There’s what looks like a bug (not that kind!) in Helldivers 2 that has left some players scratching their heads — and the developer of the game is certainly having fun with it.
Players noticed the unannounced addition of the ‘Catalogue Expansion’ ship module for the bridge. According to its description, this adds “new stratagem permits” to the ship management terminal for purchase. But the description for its upgrade effect is lifted from the ship module viewed prior, rather than its own distinct descriptor.
Developer Arrowhead then leaned into the Helldivers 2 narrative to warn players not to buy the ship module with a statement written as if it were coming from the game’s fictional Super Earth government:
“ALERT: ROGUE ITEM DETECTED,” the statement published to the Helldivers Discord begins. “The Ministry of Truth has confirmation that a rogue item called the ‘catalog expansion’ is temporarily visible in the Ship Management menu and, in accordance with regulations, we instruct all Helldivers to avoid this rogue item until further notice. The Ministry of Truth cannot confirm the reliability or safety of this item, nor can they confirm its origin.”
Of course, that statement sparked something of a frenzy, with players jumping into the game to buy the ship module just to see what all the fuss was about (it doesn't appear to do anything). But while it seems clear that this ship module relates to a bug of some kind, some players were left confused. “Leaning into the game's narrative here is actually really confusing me,” said redditor Reasonabledwarf. “Are they telling us to not buy it, or not buy it wink?”
Others believe the statement is Arrowhead leaning into the game’s narrative to admit there are new stratagems and ship modules coming to Helldivers 2. New stratagems are expected at some point, of course — Arrowhead has released a handful since the game’s explosive launch in February. “Its description in-game is having me believe that this is their way of ‘announcing’ that there are new stratagems on the way,” offered xXzeregaXx. “They are basically telling us ‘oops’ that shouldn't be there, don't buy it right now. It's not ready to be released,” added OmegaXesis. “But this is also hinting that new stratagems and ship upgrades are probably on their way.”
The Helldivers 2 community is currently in ‘what happens next?’ mode after the successful eradication of the Automatons. As players wait with baited breath for Game Master Joel’s next move in Helldivers 2’s ongoing Galactic War, players are descending upon the poor Terminids. Helldivers 2’s next Premium Warbond, called Democratic Detonation, launches April 11. Perhaps we’ll know more then.
If you’re looking for more on Helldivers 2, check out IGN’s feature on the Let Me Solo Her of Helldivers 2, a player who has answered over 100 SOS Beacons as part of a mission to help others.
Helldivers 2 has become one of the surprise hits of 2024 since launching in February, topping the charts on Steam and reportedly selling around three million copies. According to at least one analyst, it's still growing. Check out IGN's Helldivers 2 review to find out why it's going down so well.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
