Arrowhead has unleashed the first major update for *Helldivers 2* in 2025, bringing a wave of significant changes to the battlefield. Patch 01.002.101, available now, extends the duration of gas effects from spray weapons, reinstates the ability to emote while airborne or ragdolling, and implements numerous balance adjustments and bug fixes.
As *Helldivers 2* approaches its first anniversary, and with the introduction of the Illuminate faction injecting fresh chaos into the war, players are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the ongoing Galactic War saga. The update's substantial 5GB+ size has fueled speculation among fans about potential additions beyond the documented balance tweaks and bug fixes.
One particularly noteworthy—and slightly unsettling—fix deserves a spotlight:
Fixed a small visual bug with the Stalker’s tongue (you don’t want to know what it took to fix it).
Helldivers 2 Update 01.002.101 Patch Notes:
Balancing
General Changes
- Increased spray weapon gas status effect duration from 6 to 10 seconds.
- Implemented a despawn timer for Illuminate dropship wreckage to prevent path obstructions.
Helldiver
- Jogging while carrying two-handed items (barrels, SEAF Artillery Rounds) is now permitted.
FRV
- Grenade and stratagem deployment while leaning from the FRV is now authorized.
- FRV handling tuned for improved cornering.
Sidearms
- Increased starting magazines from 2 to 3.
- Increased spare magazines from 4 to 5.
Stratagem Support Weapons
TX-41 Sterilizer
- Removed crosshair drift recoil.
- Decreased camera climb recoil.
- Increased spray weapon gas status effect duration from 6 to 10 seconds.
Armor Passives
- The bug with Siege Ready Armor Passive (granting extra ammo to all weapons, not just primaries) remains unfixed for now. Armory description will be updated later.
Backpacks
AX/TX-13 “Guard Dog” Dog Breath
- Reworked for increased effectiveness and unique gas-based mechanics.
- Ammo preservation: prioritizes enemies unaffected by gas.
- Improved targeting logic: targets from Helldiver's position, reduced roaming.
- Increased targeting range from 10 to 20 meters.
- Increased spray weapon gas status effect duration from 6 to 10 seconds.
Stratagems
MD-6 Anti-Personnel Minefield
- Cooldown decreased from 180 to 120 seconds.
- Damage increased from 350 to 700.
- Increased mine deployment spread by 20% to reduce chain explosions.
MD-I4 Incendiary Mines
- Cooldown decreased from 180 to 120 seconds.
- Damage increased from 210 to 300.
- Increased mine deployment spread by 20% to reduce chain explosions.
MD-17 Anti-Tank Mines
- Cooldown decreased from 180 to 120 seconds.
SH-20 Ballistic Shield Backpack
- Now blocks melee attacks until destroyed.
Fixes
Resolved Top Priority Issues
- Emoting while falling/ragdolling restored (fall damage unaffected).
- Illuminate spawner ship shields now take impact grenade damage.
- Fixed collision gaps in Illuminate spawner ship.
- Health packs fully restore stims.
- High-damage weapons now detonate spawned Hellbombs.
Crash Fixes, Hangs, and Soft-locks
- Numerous crash fixes related to missions, hot-joining, emotes, weapon switching, and armory interactions.
Social Issues & Matchmaking
- Improved matchmaking for players in closer regions.
- Fixed chat history clearing issue.
Weapons and Stratagems
- Fixes for emplacement usage, Arc weapon accuracy, E/AT-12 Anti-Tank Emplacement armor penetration tag, stratagem turret targeting, heat weapon visual bugs, melee weapon physics, B-1 Supply Pack stim distribution.
FRV
- FRV reinforcement to prevent explosions from minor impacts.
- FRV camera improvements.
- Reduced chance of FRV deployment on rooftops.
- FRV keybinding fixes.
- Fixes for FRV interactions with Helldivers and enemies.
Helldiver
- Fixes for ragdolling, climbing, and animation issues.
Enemies
- Fixed Stalker's tongue visual bug.
- Fixed enemy reaction to missed shots.
Miscellaneous Fixes
- Various audio, visual, and gameplay fixes.
Known Issues
Top Priority
- Several issues related to mission terminals, stratagems, pathfinding, and Dolby Atmos on PS5.
Medium Priority
- Various issues related to player interactions, visual glitches, and weapon mechanics.