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Players of Helldivers 2 criticize poorly executed crossbow changes

Helldivers 2 Players Upset Over Recent Weapon Balancing Changes

The latest patch for Helldivers 2 has brought about significant balancing changes that have left players frustrated, particularly regarding nerfs to weapons from the Democratic Detonation Warbond. One such weapon that has garnered attention is the CB-9 Exploding Crossbow, which saw its staggering effect increased at the cost of the explosion. Players have expressed disappointment with this adjustment, noting that the once-powerful explosion now seems lackluster in comparison.

In a video shared by a Helldivers 2 player on Reddit, the impact of the nerf on the Exploding Crossbow is demonstrated. Despite aiming the crossbow at an Automaton soldier’s feet and firing, the resulting explosion appears ineffective against the enemy. This lackluster performance has led some players to suggest renaming the weapon to the Concussive Crossbow, highlighting its increased stagger effect.

Many players have voiced their displeasure with the changes, noting that the adjustments have diminished the appeal of the Exploding Crossbow. For players who enjoyed using the weapon for crowd control, the nerfs have eliminated its effectiveness in that role. Some have even suggested that the weapon no longer lives up to its name, with the explosive element feeling significantly reduced.

Alexus, a developer from Arrowhead, addressed the changes on Discord, mentioning that the Exploding Crossbow now functions better as a single-target tool against medium enemies like the Scorcher due to its medium armor penetration. However, some players remain dissatisfied with this new role for the weapon, as it no longer serves as an efficient wave-clearing option. With alternative weapons such as the R-36 Eruptor available for dealing with tougher enemies, the utility of the Exploding Crossbow has been called into question.

As the Helldivers 2 community grapples with these balancing changes, it remains to be seen how players will adapt to the new dynamics of weapon usage. The discontent surrounding the nerfs to the Democratic Detonation Warbond weapons serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in maintaining player engagement and satisfaction in online gaming experiences.