Helldivers 2 tweaked one of its most popular Stratagems because players weren't using it as Arrowhead intended
Why did Arrowhead Game Studio decide to buff the Orbital Precision Strike Stratagem rather than enforce its original intended use?
Arrowhead Game Studio decided to buff the Orbital Precision Strike Stratagem rather than enforce its original intended use because players were not using it as the developers initially intended. The original purpose of the Stratagem was to target fixed positions like bot factories or bug nests. However, players were using it against a variety of targets, deviating from the original intent. Instead of trying to force players to use the Stratagem in the intended way, Arrowhead chose to accommodate the players' preferences by buffing the Stratagem, making it more effective against moving targets and more competitive compared to Eagle Stratagems. This approach allowed for a more enjoyable and flexible gameplay experience for the players.
How does the buffed Orbital Precision Strike now compare to the Eagle Stratagems in terms of gameplay effectiveness?
The buffed Orbital Precision Strike in Helldivers 2 has become more competitive compared to the Eagle Stratagems due to the recent changes made by Arrowhead Game Studio. The patch has resulted in a lowered call-in time and a decreased cooldown for the Orbital Precision Strike, making it more effective against moving targets.
Previously, the Orbital Precision Strike had a 100-second cooldown, while Eagle Stratagems like the 500kg Bomb had a shorter cooldown time. This made the Eagle Stratagems more viable in many situations, as they could be rearmed more quickly. However, with the recent buff, the Orbital Precision Strike has become more versatile and on par with the Eagle Stratagems in terms of gameplay effectiveness.
Arrowhead Game Studio's decision to buff the Orbital Precision Strike instead of trying to force players to use it as originally intended demonstrates their willingness to adapt the game to players' preferences5. This change is part of a larger effort to rebalance the game after previous patches had unintended consequences on fan-favorite tools.
What are some of the other major changes included in the mega-patch for Helldivers 2 besides the tweak to the Orbital Precision Strike?
The mega-patch for Helldivers 2 includes over 100 changes, tweaks, and buffs to various aspects of the game. Some of the major changes are:
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Stratagem and weapon balancing updates: The patch aims to diversify loadouts and enhance the overall gameplay experience by rebalancing a wide range of elements3. This includes buffs to the Rocket Sentry, Machine Gun Sentry, HMG emplacement, Anti-Personnel Minefield, Incendiary Mines, Orbital Gatling, Orbital Precision Strike, Orbital Airburst Strike, Eagle Rocket Pods, Eagle Strafing Run, Grenade Launcher, and Heavy Machine Gun1.
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Visible Supply Lines & Attack Origins in the Galactic War: This update introduces visible supply lines and attack origins in the Galactic War, providing players with a clearer strategic overview. Players can now see which planet an attack is originating from, potentially allowing the community to stop the attack at its source.
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Crash fixes and stability improvements: The patch addresses multiple crashes and gameplay issues, providing a more stable gaming experience.
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Invite-only lobby creation: This new feature allows players to create invite-only lobbies for more controlled multiplayer sessions.
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Environmental and enemy updates: Fire tornadoes now move more randomly and reduce enemy vision, while tremors and acid effects have been adjusted to create more varied and less punishing scenarios.
These are just some of the many changes included in the mega-patch for Helldivers 2. The update aims to improve the overall balance and gameplay experience, allowing players to explore new strategies and loadouts.