Helldivers 2 Update: Major Balance and Gameplay Overhaul, New Space Cowboy Themed Warbond

Helldivers 2 has received a significant update with Patch 01.002.200, bringing key balance changes and bug fixes to Sony's intense third-person co-op shooter. The latest patch fine-tunes several weapons and stratagems while also enhancing AI performance during large-scale combat scenarios. Developer Arrowhead Game Studios confirmed that the number of AI calculations per second has been increased, leading to improved enemy responsiveness—especially when numerous enemies are active on-screen. However, this enhancement does come with a minor impact on overall game performance.

Enhanced Enemy Behavior

One of the most notable gameplay improvements is the increase in Automaton reaction speed, particularly in group encounters. Players should now expect Helldivers 2’s already challenging bots to behave more intelligently and respond faster than before, making missions feel even more dynamic and unpredictable.

Improved Stratagem Loadout Menu

A practical usability change has also been introduced—the stratagem loadout menu now features an updated categorization system, making it easier for players to organize and access their strategic tools during missions.

Borderline Justice Warbond: Space Cowboy Theme Unveiled

In addition to balance tweaks, publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment announced the next Warbond content drop titled *Borderline Justice*, themed around 'space cowboys.' This new collection introduces a variety of themed gear, including:

• R-6 Deadeye – A lever-action hunting rifle
• LAS-58 Talon "revolver" – A secondary weapon with unique styling
• TED-63 Dynamite – Explosive tools for demolition lovers
• GS-17 Frontier Marshal – Medium armor set designed for rugged spacefrontier action
• GS-66 Lawmaker – Heavy armor featuring cowboy holsters and bandoliers

The Gunslinger armor passive grants players enhanced reload speed, faster draw/holster times, and reduced recoil for secondary weapons—making it ideal for aggressive close-range playstyles. The Borderline Justice Warbond is scheduled to launch on March 20.

Galactic War Update: Illuminate Campaign Intensifies

The ongoing Galactic War continues to escalate, with the alien Illuminate faction now advancing a black hole toward Super Earth. While the full implications remain unclear, theories suggest future missions may involve striking back at the Illuminate homeworld or defending Super Earth directly.

Patch 01.002.200 Full Changelog

Balancing Updates

Primary Weapons

• SMG-32 Reprimand: Spread decreased from 50 to 40
• SG-8S Slugger: Spread reduced from 20 to 6, Damage increased from 250 to 280
• AR-23C Liberator Concussive: Fire rate boosted from 320 to 400
• R-63 Diligence: Magazine capacity expanded from 20 to 25
• MP-98 Knight, STA-11 SMG, SMG-37 Defender, SMG-72 Pummeler, AR-23 Liberator, STA-52 Assault Rifle, BR-14 Adjudicator, AR-61 Tenderizer: All received damage increases ranging from +5 to +10
• SMG-72 Pummeler: Stun application improved; stun value increased from 1.0 to 1.25 per bullet
• R-36 Eruptor: Projectile armor penetration upgraded from Medium (3) to Heavy (4); projectile lifetime extended from 0.7 to 1 second

Stratagems

• Eagle 110MM Rocket Pods: Uses increased from 2 to 3
• EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit, EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuit: Uses increased from 2 to 3
• TX-41 Sterilizer: Ergonomics improved from 5 to 20
• M-105 Stalwart: Damage increased from 70 to 80
• MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun: Improved armor penetration across wider angles before glancing shots

Enemy Adjustments

• Automatons now exhibit improved situational awareness, reacting faster in groups due to reduced distraction by each other
• Increase in AI calculation frequency leads to better enemy response times in high-spawn environments
• Automaton Dropships: Main body health raised from 2500 to 3500
• Illuminate Warp Ships: Now deploy shields mid-flight (same as landed variants)
• Barrager Tank Turret: Fixed incorrect armor value (now 5); added weak spots at front and back (750 HP, armor 3)

Gameplay Enhancements

• New separate setting for gyro input inversion (independent from Look Inversion)
• Improved stratagem loadout categorization
• Optimization improvements applied to colony environments
• Fixed issue with unreachable extraction beacon when landing on top of enemies

Crash Fixes & Stability Improvements

• Fixed crash during poor network conditions against Terminids
• Resolved rare shutdown crash on PC
• Fixed crash caused by excessive particle effects
• Fixed issue preventing completion of objectives requiring called-down equipment
• Various memory leak corrections to improve performance

Weapons & Stratagems Fixes

• Fixed G-123 Thermite Grenade sometimes failing to arm
• Resolved crash related to LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle usage
• Fixed CB-9 Exploding Crossbow magazine discard bug

Social & Multiplayer Fixes

• Improved lobby availability visibility in low-activity regions
• Fixed Quickplay matchmaking issues with friends on different difficulties
• Fixed disconnection problems during Gloom missions with poor host connection
• Fixed display issues with friend cards after managing friends list
• Fixed inability to mute or kick squad members in loadout screen
• Fixed Steam profile name display bugs for new players

Miscellaneous Fixes

• Fixed text chat messages reappearing after deletion
• Corrected Democracy Station progress bar curvature
• Fixed menu progression issue when language initially set to English (US)
• Fixed raise weapon emote projectile direction
• Fixed Helldiver sliding behavior after ragdoll exit

Known Issues

• Black box mission terminal may be unusable if spawning into terrain
• Stratagem balls bounce unpredictably off cliffs
• DSS balancing and functionality adjustments still in progress
• Pathfinding issues reported in Evacuate Colonists missions vs. Illuminate
• Dolby Atmos not functioning on PS5
• Medium priority issues include cape display bugs, unintended emote interactions, and camera zoom inconsistencies