The greater push for live-service features in Helldivers 2 is one of the biggest departures from its predecessor, second only to the dramatic shift to a third-person perspective. And, as you’d expect from a live-service game, there are plans for constant updates, battle passes, and more. Most interestingly, the new Warbonds mechanic is Arrowhead Games’ take on a battle pass, and new details reveal it could take anywhere from 25 to 100 hours to earn enough Super Credits to unlock Helldivers 2 Warbonds for free on PS5.
According to the Helldivers 2 developers, “players should be able to earn 10-40 [Super Credits] per hour depending on efficiency, experience, and your playstyle”. With the first post-launch Warbond to the new PS5 game Steeled Veterans costing 1,000 Super Credits, our calculations reveal that it will take anywhere between 25-100 hours of playtime to earn enough to purchase the battle pass for free.
The developers expect some players to be able to optimize and earn even more rewards. However, outside of earning Super Credits through discovering points of interest during missions, you can also purchase them through the in-game store on PS5.
It’s important to note that the starting Helldivers Mobilize Warbond – launching alongside the game – will give you enough Super Credits to purchase one subsequent Warbond for free in the PS5 exclusive. In other words, you’ll be able to get a great start without spending any extra money if you’re a thorough player.
Interestingly, the price of Warbonds will also vary depending on the content included in each pass. The Steeled Veterans pass costs 1,000 Super Credits yet is expected to be one of the larger reward tracks. It’s possible that smaller Warbonds will cost you much less, and therefore you won’t have to put in quite as much work to unlock them for free.
Super Credits can also be used in the Superstore to purchase individual armor “for a small amount” of credits. So, if you’re looking to create the best-dressed Helldiver – we know we are – then Super Credits will be a top priority.
With Helldivers 2 rocking up with a lower-than-usual $39.99/£35.99 price tag, this rate of progression seems fairly reasonable to ensure the developers can keep supporting the game while players still enjoy their time. “We hope you will agree that the current balance feels good and fair”, the community manager explains, calling for feedback once the Helldivers 2 release date arrives as the studio continues to balance the experience.
Furthermore, since Warbonds don’t expire, there’s no rush to earn Super Credits and unlock the passes before they disappear – as is frustratingly the case in most other live-service games. Providing it feels as great to play as it looks, Helldivers 2 could quite well become one of the best co-op games out there.
Alongside these Warbonds, Helldivers 2 content updates will “always be free”, the developers note. So, not only will there be plenty of new cosmetics to unlock but there will also be lots of new Stratagems, enemies, weapons, and more to get ahold of.
While Helldivers 2 could become one of the best PS5 games out right now, there could be a lot more competition soon. Why? Well, new rumors suggest these epic Xbox exclusives are coming to PS5, with head of Xbox Phil Spencer breaking his silence on the subject. In other words, prepare for many of the best Xbox games to enter the fray.