Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Studios has acknowledged a recent problem where players were suddenly dying after a patch update. Initially thought to be due to rockets bouncing off, the issue has now been traced to shrapnel from a specific weapon.
Following a balance update that changed how shrapnel works (and a Reddit post explaining things), players noticed unexpected deaths when using the rocket launcher R-36 Eruptor. Initially, rockets were believed to be bouncing off well-protected enemies and causing self-damage. However, after investigations by the community and Arrowhead, it was discovered that the shrapnel from the Eruptor’s explosions was the actual cause.
According to a post by a game developer on Reddit, small arms fire can bounce off armor in the game. However, rockets and explosives can’t bounce, but the shrapnel from their explosion can still cause damage to players, sometimes leading to instant death.
That feels so incredibly unfair, but it really isn’t. That kind of stuff is realistic and good on Arrowhead for making sure their physics work really well, but for a player, that’s not as fun. I think this is a great example of how video games shouldn’t be completely realistic, just realistic enough not to remove the fun aspect. Fun should always come first.
Arrowhead is removing the shrapnel effect from the R-36 Eruptor to address an unintended issue. The developers will increase the Eruptor’s direct hit damage to ensure the weapon remains effective against enemies. This change aims to make the weapon safer for players without compromising its ability to eliminate enemies.
“We have noticed another issue through these posts and community feedback that has identified the possibility for shots from the R-36 Eruptor to explode and rebound shrapnel at the shooter, which has a high enough damage value to instantly kill the player. To prevent this, we’re looking to completely remove the shrapnel effect from the Eruptor but will be increasing its hit damage as a result… This will, overall, be a buff to the weapon as shrapnel played an almost negligible part in the damage and power it dealt. Its AOE will be unaffected.“
Arrowhead Studios
Developers have stated that the update will not change the Eruptor’s area-of-effect (AoE) damage, as shrapnel damage had a minimal impact on the weapon’s overall effectiveness. They anticipate that the direct damage increase, along with this adjustment, will enhance the R-36 Eruptor.
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