Helldivers 2 dev says there's still time to get the new Stratagem even after we chose to save the children, but GM Joel says we "never will"

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Liberating both planets before the timer runs out will be a challenge

Helldivers 2
(Image credit: Arrowhead Game Studios)

Helldivers 2 players can give themselves a hearty pat on the back after choosing to save thousands of sick children instead of liberating the planet Marfark and getting a new Stratagem, but now there's a seemingly insurmountable challenge to overcome.

The latest Helldivers 2 major order presented freedom fighters a very difficult choice: Drop down into Vernen Wells to save the children trapped in Super Citizen Anne's Hospital for Very Sick Children; a heroic task but one without any real reward beyond the ability to sleep at night; or liberate Marfark and get access to the new MD-17 Anti-Tank Mines Stratagem. The Major Order was a test of moral fortitude, and the Helldivers 2 community passed with flying colors. As an unexpected reward, Arrowhead is donating $4,311 (the number of children saved and also the numeric equivalent to the word 'hell') to a real-life charity benefiting children impacted by tragic events.

"Since the @helldivers2 community chose to save the children, @arrowheadgs does the same," Arrowhead COO Johan Pilestedt said in a tweet. "We have made a donation to, well, Save the Children. Great job Divers!"

While I'd love to end the story on such a feel-good note, Pilestedt followed up with a reply to a fan asking if it's still possible to liberate Marfark before the Major Order timer runs out and secure the new Stratagem, and surprisingly, the answer was yes. According to Pilestedt, game master Joel said, "If the community does both 'which they never will', they'll get both" their free and clear consciences and also the new anti-tank mines.

Hear that folks? Here's our chance to have our cake and eat it too, but we're gonna have to really hustle. The current major order ends in less than 24 hours, and when I logged in this morning the planet wasn't even 0.1% liberated. It's an uphill battle, but I'll never underestimate the Helldivers community's will to get themselves another toy to blow things up with.

Helldivers 2 studio CEO says we're not getting a story mode because "that's like building an entirely new game".

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick
Staff Writer

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.