patch · August 6, 2024
Helldivers 2 Patch 1.001.002 Adjusts Weapons and Stratagems
Arrowhead alters weapon handling for the Slugger, Breaker Incendiary, and Grenade Pistol while tweaking orbital barrages in Helldivers 2 patch 1.001.002.
Arrowhead has deployed patch 1.001.002 for Helldivers 2 as part of the Escalation of Freedom update cycle. This patch recalibrates several standout weapons and stratagems to address balance issues across bug and automaton fronts.
Primary Weapon Adjustments
The SG-8S Slugger receives increased stagger force to restore its identity, alongside higher spread and drag to limit its range. The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary gains increased recoil and a reduced maximum magazine count to force tighter ammo management. Meanwhile, the CB-9 Exploding Crossbow is now a one-handed weapon to expand its tactical utility.
Secondary and Support Changes
The GP-31 Grenade Pistol features a lower total ammo capacity, but individual ammo boxes now restore more grenades to streamline resupplies. The AX/AR-23 Guard Dog receives more ammunition capacity and works correctly with map ammo crates. The MLS-4X Commando currently retains its unintended ability to destroy Automaton fabricators from any angle while developers evaluate its future balance.
Stratagem Barrage Tweaks
The Orbital Walking Barrage has an increased duration and reduced movement speed to concentrate fire better over the same overall distance. The Orbital 120mm HE Barrage features a decreased cooldown to make its chaotic salvos more frequently accessible during missions.
Why this patch matters
The patch targets dominant loadouts like the Breaker Incendiary while trying to give niche tools like the Slugger and Crossbow clearer roles in squad compositions.