Helldivers 2 Rolls Out Massive December Update — Patch 5.0.0

Arrowhead Game Studios has released the December 2025 5.0.0 update for Helldivers 2, bringing a substantial round of bug fixes, balance adjustments, optimization improvements, and the launch of the new Python Commandos premium warbond. The update builds on the Into the Unjust expansion from September, which introduced Terminid hive worlds and kicked off the game’s recent content direction.

Helldivers 2—originally launched on February 8, 2024—remains available across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

⚙️ A Shift in Development: Stability First

Over the last few months, Arrowhead has focused heavily on improving performance, optimization, and stability. Game Director Mikael Eriksson openly acknowledged that the game had begun “breaking at the seams” as new content kept piling on, while core tech debt was left untouched.

Players—especially on PC—faced growing frustration as the game’s file size ballooned and performance dipped. Many stated they were stepping away until true improvements arrived. Fortunately, Arrowhead listened, and Patch 5.0.0 is the most significant step yet toward restoring long-term stability.

🛡️ Patch 5.0.0 — Major Highlights

The December 2 update comes with a full suite of patch notes, including highly requested weapon buffs across SMGs, shotguns, pistols, and rifles. Several persistent crashing issues have also been addressed.

A standout fix includes the amusing bug where Factory Striders launched themselves into orbit after dying. They now remain respectfully grounded. Hellpods will also no longer become stuck in mid-air when colliding with Striders.

Another intriguing detail:

“Super Earth has detected strange signals from unmonitored worlds…”

This tease immediately sparked speculation. Players suspect hints of a new faction or Major Order—especially with The Game Awards on December 11, where Helldivers previously shadow-dropped the Illuminate in 2024. Expectations are high.

🐍 Python Commandos Warbond Arrives

Though not part of the official notes, Patch 5.0.0 also introduces the Python Commandos premium warbond (1,000 Super Credits), featuring:

• M-1000 Maxigun — a belt-fed minigun with enormous ammo reserves 🔥
• AX/FLAM-75 “Guard Dog” Hot Dog, a fiery Guard Dog variant that incinerates threats
• CQC-9 Defoliation Tool, a chainsaw melee weapon perfect for shredding close-range enemies

These additions bring fresh equipment variety without overshadowing the broader stability focus.

💾 Massive File Size Reduction for PC Players

Arrowhead also announced a significant win for PC users via an optional beta:

➡️ Game size reduced from ~154GB to ~23GB — an 85% reduction 🎉

This slimmer build will eventually become the default, dramatically improving accessibility and storage management.

With fresh content, major performance gains, and more on the horizon, community sentiment around Helldivers 2 is climbing again.

Into the Unjust — Patch 5.0.0 Notes 📜

Below is the full set of update notes, including fixes, improvements, balancing changes, UI updates, and optimizations.

🌌 Mission Brief from High Command

“Super Earth has detected strange signals from previously unmonitored worlds. The Ministry of Intelligence is investigating. Helldivers: stay alert.”

Patch Highlights

• Numerous fixes pulled from the Known Issues list, including audio bugs, XP modifiers, and crash sources
• Additional optimizations across systems
• Weapon balance improvements, including increased damage and FOV adjustments
• Player quality-of-life enhancements

🔧 Balancing Updates

General Adjustments

• Reduced ergonomics penalties on magnifying scopes to make them preference-based rather than performance-limiting
• Additional updates to pistol ammo to improve close-range effectiveness

Scope Ergonomics Changes

• 2× Tube Red Dot: -3 → -1
• 4× Combat Scope: -6 → -2
• 10× Sniper Scope: -9 → -4
• APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle ergonomics: 26 → 31

🔫 Primary Weapon Buffs

SMG-37 Defender

• Damage: 100 → 110
• Durable damage: 20 → 22

SMG-32 Reprimand

• Damage: 135 → 140

M7S SMG

• Damage: 80 → 90
• Durable damage: 16 → 18

VG-70 Variable

• Durable damage: 20 → 23

M90A Shotgun

• Durable damage: 15 → 20

🔫 Sidearm Weapon Buffs

P-2 Peacemaker

• Damage: 95 → 100
• Durable damage: 30 → 32

P-113 Verdict

• Damage: 135 → 140

M6C/SOCOM Pistol

• Damage: 110 → 125
• Durable damage: 25 → 28

👹 Enemy Adjustments

• War Strider grenade force: 50 → 30
• Bile Spewer artillery force: 50 → 30
• Bile Spewer impulse: 60 → 40
• Stalker tongue force: 40 → 35

🎮 Gameplay Improvements

• New keybind options for quick weapon function switching
• Overhauled First-Person View (FPV) for more consistent scope visuals across different FOVs
• Improved FPV ergonomics responsiveness
• Texture flicker fixes in city areas

🛠️ Fixes — Crashes & Softlocks

Includes over a dozen fixes such as:

• Rare crash triggered by combat music
• Hotjoin crash related to certain stratagems
• Mission load crashes
• Enemies falling through terrain
• Stratagem locking bugs
• Hellpods and Factory Strider physics issues

🔫 Weapon & Stratagem Fixes

• Adjustments to BR-14 scope rendering
• Shotgun reload animation fixes
• PLAS-45 Epoch ADS zoom correction
• Infinite ammo UI and VO inconsistencies fixed
• Ammo supply pack exploit resolved
• Red glow issue on machine guns removed

👾 Enemy Fixes

• Factory Striders no longer launch skyward on death
• Hellpods won’t float after hitting Striders
• Striders now trigger mines
• Chargers no longer accelerate uncontrollably after charge
• Rupture Warriors no longer stuck under Sentries
• New weak spot added to rear vents of several structures

🧭 Miscellaneous Fixes

• Explosion effects now influence terrain properly (PS5)
• Missing light flicker corrections on Orbital Gatling
• Asset alignment, clipping, and emote-related armor gap fixes
• Minimap fog-of-war cave bug resolved
• Tutorial progression no longer blocked by dying in the flag room
• PC-only terrain + texture memory fixes

⚡ Optimizations

• Automaton VFX lighting optimizations
• Improved physics for rock assets
• Better performance for storms and environmental status effects
• Reduced weapon camera clipping
• Improved ADS behavior and depth of field
• PC fix for high-res textures failing to load