Helldivers 2 Updates Ignite Flamethrower's Dominance

Helldivers 2's recent patch significantly boosted the Flamethrower stratagem's effectiveness by resolving a bug impacting the Peak Physique armor perk. Released in early February 2024 by Sony and developed by Arrowhead Studios, Helldivers 2 quickly amassed a large player base, solidifying its place as a top PlayStation title of 2024.

The FLAM-40 Flamethrower, a powerful but notoriously unwieldy weapon, received a 50% damage buff in March, prompting players to experiment with new builds. Its sluggishness, however, hampered its use, particularly for players prioritizing mobility. The latest patch, version 01.000.403, addresses this, improving weapon handling thanks to a fix for the Peak Physique armor passive.

This armor perk, introduced with the Viper Commandos Warbond in mid-June, aimed to enhance weapon handling and melee damage. However, a bug prevented it from functioning correctly, resulting in the Flamethrower's sluggish performance. A Reddit user, CalypsoThePython, showcased the improved handling post-patch, highlighting the dramatic difference – the weapon previously "turned like a truck." The Helldivers 2 Media Twitter account amplified this demonstration, surprising some players unaware of the underlying bug.

The swift resolution of this issue demonstrates the developers' responsiveness. While the improved Flamethrower is well-received, players still hope for further refinements. One reported issue involves the Flamethrower's upward trajectory when fired while using the Jump Pack – a bug awaiting future patches.