Helldivers 2's DSS storyline, much like the launch of the game itself, has been one of highs and lows. The game was very well received at launch, but then saw a decline in player count thanks to a number of nerfs to popular weapons. The devs redeemed themselves via a 60-day update plan, which now sees the game return to its peak.
In the same manner, the Democracy Space Station storyline got players excited, as they started knocking out one major order after another. However, they soon got tired of the endless orders, waiting for the DSS to become operational. Then, the joy of bringing the station online was cut short as players were very disappointed with what the DSS actually did.
Players soon found out that once activated, the DSS would rain artillery over the entire map, killing friend and foe indiscriminately. To combat this, everyone got free shields as a temporary fix, but players still feel like they got the short end after working so hard on all those major orders. As spotted by GamesRadar, some even asked if the devs really know what the community wants.
The community manager, Twinbeard, took notice of this and replied saying that “the idea of the DSS and what it can become in future is awesome.” But they admitted that “the testing process and comms surrounding the development cycle has been a step down compared to the recent heights we've seen for Helldivers 2.”
Twinbeard continued to say that Arrowhead needs to accept the backlash and adapt in a way that's best for the community. “The launch of the DSS was flawed, but it can be tweaked and evolved in many different ways,” they concluded.
Arrowhead has a knack for adapting to the needs of the community and coming back from a seemingly hopeless situation. The team has turned things around before, via the 60-day update plan mentioned earlier, and can most definitely do so again.
Players were hoping for more from the DSS, even going so far as theorizing that the space station will finally be the reason the Illuminate make an appearance. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
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Players were hoping for more from the DSS, even going so far as theorizing that the space station will finally be the reason the Illuminate make an appearance. Unfortunately, it was not to be.