In a surprising turn of events for fans of Helldivers 2, many players are expressing frustration after discovering they can no longer access the game due to their older CPU systems. The developers at Arrowhead Game Studios, in collaboration with publisher Sony, have mandated that players use systems that support Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2) – a technology that has been integrated into various CPUs since 2013. While this requirement was not initially enforced stringently, recent updates have changed the game, leaving many loyal players locked out.

Players have taken to the Helldivers 2 Discord server to air their grievances, with one frustrated gamer stating, “After pouring over 600 hours into a game I adore, being suddenly locked out has me contemplating a refund instead of waiting on fixes.” The sudden inaccessibility has raised many eyebrows, especially among those who have invested significant time into the game.

Server moderators have attempted to clarify the situation. Moderator Birby mentioned that the AVX2 check was experimental and may lead to false positives, advising players to be aware of the minimum system requirements. “It’s unfortunate to have to inform users that their 13-year-old processors are outdated,” Birby commented. However, many players, particularly those with older hardware that may not be upgradeable, are left facing the prospect of investing in entirely new systems to continue enjoying Helldivers 2.

Meanwhile, Arrowhead Game Studios is aware of the rising discontent and is actively working on a solution. The community manager, identified as Baskinator, reassured players through Discord, stating, “We are currently addressing the AVX2 issue. Thank you for your patience, and I apologize for the challenges you’ve encountered.”

This isn't the first time Sony has faced backlash from the Helldivers 2 community. Last year, they attempted to enforce PSN account requirements for PC users, only to retract the policy after receiving a barrage of negative feedback on platforms like Steam.

As the gaming community eagerly awaits a resolution for the AVX2 dilemma, many are contemplating their next steps—whether that means holding out for a fix, spurring on complaints, or ultimately shelling out for a new gaming rig. The question on everyone’s mind: will you be able to dive back into Helldivers 2, or is your gaming journey about to hit a dead end?