Helldivers 2 PC Update: Mandatory PSN Account Linking Causes Frustration

by Annika May 3, 2024

– Helldivers 2 on Steam will now require linking to a PlayStation Network account for new players starting May 30 and for existing players by June 4, leading to negative reviews and lower ratings on Steam.
– Despite player frustration, Sony emphasizes that no PlayStation console is needed to create a free PSN account, and the change aims to foster a better community for the game.

Helldivers 2 PC Update: Mandatory PSN Account Linking Causes Frustration

Arrowhead Game Studios, in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment, has announced a significant policy change for players of Helldivers 2 on Steam—an alteration that is set to revise the way gamers interact with the title. Starting May 30, new players are required to link their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to their Steam profiles in order to access the game. This new stipulation extends to current players, who have until June 4 to establish this link. Until now, Helldivers 2 could be enjoyed on PC without the need for a PlayStation Network account, but this convenience is about to change.

The shift toward mandatory PSN account linkage has caused a stir within Helldivers 2’s community. Players who are accustomed to the Steam-only experience have been quick to voice their displeasure through the game’s reviews on the platform. Though Helldivers 2 still enjoys a “Very Positive” standing, with around 80% of users bestowing upbeat feedback, this figure marks a decrease compared to the game’s ratings from earlier weeks. A glance at more recent assessments on the platform reveals a swath of negative feedback directly correlating with the impending PSN account requirement.

Amid the backdrop of player displeasure, Sony Interactive Entertainment has addressed the community directly. The company explained that the initial launch of Helldivers 2 encountered technical difficulties, which led to a temporary waiver of the PSN account requirement for Steam users. As this period of leniency is set to end, SIE has communicated that the establishment of a PlayStation Network account is both free and possible without owning a PlayStation 5 console. This can be easily completed online ahead of the June 4 cutoff. The publisher extolled the benefits of this change, stating that the introduction of PSN account linkage is a foundational move designed to foster a united and robust game community.

Helldivers! An important message from our partner Playstation about account linking for PC players and its significance in providing player safety features.

Read the full message here: https://t.co/L1A9jv8yBf pic.twitter.com/q3eXKbtoNB
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) May 3, 2024

Further engaging with the Helldivers 2 audience, SIE and Arrowhead have been proactive in expanding the game’s universe and enhancing the gameplay experience. This development is demonstrated by the launch of the “Democratic Detonation premium Warbond” and a game update that enriches the title with a heightened level cap and new environmental challenges like blizzards and sandstorms. The dedicated community of Helldivers 2 can explore more about these updates and the implications for the gameplay, as well as find comprehensive reviews on platforms such as Game Informer, to understand why the title is often classified as essential gaming fodder.

As Helldivers 2 stands at the junction of continued growth and evolving player engagement, the change in policy regarding PlayStation Network accounts is a pivotal moment in its journey. SIE hopes that this step, while causing some temporary inconvenience, will yield long-term benefits for the community and the game’s ecosystem. The alterations to policies and game content reflect a dynamic environment where decisions are made not just for the present, but with an eye on the robustness and longevity of the player community.