WGB provides an explanation of Helldivers 2 Warbonds and Microtransactions.
Making a grand entrance, Helldivers 2 has burst onto the scene, making a significant impact and quickly establishing itself as the most notable Sony Studios game on PC. However, like many modern games, Helldivers 2 incorporates various monetization methods beyond the initial purchase. Let’s delve into the specific monetization strategies of Helldivers 2, shall we?
By shifting from the top-down perspective of its predecessor to an over-the-shoulder view, Helldivers 2 transforms into a cooperative action game where you and three comrades battle hordes of insect creatures and robot foes with socialist inclinations. Yes, the presence of robots is indeed factual.
The game embodies a strong satirical element reminiscent of the Starship Troopers film, which I find utterly delightful.
Despite facing initial challenges such as server issues and game crashes, which have hindered many individuals in their mission to protect Super Earth!
Despite being priced at $39.99/£34.99, Helldivers 2 employs various monetization approaches to encourage players to make additional purchases. This article will delve into the full extent of the content that developer Arrowhead Games has integrated into the game, including season passes and microtransactions.
Is it possible to access the paid content without a direct payment?
Will additional Warbonds be introduced to the game?
Can I simply play the game?
Warbonds serve as Helldivers 2’s equivalent of a Battle Pass, granting access to new weapons, equipment, outfits, and other items that can be acquired using the medals earned through mission completion. Fortunately, Warbonds (including premium versions) are intended to remain available indefinitely, allowing players to complete them at their leisure without the fear of missing out.
The standard Warbond is accessible to every Helldivers 2 player. By completing missions and optional tasks, you can earn medals that are then used to purchase various items from the Warbond, such as specialized armor, firearms, grenades, emotes, and more. To unlock a new tier within the Warbond, a minimum number of medals must be spent in the preceding tiers.
Medals can also be obtained by completing daily missions, which offer substantial rewards. Furthermore, exploring the game world may occasionally lead to the discovery of hidden caches and bunkers containing additional medals, so thorough exploration is advised.
Premium Warbonds (Paid Season Pass)
Another variant of Warbond is offered as premium paid content, under the name Steeled Veterans.
Unlocking this content requires 1000 Super Credits, which equates to $9.99/£9.99.
Similar to the standard Warbond, Medals need to be expended to access the various armors, weapons, grenades, and other desirable items within the premium Warbond. Currently, the prevailing opinion suggests that the arsenal and armory featured in Steeled Veterans are not particularly impressive. This implies that opting for the free Warbond does not result in significant missed opportunities.
Is it possible to access the premium content without a direct payment?
Yes, theoretically. The free Warbond contains a total of 750 Super Credits, allowing for some progress without additional expenditures.
However, this amount is insufficient to procure the Prime Warbond.
Nevertheless, Super Credits can also be obtained in-game, hidden in special vaults and caches, so stay vigilant. It’s too early to determine how many Super Credits can be amassed this way or how quickly. Personally, I’ve managed to gather roughly 100 Super Credits after a few hours of play, so theoretically, by the time I complete the complimentary Warbond, I should have enough Super Credits to acquire Steeled Veterans without spending any money.
However, it’s important to note that developers may adjust these elements at any time.
Will additional Warbonds be introduced to the game?
While the developers have not explicitly stated that more Warbonds will be integrated into the game, it seems highly probable.
What we do know is that Arrowhead is planning complimentary updates and events as players engage in the Galactic War. Additional objectives, biomes, and adversaries have all been pledged and will be incorporated into the game free of charge.
However, complimentary items need to be financed somehow, and this is where Prime Warbonds will come into play.
Storefront & Microtransactions
In addition to the optional Prime Warbonds, there’s a rotating storefront offering exclusive items that change every 24 hours. Helldivers 2 employs a system where you cannot directly purchase these items – instead, you need to acquire packages of Super Credits, available in predetermined quantities.
150 Super Credits – $1.99
375 Super Credits – $4.99
1000 Super Credits – $9.99
2100 Super Credits – $19.99
(Please note, I cannot confirm UK prices because the in-game store is only displaying in US dollars for me, despite me being in the UK.)
This tactic, reminiscent of Xbox’s old practice of purchasing Microsoft Points, aims to encourage additional purchases by leaving players with leftover credits after each transaction.
To put these prices into context, Helldivers 2 currently charges 150-250 Super Credits for a suit of armor, and 75-125 Super Credits for a helmet.
Thus far, Arrowhead Games seems to only be offering cosmetic items on the rotating storefront. Some armor comes with different stats, but these are reskins of in-game armor and gear that offer the same perks and stats.
Weapons are not currently available on the storefront.
So, can you enjoy the game without spending additional money?
With only around 6 hours of playtime in Helldivers 2, take what I say with a pinch of salt. Currently, you can derive a lot of enjoyment from the game without spending anything beyond its initial purchase price. The standard Warbond/season pass offers some aesthetically pleasing unlocks, and neither the storefront nor the Prime Warbond offers anything that would give players an advantage over others, unless you consider fancy armor an advantage.
Compared to other games with similar monetization on top of their asking price, such as the recently released Suicide Squad, Helldivers 2 is more reasonable. The store prices seem fair, and the Prime Warbond is not exorbitantly priced. Considering how much enjoyment I’m experiencing, I could see myself actually purchasing Steeled Veterans in a month or so, if I continue playing.
Ultimately, you can jump into Helldivers 2 without worrying about missing out on anything substantial or feeling underpowered compared to those willing to spend extra cash. And if you play purely for enjoyment, there’s a good chance you’ll accumulate enough Super Credits to purchase the Prime Warbond or some items from the store without touching your wallet.
Of course, who knows what the future holds? I’m sure Arrowhead will continue to tweak prices and items, for better or worse.
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