Helldivers 2 Devs Met with Instant Killzone Crossover Pricing Backlash

Following its two-step forward, one-step back strategy, Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has confirmed its Killzone crossover, the first part of which is now live. While the longed-for Killzone content is appreciated, the developer is asking what players are calling an exorbitant price for the Helghast kit, twice that of more robust Warbond offerings.

The Killzone-themed armour set will cost 500 Super Credits, with another 310 for the cape and another 310 for the essential helmet (thanks, IGN). The new assault rifle will cost you a further 610, and the kicker is that all of the above is only available for five days in the game’s rotating Superstore (but will doubtless return). We can assume that the second drop will sport a similar pricing scheme.

Helldivers’ premium Warbonds, for comparison, have remained at a flat 1000 Super Credits (or about $9.99 / £7.99) and, while not unlocked instantly, will allow players to work towards usually unlocking several such sets, weapons, extras, and even Strategems. Super Credits can be earned in-game, but the rate is understandably slow or can be purchased for various amounts of real money.

We find ourselves conflicted in this somewhat nuanced situation. Arrowhead, in our opinion, has more than earned our price of admission (providing many blissful hours of gameplay) and has pushed out many free content updates in the past year, with more to come. This Killzone crossover presents an opportunity for the developer to potentially make some real money from players willing to pay, which is a good thing; cash flow is necessary for any studio to keep creating content, especially as good as Omens of Tyranny (free), which, overnight, completely revitalised the game.

It’s also probably worth pointing out that all of the Killzone content above is cosmetic, and you don’t need any of it; admittedly, the StA-52 Assault Rifle is a unique weapon, but Helldivers 2 is a co-op, PVE game, and there are dozens of other primary weapons to choose from. However, choosing not to purchase the pack will be taken as proof you aren’t a real Killzone fan.