Helldivers 2 Sept. 17 update patch notes – All major balancing changes

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios released a major balancing patch as a part of the 60-day roadmap. This patch is packed with buffs and reworks, so here are all the major balancing changes you should know about.

Everything included in Helldviers 2 Sept. 17 update

R-6 Eruptor is back alongside other weapons

This Helldivers 2 update reintroduces shrapnel for the R-6 Eruptor. New shrapnel doesn’t one-shot teammates and has more projectiles than before. At the same time, the Eruptor’s explosion damage has also increased by 33 percent.

Apart from the Eruptor, multiple weapons received a buff, and here are the biggest changes:

• Liberator and Liberator Carbine: Increased damage from 60 to 70, stagger from 10 to 15, and magazine reserves from seven to eight.
• Liberator Concussive: Now hold 60 rounds in the mag. Maximum mag size reduced from 10 to six.
• Breaker: Increased mag size of 16 and increased stagger from 10 to 15.
• Spray and Pray: Increased damage from 194 to 240.
• Crossbow: Increased explosion radius by 50 percent and increased explosion damage from 150 to 350.
• Diligence: Increased damage from 125 to 165.
• Counter Sniper: Increased damage from 140 to 200, durable damage from 14 to 50, and stagger from 15 to 20.
• Blitzer: Has a weak stun effect that builds up per hit.
• Torcher: Increased damage by 50 percent and armor penetration from three to four. The flame mechanics are reverted to before the Escalation of Freedom update.
• Crisper: Increased damage by 50 percent and armor penetration from three to four. The flame mechanics are reverted to before the Escalation of Freedom update.

Maximum support

Multiple support weapons are now stronger than ever to ensure you can quickly deal with tankier enemies like Hulks or Chargers.

Here are the main support weapon changes:

• Arc Thrower: Increased range from 35 to 55. Jumps additional times and has a moderate stun effect that builds up on hits. Durable damage increased from 50 to 100.
• Railgun: Durable damage increased from 60 to 225, and overcharged damage increased from 150 percent to 250 percent.
• Anti-Materiel Rifle: Durable damage increased from 135 to 180, and stagger increased from 20 to 25.
• Flamethrower: Increased damage by 33 percent and armor penetration from three to four. The flame mechanics are reverted to before the Escalation of Freedom update.

The following support weapons can now damage tankier enemies, including Chargers, Bile Titans, Impalers, and Hulks:

• Laser Cannon
• Anti-Materiel Rifle
• Heavy Machine Gun
• Flamethrower
• Autocannon

500KG lives up to its name

The Eagle 500KG Bomb was known for a very small explosion radius. In this patch, the explosion’s radius has been increased to better match the visuals. Other notable changes include increased durable damage for the Emancipator Exosuit from 60 to 150 and gas rework.

Orbital Gas Strike now deals less damage but causes blindness and confuses players and enemies. The gas rework aims to make it more of a crowd control tool ahead of the Chemical Agents Warbond release.

Enemies aren’t so tanky anymore

Most tankier enemies on both fronts have reduced their health, armor, and weak spot health. These enemies include Hulks, Berserkers, Devastators, Gunships, Chargers, Bile Titans, and Impalers. Rocket Devastators and Gunships now also have a limited number of rockets.

These are the main changes that arrived on the fronts of Helldivers 2 today. For the complete list, check out the official patch notes. The developer stated it plans to “conduct another balance pass” by the end of the 60-day plan to refine these changes and ensure the best possible experience.