How to improve Helldivers 2
- RazielKanos
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Helldivers 2 is a great game. But we finished the honeymoon phase and now some ugly truths seem to appear. I really have trouble getting my boys to play Helldivers 2 with me. The reason? Too boring, too repetitive, too much “a waste of my time”! It's time to resurrect my Game Designer skills and knowledge, and think about some improvements, and how hard they might be to make Helldivers 2 the “waste of time” it deserves to be!
Who are “we”?
Well, to clear up things: me and my boys we are a bunch of “game dads” meaning we have a full-time job, a life with hobbies, friends, and family and the passion to game! So we have to think about how to spend our spare time because it's valuable to us. So, now that you know about my goals with this, lets start.
The problem to solve
The biggest issue right now in Helldivers 2 is the lack of engaging content and progression. Players are experiencing a sense of aimlessness, as there is no meaningful goal to work towards or sense of accomplishment. This absence of a clear path forward can lead to disinterest and a lack of motivation to continue playing. To address this, introducing a robust progression system with meaningful rewards and objectives can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. By providing players with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, they will be more likely to stay engaged and invested in the game.
My ideas to upgrade the gaming fun
Unfortunately, Helldivers 2 was built on a dead engine, so there will be no updates from the original developers. The Arrowhead crew has to hack everything themselves into the engine now.
Helldivers 2 Legacy
In Helldivers, the Legacy system becomes available once players have purchased all ship upgrades and strategems, and have reached level 50. This feature resets all progress to zero, but in return, each Legacy level grants a 2.5% boost to health, stamina, armor, and damage. This system encourages players to continue their journey, offering a rewarding challenge and enhancing their overall capabilities with each Legacy level achieved.
Unlocking everything roughly takes 100 hours. So, currently with my 300+ h in the game, I already could have a boost of 5%. If you don't like the game to become easier for you, just don't use the Legacy system. That way, everyone is open to hunting the goals he/she wants to achieve. We currently play at LVL 6 from the hardness, but personally, I would like to go harder, but my boys think it's too stressful on 8 or 9. Remember, they want to a relief of stress from a busy day at work or with the family. That way, they can slowly feel more and more confident to try a higher rank.
Such a system should be the easiest of my ideas here to implement. Butt considering the latest Ship Upgrades, the costs for those need to be rebalanced.
Looter Shooter
The concept revolves around the rewarding system in a game whereupon completing a mission or campaign, players receive items that can enhance their in-game statistics or capabilities. These rewards could include unique weapons with varied base statistics such as increased damage, improved accuracy, larger magazine capacity, or faster reload times. Additionally, players might obtain specialized armor pieces that offer boosted defensive stats like increased durability or enhanced resistance to specific types of damage. These items could also come with additional features, such as providing passive buffs or unique abilities that can be activated during gameplay, adding depth and strategic options for players to explore and utilize. The potential for customization and optimization through these rewarded items can significantly impact gameplay dynamics and offer players a sense of achievement and progression as they advance through the game.
The problem here is that introducing a looter shooter element would significantly alter the entire game's dynamics and gameplay, potentially alienating players who do not enjoy that specific genre. Another issue to consider is the intricate nature of designing such a system. It requires meticulous balancing to ensure that the game remains fair and engaging. Without careful consideration, there is a risk of introducing overpowered elements or nonsensical features that could disrupt the game's integrity and functionality.
Upgrade Systems and crafting
I believe that implementing an upgrade system in the game would greatly enhance the player experience. This system could involve players grinding for various items that can be combined to enhance specific attributes of their weapons, strategies, or armor. By introducing this upgrade system, players would have the flexibility to choose how they want to progress in the game, allowing for a more personalized gaming experience. This would add depth to the gameplay and provide players with more options to tailor their gameplay style to their preferences, creating a more engaging and diverse gaming environment.
Implementing a system like this would require a significant investment of time and resources, but it could be executed more efficiently compared to the complex looter shooter alternative. This system offers players greater flexibility and customization options, allowing them to enhance and personalize their preferred weapons, armor, or strategies to a level that resonates with their individual preferences and play style. This customization aspect can lead to a stronger emotional connection between players and their in-game gear, fostering a sense of attachment and satisfaction when using items that have been tailored to their liking.