Helldivers 2 Update Boasts Flamethrower Enhancements

Helldivers 2's recent patch significantly enhances the Flamethrower stratagem by resolving a bug impacting the Peak Physique armor perk. Released in early February 2024, Helldivers 2, a co-op shooter from Arrowhead Studios and published by Sony, quickly amassed a large player base, establishing itself as a 2024 PlayStation hit.

The FLAM-40 Flamethrower, a powerful but notoriously unwieldy weapon, received a 50% damage buff in March, sparking experimentation with new builds. Its sluggish performance, however, frustrated players prioritizing mobility. The latest patch, update 01.000.403, addresses this, improving weapon handling thanks to a fix for the Peak Physique armor passive. This perk, introduced with the Viper Commandos Warbond in mid-June, was intended to reduce weapon drag and boost melee damage, but a bug hindered its effectiveness.

Reddit user CalypsoThePython showcased the improved Flamethrower handling post-patch, highlighting the dramatic difference. Previously, the weapon's turning was described as "like a truck," severely impacting accuracy and control during movement. The Helldivers 2 Media Twitter account amplified this demonstration, surprising some players unaware of the Peak Physique perk's role in the Flamethrower's sluggishness.

Arrowhead Studios' swift response to player feedback is commendable. While the patch is a welcome improvement, facilitating better control of heavy weapons like the Flamethrower, some players continue to report issues. One such issue involves the Flamethrower's upward trajectory when fired while using the Jump Pack – a bug hopefully addressed in future updates.