, which many, like user LamaranFG, emphatically disagreed with. It’s also worth pointing out that the list doesn’t emphasize the degree of each buff and nerf, as some pointed out that the Railgun nerf was “much more impactful” than a few primary weapons getting +5 damage.

Although we’ve yet to see a significant weapon balance update (likely due to the developers’ “summer break”), you can likely expect one to arrive soon, especially with the Escalation of Freedom release date and the new Freedom’s Flame Warbond approaching. Until then, check out some of our pages on the best loadouts and the best weapons in Helldivers 2 to pass the time. Alternatively, you can take a look at our guides on the best ways to find and kill Bile Titans and Annihilator Tanks in Helldivers 2 before you jump back in.