Helldivers 2 Patch 6.3.0: Improved Reloading, New Control Center, and Major Balance Changes
Arrowhead Studios has released Patch 6.3.0 for Helldivers 2, introducing a new Control Center terminal and significant gameplay responsiveness updates. The update allows players to reload while diving and increases the health of vehicles and sentries to improve survivability against enemies, according to the developer.
The update focuses heavily on combat fluidity. Players can now perform reload animations while dodge diving, and animations that are interrupted by ragdolling or staggering will continue once the player regains control. Arrowhead Studios also implemented “delayed reloads,” which trigger a reload animation within a 1.2-second window if the player was initially unable to do so.
What is the new Control Center terminal?
The Control Center replaces a previously inactive terminal located opposite the armory on the Super Destroyer deck. According to the patch notes, this terminal provides context on ongoing campaigns, major orders, and rewards.
The system includes an archive of previous campaigns to help new or returning players catch up. The first campaign, titled Census Thunder, tasks players with seizing two planets from Illuminate Voteless. If the community succeeds in the majority of the campaign’s major orders, they will earn a Fast-Recon Vehicle (FRV).
How were vehicles and weaponry balanced?
Arrowhead Studios adjusted vehicle armor to make units feel “tankier.” The Bastion tank now ignores small attacks and withstands more medium attacks, while Exo Suits received a health increase from 1,600 to 1,800. Additionally, the Exo Suit cooldown was reduced from 10 minutes to eight.
The FRV’s health increased from 2,000 to 2,400 to improve its survivability against heavy attacks. Most Orbital Stratagems also saw increases in projectile, durable, and explosion damage. The Railcannon received a damage buff to be more effective against Vox Engines, though it cannot one-shot Hive Lords or Factory Striders.
Throwables also received buffs. For example, the G-50 Seeker now has a starting amount of four and a max amount of five, up from three and four respectively. The G-48 Giga Grenade refill increased from one to two.
What changes were made to enemies?
Enemy behavior and stats were adjusted to balance the new vehicle buffs. The Charger’s turning arc was modified for easier avoidance, and its recovery time after a charge increased by one second, though its charge speed rose from 8m/s to 9m/s.
The Vox Engine’s health was reduced from 11,000 to 9,000, and its upper body turn angle was limited from 180 to 140 degrees. Arrowhead also limited the number of active Vox Engines to three per session.
What happens next for Helldivers 2?
Game director Mikael Eriksson outlined future plans in a recent blog post. These additions may include the introduction of Planet Warfronts and expanded customization and progression for the Super Destroyer.
The level cap is likely to increase from 150 to 300. Following a May update focused on technical performance, which the developer called an “opening salvo,” further updates are expected to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reward for the Census Thunder campaign?
Players can earn a new Fast-Recon Vehicle (FRV) if the community is victorious in the majority of the campaign’s major orders.
How does the “delayed reload” feature work?
If a player attempts to reload while unable to do so, the animation will be delayed for a maximum of 1.2 seconds until the action can start.
Which vehicles received health buffs?
Exo Suits (increased to 1,800 health), the FRV (increased to 2,400 health), and the Bastion tank (now ignores small attacks) all received survivability improvements.
Do you think the increased vehicle health will change how you approach high-difficulty missions?