Update []:
After facing fairly widespread backlash about the pricing of its Killzone crossover goodies, the team behind Helldivers 2 has responded with a gift for all players.
In a joint message on the game's Discord server, Arrowhead and Guerrilla Games acknowledge the feedback. "As this was our first crossover offering, we've been listening to the response, and the feedback we've received from our community surveys is that crossover content is really high up on your wishlists," the statement reads. "At the same time, some of you are not happy with the prices of the items and we will revisit this."
The statement continues, announcing the second wave of Killzone content for Helldivers 2 will be given to all players "today, free of charge". You'll receive this second set at some stage today, 19th December 2024, with distribution coming in two waves.
On top of that, the first set will be made available in the Superstore for twice as long, 10 days instead of five, "so that you have a chance to get hold of it and reduce the risk of missing out". The team is also looking into ways of bringing the Killzone goodies back permanently in future.
Original Story: 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.