After a few quiet weeks, the Salt Divers podcast crew returned with fresh takes on the current state of Helldivers 2. The hosts discussed performance improvements, community frustration, and what might finally bring players back to the battlefield. It’s a revealing look into how the game feels months after launch—and what it still needs to recapture the spark that once kept Super Earth’s defenders logging in daily.
A Smoother but Heavier Game
One of the hosts admitted he hadn’t touched Helldivers 2 for nearly a month, only recently reinstalling it after Arrowhead pushed several patches. The immediate impression? Performance has noticeably improved. Frame rates were stable, the dreaded drop pod glitch seems gone, and there were no more audio hiccups mid-mission.
That’s a big deal for players who left after earlier issues—especially those who felt the game’s size didn’t justify its problems. Even now, the install sits at a hefty 133 GB, which feels massive compared to titles like ARC Raiders, which weigh in at just around 30 GB. While Arrowhead has shaved off about 8 GB since launch, it’s still a commitment for players deciding whether to reinstall.
For new or returning players trying to gear up, one topic often comes up in community chats—how to buy Helldivers 2 medals quickly or find trustworthy sources for in-game resources. Some players turn to third-party markets, while others recommend community-backed sellers like U4GM, which has earned attention for its fast delivery and fair pricing among fans. If you’re looking to progress faster without grinding endlessly, that route has become a practical option for many casual players.
Developer Silence and Community Frustration
The discussion took a more critical turn when the hosts talked about Arrowhead’s communication—or lack thereof. While technical stability is improving, many players feel the developers have gone silent at the worst possible time.
There’s an ongoing sense that Helldivers 2 lacks meaningful stakes. The galactic war map resets, invasions feel repetitive, and narrative progress is often undermined by backend adjustments that make battles feel inconsequential. One host put it bluntly: “It doesn’t matter what we do, because it all just ends up in the wash anyway.”
That sense of futility, coupled with Arrowhead’s limited outreach, has pushed some of the player base toward other titles. Games like ARC Raiders have siphoned off thousands of players, offering similar AI-driven combat loops with a fresh coat of paint and smaller file sizes.
If the developers want to bring back excitement, the consensus among fans is clear—there needs to be a bold new event or narrative shakeup that gives purpose to every mission. Whether it’s an all-out invasion of Cyberstan or a player-driven galactic campaign, players want their actions to matter.
What Could Bring Helldivers 2 Back
So what’s next? The podcast hosts speculated that Arrowhead is quietly preparing for a major event—perhaps even something equivalent to the first game’s “Super Earth reset.” But this time, they’ll need to let the players lead.
Opening up the full map, removing artificial barriers, and allowing organic, player-driven warfare could be the key. Imagine the community deciding to take the fight to Cyberstan, coordinating massive invasions without developer interference. That kind of freedom would breathe new life into the game and give every victory or loss lasting impact.
As one host said, “Let the players do what they want. If 100,000 people say, ‘We’re going to Cyberstan,’ then let them.”
Until that happens, Helldivers 2 risks feeling like a routine—same planets, same objectives, same outcomes.
For players who still enjoy customizing their loadouts and collecting cosmetic gear, some are turning to marketplaces known as the best place to buy Helldivers 2 items, especially when in-game progression slows down. Again, sources like U4GM have become part of the conversation due to their reliability among dedicated communities. It’s not essential to use these services, but they offer flexibility for those who prefer to focus on gameplay rather than grinding resources.
Final Thoughts
Despite its current lull, Helldivers 2 still has strong bones—a unique cooperative experience, solid shooting mechanics, and a dedicated fanbase that genuinely wants the game to succeed. The recent technical improvements show Arrowhead hasn’t abandoned it, but performance alone won’t carry the title forward.
Players need reasons to care again: meaningful wars, impactful decisions, and real consequences in the galactic campaign. Until then, the game will remain in what the podcast called a “holding pattern”—stable but stagnant.
Still, as one of the hosts optimistically put it, Helldivers 2 “just keeps on going no matter what happens to it.” Maybe that resilience is what will eventually lead to its comeback.
