Tag: Helldivers 2

  • Helldivers 2 Update: DLSS & PSSR Upscaling Boosts PC/PS5 Performance

    Helldivers 2 Update: DLSS & PSSR Upscaling Boosts PC/PS5 Performance

    Key Takeaway

    – Enhanced upscaling support arriving May 27: DLSS 4.5, FSR 4.03/3.1.5 on PC; XeSS 3.0 for Intel GPUs; FSR 3.1 on PS5/Xbox; PS5 Pro supports PSSR (including PSSR 2).
    – Targeted performance improvements: VRR on PS5, Variable Rate Shading, Dynamic Resolution Scaling, and Nvidia Reflex/AMD Anti-Lag 2 to reduce latency.
    – Ongoing communication and upcoming patches: developer promises clearer fixes with frequent updates and a summer patch focused on performance gains.


    Helldivers 2 Update Details and Planned Improvements

    Recent Helldivers 2 Steam reviews have tilted mostly negative, with weapon balance a common complaint. While a new update won’t address those issues, it targets long-standing performance concerns. Arrowhead Game Studios has announced that enhanced upscaling, including DLSS and PSSR, will arrive in a May 27th patch.

    Upscaling Improvements and Engine Notes

    Relying on an aging game engine, the third-person shooter shipped with a native upscaler that resembled FSR 1.0. Without modern temporal alternatives, image quality suffered, with noticeable shimmering during fast motion. These problems plagued the PC, PS5, and Xbox versions of the third-person shooter.

    Studio Credits and Available Options

    On the Steam announcement, Arrowhead credits the PlayStation support studio, Nixxes, for the optimizations. When the Helldivers 2 update drops, PC gamers with AMD and Nvidia GPUs can choose from FSR 4.03, FSR 3.1.5, or DLSS 4.5. Intel graphics card owners can activate XeSS 3.0 to improve frame rates and visual clarity.

    Console and Feature Rollouts

    Console fans also aren’t neglected, since FSR 3.1 is set to debut on the base PS5 and Xbox machines. PS5 Pro gamers can enjoy PSSR support, though the developers note it’s an older iteration. Players will still be able to toggle on the more powerful PSSR 2 in the system settings.

    VRR and Dynamic Rendering Tech

    Not limited to upscaling, the May 27th Helldivers 2 update will introduce Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to PS5 consoles. On compatible displays, this addition promises to minimize stuttering during massive battles. Meanwhile, Variable Rate Shading and Dynamic Resolution Scaling intelligently reduce GPU usage on multiple platforms.

    Latency Improvements and Community Communication

    High latency is another performance drawback for the most competitive divers. Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag 2 aim to make inputs feel more instantaneous.

    Patch Cadence and Community Feedback

    The studio has also pledged to stay in frequent contact with fans and to provide clearer explanations of fixes. Gamers should see another patch later in the summer that prioritizes performance gains. Many Helldivers 2 Steam users are praising the changes, but continue to call for gameplay tweaks.

     

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  • PlayStation PC Launcher Unlikely After PS5 Exclusives Shift

    PlayStation PC Launcher Unlikely After PS5 Exclusives Shift

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony may not release a PlayStation PC launcher, as recent insights suggest a shift away from launching PS5 exclusives on Steam.
    2. Live-service games like Helldivers 2 will continue to be available for PC, but major titles like Marvel’s Wolverine may not be released on that platform.
    3. There is skepticism among players about Sony’s PC strategy until the company clarifies its plans.
    4. Sony could keep future PlayStation exclusives off PC to maintain interest in its consoles, despite the potential revenue loss from not releasing on Steam.
    5. The upcoming Steam Machine and the development of PS6 may influence Sony’s decision to keep games exclusive to PlayStation hardware.


    Recently, there has been a resurgence of chatter regarding Sony’s potential release of a PlayStation PC launcher. While job postings and data findings lend credence to these speculations, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier suggests otherwise. On the ResetEra forums, he reiterated that the company has likely reversed its intentions to launch numerous PS5 exclusives on Steam.

    Future of PlayStation Titles

    Sony seems destined to keep rolling out live-service games like Helldivers 2 for PC gamers. Nevertheless, titles like Marvel’s Wolverine and Saros are at risk of not making their way to the platform. Schreier previously mentioned that decreasing profits from Steam ports may have affected PlayStation’s strategy surrounding cross-platform releases.

    The PlayStation PC Strategy

    Even with multiplayer games on the table, a PlayStation PC launcher is becoming less appealing for the company. Until Sony publicly clears up its game plan, some players will stay skeptical. The trusted insider sought to dispel any lingering uncertainties in his recent forum comments:

    “At some point Sony will confirm it, whether it’s on a call with investors or maybe even when Housemarque starts doing press for Saros and someone asks if they have plans to bring it to PC and they say no.”

    Challenges Ahead

    The gaming behemoth could easily release future PlayStation exclusives without mentioning any PC ports. Nonetheless, Schreier believes it will indicate its desire to keep more PS5 games exclusive to its consoles. As evidenced by Insomniac Games and Spider-Man, developers sometimes leak such decisions inadvertently.

    Any PlayStation PC launcher would face a tough road in attracting users. Steam holds a commanding lead over other marketplaces, boasting around a 75% market share. By offering first-party software, Sony could avoid the revenue it misses out on with Valve. However, it would need to significantly raise sales among these new customers. According to one sales report, narrative-driven cross-platform titles have had a hard time reaching the success levels of Helldivers 2.

    Another element to consider is the upcoming Steam Machine. When this system eventually launches, it will grant living-room access to Valve’s vast game library. At the same time, the PS6 is in the works, aiming for the same console market. Keeping PS5 and PS6 exclusive games is a strategy to keep fans engaged with PlayStation hardware.

    Jason Schreier@ResetEra forums.

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  • Helldivers 2 Sales Exceed 20 Million, Revenue Tops $700 Million

    Helldivers 2 Sales Exceed 20 Million, Revenue Tops $700 Million

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2 sold over 20 million copies globally and generated over $700 million in revenue.
    2. The game has approximately 3.6 million active players, with 250,000 players each dedicating over 500 hours.
    3. Steam is the leading platform, with 13.1 million copies sold, followed by PlayStation 5 (5.6 million) and Xbox Series X|S (1.6 million).
    4. The Xbox version launched later in August 2025, contributing to the overall sales milestone.
    5. China accounts for over 10% of the player base on Steam, while the United States has around 40%.


    Helldivers 2 launched in February 2024 and quickly became a popular multiplayer game among players. It caught the eye of gamers shortly after its debut thanks to its focus on cooperative PvE gameplay, large-scale combat, and frequent updates. Now, almost two years after its initial launch, the game has achieved a significant milestone.

    Major Sales Achievement

    As per Alinea Analytics, Helldivers 2 has surpassed 20 million copies sold globally, marking a remarkable accomplishment. From the sales alone, the game has raked in over $700 million in total revenue. Last month, it was estimated that about 3.6 million players were actively engaging with the game on platforms like Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. Moreover, there are around 250,000 players who have dedicated more than 500 hours to the game.

    Platform Performance

    Steam is the leading platform for Helldivers 2’s success, with 13.1 million copies sold. In comparison, 5.6 million copies were purchased on PlayStation 5, and 1.6 million copies on Xbox Series X|S. The Xbox version came out later, in August 2025, which was about a year and a half after the game’s original release. Though its sales figures are smaller than those on Steam and PlayStation, the Xbox launch was still crucial in helping the game reach the impressive 20 million sales milestone.

    Global Market Insights

    According to Alinea Analytics, China has a key part in Helldivers 2’s dominance on Steam. It stands as the second-largest market for the game on this platform, representing over 10% of the player base. Meanwhile, the United States holds the top spot with approximately 40%.

    Alinea Analytics also highlights the game’s growth, noting that it continues to attract players and maintain its popularity in the competitive gaming landscape.

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  • PS5 Exclusives Drive Sony’s PC Sales to $1.2 Billion

    PS5 Exclusives Drive Sony’s PC Sales to $1.2 Billion

    Key Takeaways

    1. PlayStation games on Steam have generated over $1.5 billion in earnings for Sony, with $1.2 billion after Valve’s fees.
    2. Helldivers 2 is the top-selling PlayStation game on Steam, with 12.7 million copies sold, making it Sony’s most profitable PC port.
    3. Other successful titles include Horizon Zero Dawn (4.5 million units), God of War, Days Gone, and Spider-Man Remastered.
    4. Sony may focus more on releasing multiplayer games on PC and Xbox, with rumors of a potential PS5 PC cross-buy option.
    5. The Steam Machine could impact Sony’s cross-platform strategy and exclusivity policies if it successfully attracts console gamers.


    Alinea Analytics has put out new information revealing that PlayStation games are doing well on Steam. Thanks to former exclusive games from PS4 and PS5, Sony’s total earnings have surpassed $1.5 billion. Nevertheless, PC players seem to be drawn more towards a popular multiplayer live-service title. The recent report also examines how the Valve Steam Machine might influence future cross-platform sales.

    Revenue Breakdown

    Valve takes a cut of PlayStation’s earnings that ranges from 20% to 30%, with this percentage decreasing as Steam Sales increase. Alinea estimates that after the fees, Sony made about $1.2 billion, while Valve pocketed over $350 million. The report further analyzes how different PlayStation titles are performing, with Helldivers 2 leading the pack.

    Game Performance

    Helldivers 2 accounted for 12.7 million of the 43 million copies of PlayStation games sold on Valve’s platform. Rhys Elliott points out that the number of buyers on Steam was double that of those who bought the game on the PS5. This co-op shooter has become Sony’s most profitable PC port, bringing in $400 million in revenue.

    In second place, Horizon Zero Dawn sold 4.5 million units, followed by God of War, Days Gone, and Spider-Man Remastered. The consistent revenue from a live-service game might support Sony’s strategy for cross-platform titles.

    Future Plans and Rumors

    Up to now, the company has been reluctant to release any single-player PS5 exclusive games on Steam. However, it appears to be more receptive to launching multiplayer-focused games on PC and Xbox. There are even whispers about a potential new PS5 PC cross-buy option, which insiders suggest could lead to a PlayStation Windows launcher to avoid Valve’s fees.

    The Steam Machine might also change Sony’s perspective on PC gaming. If it manages to attract console gamers, PlayStation may need to reconsider its exclusivity policy. Still, some critics argue that Valve’s machine will struggle to gain popularity if it is significantly pricier than the PS5.

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  • Battlefield 6 Players Hope Latest Bug Stays Unfixed

    Battlefield 6 Players Hope Latest Bug Stays Unfixed

    Key Takeaways

    1. A glitch in Battlefield 6 creates a striking red laser beam effect when vehicles or players are destroyed.
    2. The phenomenon has drawn comparisons to sci-fi games like Helldivers 2, changing the game’s usual gritty atmosphere.
    3. A viral video showcases the glitch, featuring a sniper’s shot leading to a helicopter crash and the beam’s appearance.
    4. Many players are enjoying the glitch and want it to remain in the game as a fun Easter egg.
    5. The positive player feedback suggests EA may consider keeping the glitch in future updates despite it being a bug.


    A significant glitch is currently creating a buzz in Battlefield 6 – and a lot of players actually want it to remain. This bug produces a striking orbital-like laser beam that descends from above, transforming the gritty authenticity of the multiplayer shooter into something resembling a sci-fi title like Helldivers 2. The phenomenon occurs when a vehicle is destroyed or a player is taken out, sending a bright red beam crashing down to indicate the location. It has been generating quite a buzz on the game’s official subreddit.

    A Viral Clip

    In a post by user u/Xhamy, a 14-second video features a sniper positioned on a skyscraper aiming at a Black Hawk helicopter. Just moments after the shot is fired, the helicopter is hit by a missile, crashes, and the striking red beam descends from the heavens. The clip is titled “For Super Earth,” which is a clear reference to Helldivers 2.

    Players’ Reactions

    The glitch is so visually stunning that many players struggle to accept that it is accidental. Some players are even wishing that the beam will be kept in the game as a fun Easter egg or secret feature. Although the glitch is likely to be fixed soon, considering the surprisingly favorable response, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for EA to intentionally reintroduce it in future updates. This laser beam bug now adds to an expanding list of unforgettable Battlefield experiences since the game launched on October 10 – which includes a leaf that became stuck on a sniper’s scope and an incredible lucky shot.

    Xhamy via Reddit

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  • Concord Delta Modders Revive Sony’s Canceled $200M Shooter

    Concord Delta Modders Revive Sony’s Canceled $200M Shooter

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony discontinued the development of Firewalk’s Concord after spending over $200 million, officially closing it on September 6, 2024, due to low player interest.

    2. A group of modders, called Concord Delta, successfully revived the game by reverse-engineering its backend API to create custom PC servers for gameplay.

    3. The revival faced legal challenges when Sony’s copyright enforcement partner issued a DMCA takedown notice for gameplay content on YouTube, prompting the modding team to pause new invites.

    4. The modding team is taking precautions to remain legal and is monitoring community posts to avoid copyright issues, while still allowing current players to access the game.

    5. Community reactions are mixed, with some feeling that Sony is trying to erase Concord completely, while others believe the company wants to prevent unauthorized projects related to its games.


    It has been more than a year since Sony decided to discontinue Firewalk’s Concord, which is said to have cost over $200 million to create. After minimal player interest, the project was officially closed on September 6, 2024. Nevertheless, a small group of modders has managed to bring Concord back to life.

    Modders Revive Concord

    As reported by The Game Post, a dedicated team of modders, including developers Red, open_wizard, and gwog, launched a grassroots initiative named Concord Delta. They invested months into reverse-engineering the backend API, enabling the creation of custom PC servers for matchmaking and gameplay, even if there are some bugs. The project went live on November 14, and the team shared YouTube videos displaying test gameplay.

    Legal Challenges Arise

    Unfortunately, the revival of Concord faced challenges quickly, as Sony’s copyright enforcement partner, MarkScan, a firm specializing in digital asset protection, issued a DMCA takedown notice to YouTube for content showing Concord Delta’s gameplay.

    One of the lead modders, Red, addressed this issue on Concord Delta’s Discord server, stating, “Due to concerning legal action, we’ve chosen to pause invites for now.” Players who already have access can still engage on Concord Delta’s servers. Currently, Sony has not sent a formal cease-and-desist order to the modding team.

    Community Reactions

    Earlier, Red cautioned the community about potential legal issues, saying:

    “The project is still a work in progress. It’s playable, but has bugs. I know this is disappointing for those who were refunded unexpectedly, but lawyers are probably already keeping a close eye on us, and I want to make sure this project remains as legal as possible. We will be deleting any posts that include links to copyrighted files.”

    Many gamers online feel that Sony is attempting to stifle efforts to save Concord, even after shutting down its official servers. Others believe Sony wants to erase Concord’s existence and bury it for good. The game was even mentioned in the UK Parliament as an example of games being closed without a clear lifespan at the time of sale.

    For now, game servers are still running for those who have invites via the Discord channel. However, the future of Concord Delta looks bleak without Sony’s approval. The lingering question is how far Sony will go to shut down this fan project aimed at reviving the short-lived live-service shooter. Sony has made several attempts to capture the games-as-a-service market, having invested significantly since its success with Helldivers 2 across various platforms.

     

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  • Helldivers 2 Director Says Focus on New Content Led to Issues

    Helldivers 2 Director Says Focus on New Content Led to Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players are experiencing crashes, stuttering, and bugs since the release of Helldivers 2, affecting gameplay.
    2. Game Director Mikael Eriksson acknowledged that prioritizing new content over fixing existing issues has contributed to ongoing problems.
    3. The development team became accustomed to overlooking critical issues while focusing on new updates, leading to current challenges.
    4. Arrowhead is revamping their development approach to address performance issues and stabilize gameplay before introducing new content.
    5. Significant improvements in game performance may take “many more months” of work, as the team focuses on correcting long-standing bugs.


    Helldivers 2 has been facing a variety of issues since its release. Players have experienced unexpected crashes, stuttering, and multiple bugs that disrupt gameplay. These problems have persisted with nearly every significant update. The situation escalated following the recent Into the Unjust update, prompting Game Director Mikael Eriksson to acknowledge that the team may have erred in prioritizing new content over resolving current issues.

    Focus on New Content

    During a recent Q&A, Eriksson expressed the team’s dedication to maintaining Helldivers 2 through new updates and events. He shared that the developers enjoy watching players engage with the latest content and appreciate the new features added to the game. Nevertheless, he conceded that this strategy has led to complications. He stated, “While that’s super cool, it takes away focus from fixing the issues we already have.” He emphasized that the developers have devoted more time to creating new additions rather than enhancing the core player experience.

    Acknowledging Mistakes

    Eriksson further reflected on how the team became accustomed to a specific workflow, often overlooking critical problems that should have been addressed. This habit of advancing without fully tackling existing issues contributed to their current challenges. “You get used to working in a specific way, like we keep getting away with things that we really shouldn’t be getting away with. Since we do keep getting away with it, we sort of just get used to it, and we just keep developing the game like we normally do,” he noted.

    He also mentioned that the team has recognized the multiple issues affecting various parts of the game simultaneously and that they are now facing the consequences of this oversight.

    Moving Forward with Responsibility

    Reflecting on past decisions, Eriksson noted that there were clear signs of trouble, such as feedback from both the community and their own team that were unfortunately ignored while they aimed to push ahead. To address these challenges, Arrowhead is revamping their development approach. Eriksson shared that they are tightening their processes and are determined to develop the game in a “more responsible way” to prevent similar mistakes in the future. The focus is now shifting towards enhancing performance, correcting long-standing bugs, and stabilizing the overall experience before rolling out new content.

    While players can expect new updates in the near future, Arrowhead’s CEO recently indicated that improving the game’s performance will demand “many more months” of work before significant enhancements are visible.

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  • Arrowhead CEO: Helldivers 2 Needs Months for Performance Boost

    Arrowhead CEO: Helldivers 2 Needs Months for Performance Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2 is experiencing significant performance issues, including lagging, crashes, and frame drops since its launch.
    2. The CEO of Arrowhead, Shams Jorjani, announced that multiple performance patches are planned to improve stability.
    3. Significant performance improvements may take many months to achieve, according to Jorjani.
    4. Players should not expect immediate major performance gains, as the focus is on fixing current issues first.
    5. Upcoming content updates will be delayed to prioritize stabilizing the game.


    Helldivers 2 has made quite a splash as one of the top multiplayer games over the last two years, but since its launch, players have been facing significant performance issues. Many users have reported various troubles such as lagging, crashes, and frame drops on all platforms. The situation worsened following the game’s latest major patch, Into the Unjust.

    Performance Patches On The Way

    Recently, Shams Jorjani, the CEO of Arrowhead, provided an update about the game’s performance in its official Discord server. He mentioned that players can look forward to several more patches that aim to fix the current issues and enhance stability gradually before Helldivers 2 can achieve a new “normal.”

    A Long Road Ahead

    However, this process will not be quick. Jorjani noted that it could take many more months before players will notice any significant enhancements in the game’s performance. He stated, “Before we return to (what we hope is a new normal) we have more patches coming.” He also emphasized, “Performance will take many many more months of work to get to even more meaningful improvement.”

    Delayed Content Updates

    This means that even though Arrowhead is putting in a lot of effort to resolve the issues, players shouldn’t anticipate major performance gains in the near future. The developers have also indicated they will postpone some upcoming content updates to prioritize stabilizing the game instead.

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  • Ex-PlayStation Chief Critiques Sony’s Live Service as Repetitive

    Ex-PlayStation Chief Critiques Sony’s Live Service as Repetitive

    Key Takeaways

    1. Shawn Layden criticizes Sony’s focus on live-service games, viewing them as mere devices for repetitive actions rather than true games.
    2. He defines genuine games as requiring a narrative, character, and universe, unlike live-service games that depend on repetitive actions and social interaction.
    3. Layden warns that Sony’s obsession with live-service titles is misleading and may lead to unsatisfactory results, similar to chasing a mirage.
    4. Sony aimed to release 12 new live-service games by 2026, but has scrapped eight projects, including major titles like The Last of Us Online and a live-service God of War game.
    5. While many live-service ventures have failed, Helldivers 2 is highlighted as a success, selling over 19 million copies and remaining popular on multiple platforms.


    Shawn Layden, who was once the Chairman and President of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, recently talked with The Ringer and shared some harsh opinions about Sony’s current focus on live-service games. He remarked, “To me, a live-service game isn’t truly a game. It’s more like a device for repetitive action engagement.”

    His Tenure and Success

    During the latter part of his time as the head of PlayStation Studios, Layden approved Helldivers 2 in 2019, which became a huge success on both PlayStation and PC. Nonetheless, he didn’t hold back when criticizing Sony’s move toward live-service games.

    In the interview, he mentioned that genuine games require “three things.” These essentials are a narrative, a character, and a universe. He contrasted this by stating that live-service games only need “a repetitive action that most people can understand, a means to interact within that world with others who think alike, and the eagerness to repeat it over and over.”

    Concerns About Live-Service Focus

    Layden elaborated that Sony’s obsession with live-service titles is akin to a “siren’s call” that has “captivated” executives for many years. He described it as “like a mirage atop a sand dune. You chase it. You can’t really reach it. Or when you do, what you brought is something no one wants to engage with.”

    These comments come as PlayStation is pushing further into the live-service arena, a strategy that was heavily promoted by former CEO Jim Ryan.

    In 2022, Jim Ryan declared that Sony aimed to release 12 new live-service games by 2026. However, Sony has scrapped eight of those projects. Among the canceled titles were some of Sony’s most ambitious live-service endeavors, including The Last of Us Online, a live-service God of War game, a Horizon MMO, Twisted Metal, and several unannounced projects from Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games.

    Notable Failures and Successes

    One significant live-service game that faced a lot of backlash was Concord from PlayStation and Firewalk Studios, which had a development cost of $400 million and only saw a peak of about 697 players online at the same time on Steam, ultimately leading to its shutdown just two weeks after launch.

    On the other hand, Helldivers 2 stands out as a success in PlayStation’s lineup, remaining one of the top-played games on PC and Xbox, with over 19 million copies sold across all platforms.

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  • Helldivers 2 Sales Surpass 19 Million Copies Across All Platforms

    Helldivers 2 Sales Surpass 19 Million Copies Across All Platforms

    Key Takeaways

    1. Helldivers 2, launched in February 2024, became a fan-favorite co-op shooter and remains popular nearly two years later.
    2. The game has sold 19.4 million copies across all platforms, nearing the 20 million sales milestone.
    3. Sales distribution shows 12.6 million copies sold on Steam, 5.4 million on PS5, and 1.4 million on Xbox Series X/S.
    4. The Xbox version launched in August 2025 and sold almost 1 million copies in just six days.
    5. Arrowhead’s CEO views Helldivers 2 as a “forever game,” focusing on ongoing enhancements instead of a sequel.


    Helldivers 2 keeps showing that it’s one of the most successful games out there. The title first hit the market in February 2024 for PS5 and PC, rapidly becoming a fan-favorite co-op shooter of the year. Nearly two years later, it remains popular and is still thriving without any signs of a decline.

    Sales Milestones

    A recent report from Alinea Analytics reveals that Helldivers 2 has achieved impressive sales figures, reaching 19.4 million copies across all platforms. That’s a significant milestone, and it’s very close to hitting the 20 million sales mark.

    Platform Breakdown

    Alinea Analytics also provided details on how the sales are distributed among different platforms. Of the total sales, 12.6 million copies were sold on Steam, while PlayStation 5 accounted for 5.4 million copies, and 1.4 million on Xbox Series X/S. For those unaware, the PS5 and PC versions came out in February 2024, but the Xbox version launched later, in August 2025. Remarkably, the game sold almost 1 million copies on Xbox within just six days of its release, surpassing the launch numbers of the PS5 version.

    Future Outlook

    Given the current trajectory, it won’t take long for Helldivers 2 to exceed the 20 million sales threshold. Recently, Arrowhead’s CEO mentioned that they view Helldivers 2 as a “forever game,” indicating no plans for a sequel. Instead, the focus will be on enhancing the existing game through new features, gameplay improvements, and addressing performance concerns.