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. WhileHelldivers 2is naturally no stranger to FOMO, being a live-service game,Helldivers 2is arguably on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to utilizing FOMO in a minimally predatory way.
Instead of gatekeeping overpoweredmeta weapons inHelldivers 2behind an arbitrary window of exclusivity like many other games often do,Helldivers 2uses 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 2is proof that this tactic doesn’t have to be all bad.
Helldivers 2 Is a Great Example of FOMO Done Right
Over the course ofHelldivers 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 toHelldivers 2as limited-time rewards for players who participated in some of the mostcinematic moments ofHelldivers 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, thesecommemorative capes inHelldivers 2have 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 whyHelldivers 2is praised as an anti-FOMO game is because of a recent change to the in-game Super Store. Aside from theHelldivers 2xKillzonecrossoveritems, all the items that were previously on a weekly rotation inHelldivers 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 onHelldivers 2premium 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.
