Helldivers 2 nerfs come and go, but the anger from soldiers over what they consider an unnecessary Flamethrower nerf remains the same. Instead of aiming it where it should be (at the Terminid and Automaton), Helldivers are focusing their insights on Command.

Here's everything you need to know about the Helldivers 2 Flamethrower nerf and the controversy surrounding it.

In the massive Escalation of Freedom update (Patch 1.001.002) on August 6, 2024, Helldivers returned to test out a new meta, explore the Haunted Swamp, and try their luck on the new Super Helldive difficulty. Among the many changes in this massive patch was a fire damage nerf that "adjusted flame effects to behave more realistically."

The nerf changed how fire works in Helldivers 2, prioritizing realism above all else. Fire will no longer penetrate all materials, making it redundant against armored enemies. Instead, fire will bounce off of structures, giving it a more natural, realistic effect. While Helldivers didn’t use fire damage to deal with the Automaton, it was a go-to for the Terminid (primarily used to deal with the Charger).