Helldivers 2 raises max level cap, and all of your extra XP applies retroactively

Developer Arrowhead Game Studios has raised the max level cap in Helldivers 2 to help you show off all those harrowing hours spent defending worlds from the Automatons.

Since its initial release, the highest level players could reach in Helldivers 2 was level 50. The engrossing gameplay loop has hooked a massive community that has now played for so long that most of them hit that level weeks ago. Mercifully, that level cap has been more than doubled, and every drop of XP gained since reaching the previous cap, should players have any, will be applied to accounts that deserve it.

Helldivers 2’s max level cap has been raised to an eye-watering level 150

As part of today’s Helldivers 2 update 01.000.200, developer Arrowhead Game Studios announced that the game’s level cap had been raised from level 50 to level 150. This more than doubles the previous account limitation, but that’s not all. Every bit of XP gained from missions played beyond level 50 by players who hit it before this update has been applied to those accounts. If you’re wondering why you suddenly have an account at level 76, that’s why.

To my shame, I’m still below the original level cap. However, players on the Helldivers 2 Subreddit have confirmed that there are new Titles that can be earned every 10 levels. This means there are now ten more Titles to pick up as you play and level up your account.

This is a fantastic quality-of-life improvement, not just because it means every second you play will continue to count towards more than just unlocking new gear, but because it allows players to show off the time they’ve spent playing on their profile for all to see. Your level and Title are shown at the end of a mission, and being able to show off higher and higher levels, as well as Titles like “Admirable Admiral” are what players like me live for in online games like Helldivers 2.

Levels are just one way to track your progress in Helldivers 2. You earn weapons, armor, and cosmetics through the battle pass Warbond system, and unlock new Stratagems or upgrades by spending various currencies and Samples. The level cap has always irked me because it should continue to increase even once you’ve collected everything else the game offers through its various progression features.

To me, it’s a mark of how much time you’ve put into the game and plays into its lore. Not to shame those with lower account levels but to put those with high account levels in a position of seniority in battle. You know you’re in for a good time if you have a 137 level veteran at your side, but you also know you’re in similar company with players closer to your level. It adds to the game’s camaraderie and I hope to see the level cap increase again in the future once we all catch up again.