Helldivers 2's latest patch significantly enhances the Flamethrower, addressing a long-standing issue stemming from a buggy armor perk. Released in early February 2024, Helldivers 2, a co-op shooter from Arrowhead Studios and Sony, quickly amassed a large player base, becoming a PlayStation hit.
The FLAM-40 Flamethrower, a powerful but notoriously unwieldy weapon, received a 50% damage boost in March, sparking experimentation with new builds. Its sluggishness, however, frustrated players prioritizing mobility. The recent patch offers a solution.
Update 01.000.403 included a fix for the Peak Physique armor passive, introduced in mid-June with the Viper Commandos Warbond. This perk aimed to improve weapon handling and increase melee damage, but a bug hindered its functionality, impacting weapons like the Flamethrower. A Reddit user's video showcasing the improved Flamethrower handling after the patch, highlighted by the official Helldivers 2 Twitter account, revealed the extent of the previous issue. Many players were unaware the Flamethrower's slowness was due to this bug.
Arrowhead Studios' swift response is commendable. The patch's positive reception is evident, with players welcoming the improved handling of heavy weapons. However, requests for further enhancements persist, such as addressing an issue where the Flamethrower's trajectory shifts upward when fired while using the Jump Pack. This is likely a candidate for future updates.
