Arrowhead is currently working on new ways to make samples a more useful currency in Helldivers 2.
In development alongside upcoming “meaningful progression” updates and a revised version of the game’s SuperStore, CEO Shams Jorjani has confirmed the team’s wish to give players more to do with their collections of alien samples.
Currently, Helldivers 2 allows players to use samples for two mechanics: ship upgrades and DSS donations. However, Jorjani has confirmed that developers are looking for ways to make samples more useful, especially as long-time players have run out of ship upgrades.
In response to fans asking for “more permanent sample sinks”, Jorjani explained that there are conversations regarding more options for players. However, those additions can’t just be throwaway. “We’re looking for ways to find sinks that feel meaningful,” the CEO told fans in a Discord conversation.
Jorjani explained that samples used to be more useful in prior iterations of Helldivers 2. “Originally samples were used to fuel stratagems,” the CEO said, explaining that the currency used to be integral to the core gameplay loop. However, this would make the game less fun to play mission-by-mission.
Fans have been pitching their own use cases for the game’s samples since the game’s release, and some of those suggestions may have been discussed at Arrowhead. With that said, the CEO explained that many suggestions simply don’t work in a one-to-one translation to the game. “Some of it gets baked into our plans,” he told fans. “Often a 1:1 translation doesn’t work due to constraints that aren’t readily visible.”
While Jorjani did explain that the team is looking for ways to make samples more useful, he did not announce any upcoming game mechanics. Additionally, no new mechanics for samples appear to be in active development right now, as devs are still “looking” for the right additions to the game. With this in mind, it may be a long time until samples are given a new purpose.
Alongside mechanical changes and new content, Arrowhead is also working on improving its internal game engine. In a previous discussion, Jorjani confirmed that the team is investing in its engine to improve Helldivers 2 and, potentially, future titles.
“It’s a fine engine,” Jorjani explained. “We’ve just not invested enough in keeping up ship shape. We’re doing more there now than ever.” This could mean that Helldivers 2 might actually be able to introduce more impressive scenarios such as multi-faction battles, which is currently not possible.
