Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has revealed what we can expect from the next premium Warbond, Exo Experts.
Helping you “stride with unwavering intent across hostile territory in a march of mech-enhanced Managed Democracy” and “demonstrate elite performance one prosperous hydraulic step at a time,” the Exo Experts Warbond drops on April 28.
“Machines… Our enemies… But they can also be forces for good, tools at our disposal, and when you need to fight fire with fire it is important to be an Exo Expert,” the team teases on the official PlayStation blog. “The Ministry of Defense has authorised the immediate mobilisation of new Exosuits to aid in our ongoing war efforts against the enemies of Managed Democracy.”
As for what we get? First up is the EXO-51 Lumberer, “a modern reinvention of the Lumberers of the first Galactic War.” Equipped with an anti-tank cannon and a flamethrower, you’ll be able to unleash “maximum devastation upon your foes and then purge smaller enemies in the flames of Liberty.” So that’s nice.
Meanwhile, the EXO-55 Breakthrough boasts a flak cannon and a ballistics shield, allowing you to face off with Super Earth’s toughest foes whilst laying down heavy fire, and the MGX-42 Bullet Storm, which is described as “a disposable machine gun sporting caseless ammunition in multiple barrels.”
There’s also the SMG-203 Gallant, a submachine gun with a high rate of fire that “sacrifices clip size for increased penetration.” Finally, to round out your kit, try the new P-33 Missile Pistol utilizing the latest in guided, heat-propelled rounds and a lock-on feature “proven to hit its target 60% of the time, every time.” Heh.
In terms of armors and capes, the O-2 Heavy Operator armor is the state-mandated uniform for Super Earth Citizens “who must operate heavy machinery and is best paired with the Watchful Compatriot cape” and comes with the Oxygenator perk allowing you to walk, run, and slide slightly quicker. The Exosuit Certified title and Thumb of Approval emote and victory pose complete the pack.
Arrowhead recently spilled the beans on the 177 million(!) incidents of friendly fire we’ve collectively enacted in Helldivers 2’s second year, pointing the finger squarely at the 34 million accidental deaths caused by the Eagle Strafing Run.
Check out IGN’s recent interview with game director Mikael Eriksson for more on what to expect.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
