Helldivers 2 5.0.0 Update Lands With Balance Changes And A Cryptic Alert

The Helldivers 2 5.0.0 update patch notes outline wide balance adjustments and technical fixes, but an in-universe transmission from High Command has overshadowed the changes. Arrowhead flagged unusual activity on the Galactic Map, sparking speculation about the Illuminate and shifting attention from the mechanical upgrades. The alert introduces a new point of tension for a community already watching for signs of the next faction escalation.

The update raises damage across several primary and sidearm weapons, adjusts ergonomics on magnifying scopes, and resolves a range of visual, audio, and stability problems. Developers also updated first-person aiming behavior to create a steadier experience at different field-of-view settings. The message from High Command appears to serve as early narrative groundwork for a future expansion, and its timing alongside the Python Commandos Warbond has amplified player interest. The studio has not explained what triggered the signals.

The patch arrives during a busy period for the series. A new film adaptation now has Justin Lin attached as director, adding another layer of attention around the franchise. For now, the update’s technical changes form the bulk of the release, but the coded warning continues to drive discussion about the direction of the next major event.

“Super Earth has detected strange signals from previously unmonitored worlds on the Galactic map,” the message reads. “The Ministry of Intelligence is investigating the source of the signals. Helldivers, be vigilant and hold the high ground.” — High Command

Original Helldivers 2 5.0.0 update patch notes (source: Steam):

Balancing

General changes

• Decreased ergonomics penalty on magnifying scopes weapon attachments
• The intent is to make magnifying scopes more a matter of preference by decreasing the penalty they impose on weapon ergonomics.
• Some of the pistol ammo balance update
• The intent is to make certain pistol rounds more effective after the previous re-balance.
• Pistol rounds are intended to improve at close range without surpassing rifles at long range.
• 2x Tube Red Dot: Decreased ergonomic modifier from (-3) to (-1)
• 4x Combat Scope: Decreased ergonomic modifier from (-6) to (-2)
• 10x Sniper Scope: Decreased ergonomic modifier from (-9) to (-4)
• APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle: Ergonomics increased from 26 to 31

Primary weapons

• SMG-37 Defender: Increased damage from 100 to 110; increased durable damage from 20 to 22
• SMG-32 Reprimand: Increased damage from 135 to 140
• M7S SMG: Increased damage from 80 to 90; increased durable damage from 16 to 18
• VG-70 Variable: Increased durable damage from 20 to 23
• M90A Shotgun: Increased durable damage from 15 to 20

Sidearms weapons

• P-2 Peacemaker: Increased damage from 95 to 100; increased durable damage from 30 to 32
• P-113 Verdict: Increased damage from 135 to 140
• M6C/SOCOM Pistol: Increased damage from 110 to 125; increased durable damage from 25 to 28

Enemies

• War Strider: Decreased force strength on grenade explosion from 50 to 30
• Bile Spewer: Decreased force strength on artillery explosion from 50 to 30; decreased force impulse from 60 to 40
• Stalker: Decreased force strength from 40 to 35 on tongue attack (affects stagger or ragdoll)

Gameplay

• Added new unbound keybind options for quick weapon function switching
• Updated First Person View for more consistent scope behavior and improved ergonomics response
• Fixed flickering textures in city locations

Fixes

Crash Fixes & Softlocks

• Fixed rare crashes tied to combat music, Nuke Nursery missions, hotjoining, enemies falling through terrain, and mission load

Weapons & Stratagem Fixes

• Fixed BR-14 Adjudicator 10x scope disappearance
• Fixed VG-70 reload animation issues
• Fixed CE-07 armor torso clipping
• Resolved pump-shotgun reload visuals
• PLAS-45 Epoch now zooms correctly in ADS
• Fixed Infinite Ammo display and VO issues
• Fixed supply packs giving ammo without charge consumption
• Fixed stratagem lock after drowning
• Fixed red glow on MG-206, M-105, and MG-43

Enemies

• Factory Striders no longer launch upward on death
• Hellpods no longer suspend midair
• War Striders now detonate mines
• Enemy presence clears correctly around Cognitive Disruptor Towers
• Chargers no longer accelerate after exiting charge
• Fixed Rupture Warriors getting stuck
• Added medium-armored weak spots to vents on Bunker, AA, and Mortar emplacements

Miscellaneous Fixes

• Terrain now reacts to explosions and Entrenchment Tool (PS5)
• Orbital Gatling lighting fixed
• Thumbnail glitches removed
• Cryo-pod clipping resolved
• Armor gap on CE-27 and CW-9 fixed
• Objective info now accurate after host leaves
• Cross-play lobby bug fixed
• NPC technician neck clipping fixed
• Cave fog of war no longer persists
• Tutorial progression block removed
• Automaton grinder sludge weathering fixed
• Missile alignment corrected
• GATER seat lockout fixed
• Controller haptic issues resolved
• Command bunker collision fixed

Optimizations

• Improved lighting on Automaton VFX
• Improved rock physics
• Environmental effects optimized for performance
• Improved ADS weapon placement
• Reduced camera clipping
• Improved aiming texture detail
• Refined depth of field for ADS and scopes
• Fixed low-resolution texture loads on PC

Read also the earlier update that marked a major shift in the game’s direction: Helldivers 2 patch 01.003.000 introduced the Illuminate as a new faction, added a full weapon customization system with interchangeable attachments, and delivered substantial stability fixes. The update reshaped mid-mission encounters with new enemy types such as the Stingray, Crescent Overseer, and Fleshmob, while giving players broader control over firearm performance and loadouts, setting the foundation for the larger conflicts now unfolding.