Helldivers 2: Cheaters Derail Major Order, Leading to In-Game Consequences

In an unexpected turn of events, Arrowhead Games recently canceled a major in-game event for Helldivers 2 after discovering rampant cheating. The incident, which involved players submitting millions of counterfeit samples, has not only disrupted the game but also led to a rather peculiar in-game punishment— the execution of players' pet fish.

The event in question was a Major Order that tasked players with collecting millions of samples of Terminid matter. Scheduled to run for four days, the event quickly went off the rails as players completed two-thirds of the objectives within just a few hours. Despite Helldivers 2’s anti-cheat measures, the presence of hackers and exploiters remains a significant issue, with some selling their services to bypass game mechanics and even obtain unreleased content.

An in-game message from Arrowhead Games addressed the situation with a touch of dark humor, befitting the tone of Helldivers 2’s universe. "Super Earth High Command has detected a large batch of counterfeit samples within the delivery of the last Major Order," the message read. "As is customary, Medals have been awarded to all Helldivers who honorably performed their duties, and the ones submitting false samples have had their pet fish summarily executed."

This drastic measure, while obviously fictional, underscores the seriousness with which Arrowhead is addressing the cheating problem. The message also hinted at the broader implications of the disruption, noting that scientific advances to combat the spread of the gloom have been significantly hindered, and worlds near the gloom have initiated resettlement protocols.

Though the cheaters’ actions were a setback, Arrowhead ensured that non-cheating players still received the intended rewards. However, the overall narrative of the game will continue as if the Major Order had failed, reflecting Helldivers 2's commitment to emergent storytelling.

This isn't the first time the game's community has displayed rebellious behavior. Recently, some players intentionally ignored a Major Order in protest of a nerfed flamethrower, further fueling the chaotic atmosphere within the game's community. Despite these challenges, Arrowhead has managed to keep the game’s story moving forward, seamlessly integrating player actions—both good and bad—into the ongoing narrative.

As for the fish? Well, let’s just say their sacrifice wasn’t in vain.