Helldivers 2 nerfs shotgun for masquerading as a sniper rifle

In every shooter, shotguns seem to be the weapon category that causes the most problems for developers when it comes to balance and that's certainly no different in Helldivers 2.

The moment players start using a shotgun to snipe enemies from afar, you know you've got a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Well, that's exactly what's happened with the SG-85 Slugger, which has been hit with a major nerf in the latest patch.

Helldivers 2 nerf SG-85 Slugger shotgun in latest patch

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On April 2, Arrowhead Studios posted the latest Helldivers 2 patch and it had some devastating news for fans of the SG-85 Slugger.

The beloved shotgun has been hit with a set of major nerfs in an attempt to make it less of a threat at long range.

For starters, it's had its damage reduced from 280 to 250, as well as its stagger brought down a notch. On top of that, it also had its demolition force adjusted to be lower.

While this has been disappointing news for those who spent time unlocking the gun, there was no denying it was too overpowered.

Helldivers 2 dev explains why SG-85 Slugger's power had to be reduced

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With the Slugger being so popular, Senior Game Designer on Helldivers 2 Alexus Kravcheno explained why the nerfs were necessary in the game's Discord.

"Pick rate wasn't the reason for the Slugger nerf... The truth is, Slugger was just hands down the best sniper rifle out there, which is not fitting for, you know, a shotgun."

The second a shotgun begins masquerading as a sniper rifle, action needs to be taken and that's exactly what the devs have done in this case.

So, if you're freedom fighting with the Slugger anytime soon, just make sure you're a little closer to your enemies compared to before.