Danger lurks around every corner in the galaxy of Helldivers 2. Whether you’re taking cover from the acidic attacks of bugs or the scorched lasers of Automatons, nowhere is truly safe. Now, the environment itself is out to hassle you and your squad, as developer Arrowhead Game Studios introduces Planetary Hazards into the PS5 shooter.
There are plenty of reasons why Helldivers 2 is one of the best co-op games out there right now, but one key factor is the game’s gorgeous planets. Sure, they’re riddled with unsightly enemies, but the sands of Erata Prime can be charming in brief moments of calm. The latest Helldivers 2 update will get rid of those moments, though: “Many planets now have additional environmental challenges that will appear at random while you are deployed.”
Yes, you’ll now face Planetary Hazards across many planets, adding an extra obstacle to be aware of. The new feature is different from the existing planetary parameters, like extreme heat causing your stamina to deplete rapidly. Arrowhead details that players can expect “fire tornadoes to meteor showers and many more [Planetary Hazards]” to appear during your session. We thought that the perils of Helldivers 2’s game master were enough, but these weather-focused threats could spell out some serious blunders in the smash-hit multiplayer game.
Trying to escape hordes of Hive Guards or Chargers? Oh, here’s a tornado. Say goodbye to those precious Super Samples. Although, it is possible we could use these conditions to our advantage. Experimentation is a major part of the fun in Helldivers 2, from using the Jump Pack to sit atop of Bile Titans to spamming pick/up drop to transporting mortar shells for the SEAF artillery.
We’d load to see some truly overwhelming weather conditions like blizzards on icy planets, or actual fiery rain on planets with harsher atmospheres. Maybe we’re just gluttons for punishment, though. There’s only one way to find out, and you’ll be able to do the same soon, as the new Helldivers 2 update is live for PC players now and PS5 players imminently.
You can decide what planets you wish to visit next with ease, thanks to this nifty Helldivers 2 battle tracker. We’ve been using it to track the galactic battle for liberty, and it’s a handy tool for prioritizing which sectors need Helldivers on the front lines.
In other multiplayer title news, MultiVersus is finally teasing a return, and Dune Awakening is changing a key piece of lore to stop you nuking Arrakis.