Arrowhead Game Studios has released the first major update of 2025 for Helldivers 2, fulfilling many fan requests. Patch version 01.002.101 introduces numerous enhancements, including weapon and stratagem adjustments, improved camera handling, and extended gas effect durations. Additionally, it addresses various bugs and balances the game to maintain optimal performance.

Helldivers 2’s Wild Ride in 2024

Helldivers 2 enjoyed significant success in 2024, ranking as the third best-selling game of the year. The game’s dynamic intergalactic battles and cooperative gameplay captivated players, despite encountering some controversies. Arrowhead has effectively engaged the community with regular updates and transparent communication, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience.

What’s New in Update 01.002.101?

The update’s most significant gameplay change is the increased duration of gas effects from spray weapons, now lasting ten seconds instead of six, enhancing their impact. Another key feature is the introduction of timers for Illuminate dropship wreckages, preventing chaotic battlefield scenarios.

Player movement has also improved, allowing jogging while carrying two-handed items, contributing to a more natural feel. Helldivers can now deploy grenades and stratagems while leaning from the FRV, offering greater combat flexibility. Starting ammo supply has increased to three magazines, reducing early mission stress.

Big Changes to Stratagems

Stratagems received significant attention in this update. The TX-41 Sterilizer support weapon now benefits from reduced crosshair drift recoil and decreased camera climb recoil, enhancing accuracy and user experience.

Interestingly, Arrowhead opted to retain a bug that unintentionally increased ammo for all magazine-based weapons, planning to update the Armory description in a future patch. This decision reflects the studio’s responsiveness to player feedback and willingness to embrace beneficial glitches.

The backpack system has been overhauled, improving its overall effectiveness, including aspects like ammo capacity, gas effects, targeting logic, and range. Other stratagems received minor buffs, such as reduced cooldowns and increased damage, enhancing their utility.

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Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements

This patch not only adds new features but also resolves numerous persistent issues. Notably, it fixes the problem where Illuminate ship shields were immune to grenade damage. Health packs now fully restore Helldiver stim, enhancing healing reliability.

Crash fixes were a major focus. The update addresses several game-breaking crashes, including those related to mission aborts, hot-joining, emote switching, and random fires. Matchmaking improvements ensure players are grouped with others from nearby regions, enhancing connection stability.