Since its release in 2024, Helldivers 2 quickly captured global attention and critical acclaim thanks to its chaotic cooperative gameplay, explosive combat, and sharp satirical war narrative.
Compared to many modern AAA titles, its $40 price tag initially felt like a breath of fresh air in a market where game prices continue to climb. But as time has passed, the community's attention has gradually shifted toward a different topic: long-term progression.
While Helldivers 2 continues to add new maps, enemies, and missions, many players have started questioning whether the game's current monetization approach - and the lack of a meaningful long-term progression system - may be hurting the overall experience.
Interestingly, this pricing philosophy has already influenced other games. Developers of ARC Raiders have publicly acknowledged that Helldivers 2 helped shape their own pricing strategy. By launching at a relatively low price, the idea is to immediately give players the impression that the game offers strong value.
This stands in stark contrast to the trend among many AAA publishers, some of whom have been steadily raising prices. In fact, industry rumors have even suggested that $100 premium games may eventually become the norm.
Against that backdrop, Helldivers 2's lower entry price once made it feel like the ideal deal.But now, some players believe that deal may come with a catch.
A Free-to-Play Style Progression System?
Much of the discussion started with a Reddit post arguing that Helldivers 2 - a $40 premium game - effectively uses a free-to-play progression structure.
The game regularly releases new content such as maps, missions, and enemies. However, many players point out that most meaningful progression is tied to Warbonds.
Critics argue that this design places a large portion of new gear behind either paywalls or long grinding paths. As a result, players who choose not to spend money may feel that their progression options are limited.
Level 25 Progression Wall
Another common criticism centers on how progression works once players reach level 25.
During the early stages of the game, leveling up unlocks stratagems and key gameplay tools. But once you reach level 25, you've already unlocked nearly all major gameplay mechanics available through the standard progression system.
Although the level cap was later increased from 50 to 150, those additional levels did not introduce meaningful unlocks or new progression systems.
That means long-term progression effectively stops at level 25. At that point, Warbonds and cosmetic store items become the primary incentives to keep playing. For many players, this raises an obvious question: is the reliance on Warbonds simply covering for the lack of a true endgame progression system?
Fewer Free Rewards Than Before
Another complaint from the community is the noticeable reduction in free rewards. Earlier in the game's lifecycle, Helldivers 2 frequently distributed free stratagems or cosmetic items during large community events or war campaigns. Completing major global objectives could sometimes unlock new armor sets or tools for all players.
Recently, however, players have noticed that most new gear appears to be tied directly to Warbonds rather than community events.
A clear example is CQC-73 Entrenchment Tool, introduced on March 17 as part of Entrenched Division Premium Warbond. Despite being a fairly simple shovel-style melee tool, it was locked behind Warbond instead of being offered through a community event.
Some players also point out that the last permanently free stratagem was introduced in early 2025. Since then, most major gameplay additions have arrived through paid content.
Seasonal events still exist, but their rewards are typically smaller items like cloaks rather than meaningful gameplay tools.
Are Warbonds Actually Required?
Not everyone agrees with these criticisms. Some players argue that Warbonds are technically optional because Super Credits can be earned through exploration and mission rewards. In theory, dedicated players can unlock Warbonds without using real money.
Others also point out that Warbond weapons are not always stronger than existing gear. In many cases they function more like side-grades rather than clear upgrades.
In fact, some of the most powerful equipment in the game is still available through regular gameplay using Requisition Slips, the main in-game currency.
For example, core tools such as GR-8 Recoilless Rifle, Orbital Precision Strike, Eagle Airstrike, and Mechs can all be unlocked without spending money. These stratagems alone provide more than enough firepower to complete missions even on the highest difficulty.
Because of this, some players believe the debate isn't really about weapon balance - it's about long-term motivation.
Real Issue
At its core, the controversy surrounding Helldivers 2 seems to come down to one key issue: the game still lacks a deeper progression system.
Players have proposed several ideas that could help solve the problem:
- Meaningful rewards for levels beyond 25
- Expanded weapon customization systems
- Additional Super Destroyer ship upgrades
- More free event-based stratagems and armor sets
- Long-term progression tied to performance or achievements
Looking at these suggestions, it's clear that much of the community frustration isn't strictly about monetization. Instead, players simply want new goals to pursue beyond unlocking Warbond items.
Is Entrenched Division Premium Warbond Worth It?
The recent debate was largely sparked by the release of Entrenched Division Premium Warbond, which costs 1,000 Super Credits. So the obvious question is: is it worth it?
If you enjoy experimenting with new weapons or like the gritty World War I-inspired aesthetic, the answer may very well be yes.
The warbond includes: G-48 Giga Grenade, a powerful explosive option; SMG/FLAM-34 Stoker, a hybrid weapon combining elements of SMG-37 Defender and P-72 Crisper; two new armor sets and one historical-style emote. Overall, it offers a solid selection of themed gear.
However, if you already feel satisfied with your current equipment - or prefer to see how these weapons perform in the meta - you may want to wait before consuming your Super Credits.
After all, it's your money. Use it however you like, and don't feel pressured to buy immediately.
Final Thoughts
Despite the ongoing controversy, Helldivers 2 remains one of the most distinctive cooperative shooters currently on the market.
Whether the developers plan to overhaul the game's progression system remains unclear. While they have previously hinted at improvements, there has been no official news about a major rework so far.
Still, the intensity of this debate shows just how passionate the player base is - and it may ultimately help highlight the areas where the game can evolve. For now, we will be watching closely to see what comes next.
