Helldivers 2 has seen a steep decline in its player base, losing 90% of its players just a few months after launch. The game reached a peak of 458,709 concurrent players on PC two weeks after its release. However, four months later, the peak concurrent players have dropped to 44,093.
The game now struggles to maintain a spot in the top 10 list and ranks #58 in top sellers on Steam. The decline has sparked conversations in the gaming community. Players have expressed frustration with the game’s punishing higher levels.
A large-scale buff patch failed to significantly improve player retention. A brief spike was noted during a mass Automaton invasion event, but interest waned quickly. Monetization and content release strategies are also contributing factors to the game’s struggles.
Helldivers 2 has a player-friendly monetization system with premium currency that can be earned in-game.
Decline in player retention
While this is favorable for players, it may not be ideal for Sony’s goal of generating significant recurring revenue.
The absence of major expansions and a predictable content roadmap further complicates the game’s ability to retain players. Helldivers 2’s initial launch was a notable success, surpassing expectations. However, its rapid decline underscores the challenges of sustaining long-term interest in a live service game.
The game’s current model, which includes minor additions and new gear, has not effectively countered the downward trend. Helldivers 2 has not featured in PlayStation’s top 10 most played list for some time. It is overshadowed by long-standing live hits like Fortnite, Call of Duty, GTA Online, Overwatch 2, and Roblox.
Helldivers 2 was intended to demonstrate Sony’s capacity to break into the live game space successfully. However, the past few months have highlighted the difficulty of maintaining momentum amid established competition. As the game continues to lose players, questions remain about the viability of its current strategy and the potential need for significant changes to revive its player base.
