Helldivers 2 Anti-Cheat Update Sparks Steam Review Backlash
An October 20 update added Easy Anti-Cheat to Helldivers 2, and Steam user reviews for the game have since dropped to Mostly Negative.
An October 20 update to Helldivers 2 added Easy Anti-Cheat, and players have responded with a wave of negative Steam reviews. Roughly 10,000 recent user reviews now stand at 37% positive, giving the game a Mostly Negative rating in that window.
Players report that the anti-cheat software breaks many of the game's mods, including bug-fix and quality-of-life packages such as the Vanilla Plus Megapack. Some users say Easy Anti-Cheat stops them from launching Helldivers 2 at all, though workarounds exist.
Cheating has not disappeared with the change, according to player reports. Some users describe cheaters still bypassing Easy Anti-Cheat with exploits, including machine guns that fire mini-nuke projectiles and near-infinite Exosuit stratagem spawns.
Developer Arrowhead has not commented on the review drop or the mod compatibility complaints.
A history of friction
Helldivers 2 launched in 2024 with a massive Steam debut. In 2024, Sony tried to enforce a PlayStation log-in requirement for the game, but widespread backlash prevented players from being forced to sign in with a PlayStation account. Players have also previously taken issue with the game's microtransaction-driven Warbonds and controversial balancing changes.
Quick answers
What did the October 20 Helldivers 2 update add?
It added Easy Anti-Cheat, the anti-cheat software players now report breaks many mods and, for some, blocks the game from launching.
Why are Helldivers 2 Steam reviews negative?
Recent user reviews are Mostly Negative, with 37% positive over roughly the last 10,000 reviews, after the anti-cheat update.
Does Easy Anti-Cheat stop cheating in Helldivers 2?
Players report some cheaters still bypass it using exploits such as machine guns firing mini-nuke projectiles and near-infinite Exosuit stratagem spawns.