Throughout modern live-service games, the fear of missing out (FOMO) has generally become regarded as a controversial tactic, weaponized to convince players to participate in limited-time game modes, if for no other reason than only for the promise of highly exclusive rewards. Despite the controversy surrounding FOMO, though, its effectiveness still warrants its continued use. While Helldivers 2 is naturally no stranger to FOMO, being a live-service game, Helldivers 2 is arguably on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to utilizing FOMO in a minimally predatory way.
Instead of gatekeeping overpowered meta weapons in Helldivers 2 behind an arbitrary window of exclusivity like many other games often do, Helldivers 2 uses FOMO for commemorative capes that are purely cosmetic. Ultimately, while FOMO has developed a reputation for being a disingenuous practice when used in games, Helldivers 2 is proof that this tactic doesn’t have to be all bad.
Helldivers 2’s New Major Order Undermines the Commemorative FOMO Cape
Helldivers 2's commemorative Battle of Super Earth cape is terrific, and yet it's hard to say that the Illuminates were overthrown conclusively.
Helldivers 2 Is a Great Example of FOMO Done Right
Over the course of Helldivers 2’s journey since its release over a year ago, despite a few bumps in the road, the game has arguably turned out to be a standout example of FOMO done right in a live service game. This is primarily because of the game’s use of FOMO being limited to cosmetic items that provide no unique gameplay advantages, as well as a recent change to the in-game premium Superstore catalog, and the game’s equivalent of battle pass progression systems being permanently available.
Helldivers 2’s Commemorative Capes Are the Perfect Balance of FOMO and Prestige
So far, there have been two commemorative capes introduced to Helldivers 2 as limited-time rewards for players who participated in some of the most cinematic moments of Helldivers 2’s ongoing Galactic War. The first of which was the Fallen Hero’s Vengeance cape, which honors players' valiant efforts against the impossible odds of the Automatons’ control of Malevelon Creek. The newest commemorative cape is the Protector of the Heart cape, celebrating players’ victory against a brutal Illuminate invasion of Super Earth.
Throughout the game’s community, these commemorative capes in Helldivers 2 have turned out to be quite a hit among players. Given that capes are purely cosmetic, the added prestige these commemorative capes have over ones that can simply be purchased from Warbonds and the Superstore gives them a far greater value, but without creating an unfair advantage between players who do and don’t have these capes.
Helldivers 2’s Superstore Feature is Anti-FOMO
Another reason why Helldivers 2 is praised as an anti-FOMO game is because of a recent change to the in-game Super Store. Aside from the Helldivers 2 x Killzone crossover items, all the items that were previously on a weekly rotation in Helldivers 2’s Superstore are now permanently available, seemingly thanks to players’ feedback. Consequently, players can now spend their Super Credits premium currency more wisely, free from the unnecessary influence of the shop’s previously time-sensitive nature.
Helldivers 2’s Permanent Warbonds Age Like a Fine Wine
Although it isn’t the first game to do so, Helldivers 2’s permanent Warbonds have also turned out to be a highly praised feature of the game, and one that should arguably serve as the new industry standard among live-service games with battle pass progression systems to combat FOMO. The lack of an expiration date on Helldivers 2 premium Warbonds that serve as a core part of players’ progression means that players can enjoy the game at their own pace, without missing out on key progression milestones.
With FOMO having a reputation for being weaponized by live-service games to withhold some of the best in-game items for limited-time modes, it’s no surprise that this tactic is commonly viewed as a shady practice. However, Helldivers 2’s use of FOMO has proven to be one of the game’s most celebrated features, proving that this can be a fun practice, free of controversy, and worth looking forward to when done right.
Helldivers 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- February 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- bitsquid
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
