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Helldivers 2 Returns To Steam In Select Countries
Image credit: ClutchPoints

In a notable development, Helldivers 2, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, has made a selective comeback on the Steam platform in a limited number of territories. This move marks a significant turn in the ongoing saga surrounding the game’s distribution and access policies, particularly the controversial decision initially made by Sony to require PC players to link their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to Steam in order to play the game.

The requirement had sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the gaming community, leading to a torrent of criticism directed at Sony. This backlash ultimately pressured the company to retract the linking requirement. However, the reversal of this policy did not come without consequences; it led to the removal of Helldivers 2 from Steam stores in 180 countries, significantly restricting global access to the game and leaving a noticeable void for its fan base.

Helldivers 2 Makes Partial Return Amid Ongoing Access Controversies

Despite the initial policy rollback, Sony has continued to implement PSN account linking for other titles, such as the Ghost of Tsushima PC port, which also faced negative reception upon release. Amid these controversies, the recent partial reinstatement of Helldivers 2 on Steam offers a glimmer of hope for fans of the strategic shooter game.

According to the latest updates from Steamdb, Helldivers 2 has been made available without the PlayStation Network (PSN) linkage requirement in several specific U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This adjustment in the game’s availability marks a significant step toward addressing earlier access issues and is viewed as a preliminary move towards broader global access. This restoration could potentially pave the way for the game’s reintroduction in other markets, expanding its reach and reinstating its presence across more regions.

The decision to reintroduce Helldivers 2 in these territories arrives at a critical juncture for the game’s community. Arrowhead Game Studios recently reported that players of Helldivers 2 faced setbacks by failing two consecutive Major Orders — missions central to the game’s collaborative and strategic elements. The current Major Order tasks players with the defense of four vital planets, a mission that underlines the importance of teamwork and strategic planning within the game’s universe.

Helldivers 2’s Gradual Return Sparks Hope For Global Access

For players striving to succeed in these critical missions, upgrading their weaponry and armor is crucial. Arrowhead Game Studios has emphasized the significance of being well-equipped to handle the threats posed by enemies such as Automatons and Terminids, which are integral to the game’s challenge. The studio recommends that players consult the Helldivers 2 best weapons and armor guide to optimize their gameplay strategy and ensure the security of Super Earth’s interests in these perilous times.

The selective return of Helldivers 2 to Steam in these U.S. linked territories represents a cautious but hopeful step forward in resolving the broader access issues that have plagued the game since the initial policy implementation. It is a move that is being closely watched by the global gaming community, particularly those who have been directly affected by the access restrictions.

As Helldivers 2 begins to find its way back into the hands of players in select regions, the overarching question remains whether this will lead to a full restoration of the game’s availability worldwide. The gaming community continues to monitor Sony and Arrowhead’s next moves, hopeful for a resolution that balances corporate policy with the interests and demands of a passionate player base.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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