Helldivers 2 Locks Out Gamers with Older CPUs: Is Your PC Next?

In an unexpected turn of events, Helldivers 2 players are finding themselves locked out of the game due to an update enforcing a controversial hardware requirement. Players report that their older CPUs, which lack support for AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions) — a technology in many processors since 2013 — are no longer compatible with the game. This mandate by developer Arrowhead Game Studios and publisher Sony has sparked a wave of frustration in the community.

Initially, the requirement had not been strictly enforced, allowing those with aging hardware to continuously play the game since its launch for PC last year. However, recent updates appear to have changed this, leaving dedicated players feeling betrayed. One user lamented, “After 600+ hours invested in a game I love, being locked out has pushed me to consider asking for a refund instead of waiting for a fix.”

Moderators on the Helldivers 2 Discord, such as a user named Birby, have defended the decision by explaining that the AVX2 compatibility check is experimental and could mistakenly flag some devices. Still, this explanation did little to soothe the ruffled feathers of players facing the bitter reality of needing modern hardware. Birby even indicated that players should not be surprised when their 13-year-old processors can't keep up: “You should never be surprised if your out of spec machine can’t run the game,” they noted.

This hardware issue brings with it the heavy burden of upgrading. For many players, the PCs or laptops they own are not just outdated; they are often not upgradable, meaning a complete system replacement could be necessary. This expensive solution is a significant hurdle for individuals who have budgeted carefully to enjoy gaming.

The controversy isn't new for Sony, as their previous attempts to implement mandatory PSN accounts for PC users in the past were met with backlash, leading to a rapid rollback of that requirement after facing a slew of negative reviews on Steam.

Gamers are now left wondering: what does this mean for the future of gaming accessibility? With hardware requirements becoming more demanding, will gaming become a privilege for only those with the latest technology? As Helldivers 2 players navigate these changes, they’re left seeking answers and, perhaps, a glimmer of hope for more inclusive gaming.

The question remains: will you be affected by the Helldivers 2 lockout? Time to check your CPU!