In the world of Helldivers 2, death comes in many forms – whether it be at the hands of robotic Automatons, bug-like Terminids, or even from friendly fire. A recent patch has added a new twist to the game, with players now facing the danger of being killed by their own weapons during intense battles.
The latest update from Arrowhead Studios introduces a new mechanic where shots that bounce off heavily armored enemies can now hit the player who fired them. This adds a new level of realism to the game, forcing players to exercise caution and think strategically as ricochets can now prove fatal. This unexpected change has caught many players off guard, leading to swift and unexpected deaths in the heat of battle.
There is some confusion within the Helldivers community regarding what constitutes a ricochet. Some players have reported instances where explosive rounds from weapons like the Eruptor have caused unintended self-inflicted damage. While some attribute this to user error, others believe it to be a result of the new patch introducing unforeseen issues. The introduction of the ricochet mechanic has also made certain weapons, like the Eruptor, more lethal, posing a new challenge for players.
Reports of rockets bouncing off surfaces have also surfaced, though some instances may be attributed to misinterpretation or other factors. One known issue involves the Punisher Plasma weapon, which can inadvertently kill players if fired while a shield is active. Arrowhead’s senior game designer has acknowledged this issue and is working to address it, as the plasma projectile’s hitbox overlaps with the shield generator backpack.
While deaths from ricochets may seem rare and exaggerated, the fact remains that self-inflicted deaths are now a possibility in Helldivers 2. This unintended consequence has affected certain weapons, such as the Eruptor and Punisher Plasma, making gameplay more challenging for some. Arrowhead Studios may need to reevaluate the impact of ricochets on gameplay and consider balancing adjustments for affected weapons.