Helldivers 2 is probably the hottest game at the moment, Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment are soaking up all the praises and positive feedback like a sponge. Fans are now invested in the future of this expanding franchise and like any live service title, they have suggestions, complaints, and ideas they want to share.
Friendly fire will never be removed from the game, Arrowhead Studios CEO Johan Pilestedt cannot stress enough the importance of this key feature. It adds a sense of realism and acts as an extra layer of precaution for players and occasionally a funny accident for some. Others may find it annoying that they can accidentally injure their teammates but it is also an immersive detail and an indication of how the studio is listening to their community.
Friendly Fire Is Never Leaving Helldivers 2
Pilestedt is an advocate of the idea if a player’s bullet can harm hostile forces, then they can also harm friendlies. It is also an inescapable possibility in the annals of warfare where veterans would lose their limbs due to friendly fire, Helldivers 2 wanted players to be immersed and see what war can bring about.
Oh yes. This will never change.
If we turned off friendly fire we would have to turn off bullet damage against enemies as well. It's the law.
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) March 22, 2024
If the developers were to change or adjust that in any way, it would also make sense to render their weapons useless against enemies. The logic is quite sound and valid, despite being set in a world where aliens are a threat, in real life, no firewall or safety net would stop someone from shooting their friend even if it is unintentional.
This feature will encourage players to be less trigger-happy and more attentive to their surroundings. War can be unforgiving and even the smallest mistakes can have deadly consequences for the people around. Some would argue that this will only enable trolls to grieve and harass allies, and then it only makes sense to reciprocate the same energy for self-defense.
The Future Of Helldivers 2 Is Full Of Potential
The game’s collaborative nature brought out the combined strength of PlayStation 5 and PC users against all odds for the Galactic War. Though reinforcements are welcome, it seems like an Xbox port is still unlikely which prompted others to bite the bullet and buy a PS5. Members of opposing communities can now duke it out in one of the lobbies of Helldivers 2.
Regardless of the potential negativity friendly fire can bring, Pilestedt intended to deliver a realistic and immersive depiction of warfare on an intergalactic scale. As hectic as each planet can be, there will always be allies who are either goofing around and making the game much harder or people who can’t handle the pressure and go crazy which can lead to some funny yet rewarding moments.
Helldivers 2 may be science-fiction but the idea of war is very much realistic, as well as casualties. Friendly fire will force players to learn restraint and be far more careful than any other first-person shooter game they have played in the past. Pilestedt wanted players to feel that they were truly responsible for how they painted the battlefield, and it was up to them to either use the blood of enemies or allies. What are your thoughts on friendly fire? Share your thoughts below!
