The intergalactic battlefields of Helldivers 2 have always been chaotic, but the recent addition of temporary SEAF (Super Earth Armed Forces) soldiers has sparked an unexpected plea from players: “Let us keep them forever!” What began as a limited-time feature to bolster defenses during a major in-game assault has turned into a full-blown campaign by fans to make the friendly NPCs a permanent part of the game.
Temporary Reinforcements, Lasting Impact
Introduced as part of the ongoing "Planetary Assault" event, SEAF soldiers arrive as AI-controlled allies to help players fend off waves of Terminids and Automatons. These NPCs, armed with basic weaponry and commendable bravery, have quickly become fan favorites. Players praise their ability to draw enemy fire, revive downed Helldivers, and even crack jokes mid-battle—a charming touch that adds depth to the game’s satirical, militaristic tone.
But there’s a catch: once the event ends, the SEAF soldiers are programmed to withdraw. This looming deadline has led to an outcry on forums and social media. On Reddit, a post titled “Ah, can we please keep them after the assault ends?” has garnered over 8,000 upvotes, with players calling the soldiers “the best buddies we never knew we needed.” One user wrote, “They’re like the eager rookies who actually pull their weight. I’d gladly share my stims with them any day.”
A Surge in Popularity
The demand for permanent SEAF soldiers comes amid a resurgence in Helldivers 2’s player base. According to SteamDB charts, the game has maintained a steady average of 50,000 concurrent players over the past month, peaking at over 120,000 during weekends. This longevity is a testament to Arrowhead Game Studios’ commitment to fresh content, including seasonal events, new stratagems, and enemy variants.
Yet the SEAF soldiers have struck a unique chord. Their presence not only eases the difficulty of higher-tier missions but also enhances the game’s emergent storytelling. Clips of SEAF troops heroically sacrificing themselves to save players or bumbling into environmental hazards have gone viral, blending humor and camaraderie in a way that feels authentically Helldivers.
Community Campaigns and Developer Dilemmas
Fans aren’t just complaining—they’re organizing. Petitions, memes, and in-game tributes (including salutes and coordinated “protect the SEAF” missions) have flooded platforms. Some players have even suggested monetization options, like purchasable SEAF cosmetics, to incentivize developers.
But integrating permanent AI allies isn’t straightforward. Arrowhead has historically focused on cooperative player-driven gameplay, with difficulty balanced around teamwork. Adding NPCs could disrupt this balance or reduce incentives for multiplayer matchmaking. Community manager Twinbeard recently acknowledged the feedback on Discord, stating, “We’re thrilled players love the SEAF. No promises, but we’re discussing how they might fit into the long-term democracy-spreading experience.”
The Future of Super Earth’s Finest
For now, the SEAF soldiers remain on borrowed time. Yet their impact highlights a larger trend in live-service gaming: when temporary content resonates, players demand it stay. Whether Arrowhead will relent—or find a compromise, like occasional SEAF deployments—remains to seen.
In the meantime, Helldivers are savoring every moment with their temporary comrades. As one Redditor poignantly put it: “They fight, they die, and they make Super Earth proud. Let’s honor them by letting them stay.”
For Liberty. For Democracy. And maybe, just maybe, for the SEAF.
Join the discussion on Reddit to share your thoughts on the SEAF soldiers’ fate.
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