Helldivers 2 update adds stealth missions along with changes to suppressed weapons so you can "bang bang less," and Arrowhead is finally "ready to make the slim PC build default for all"

Helldivers 2's latest update is here, and as well as "deploying some important updates to suppressed weapons" to make Super Earth's finest soldiers stealthier than ever, Arrowhead is finally ready to make the slimmed-down PC build of the game the default, to the relief of folks with full storage space everywhere.

Helldivers 2 Into the Unjust version 5.0.2 is rolling out now, and its main focus is making folks "bang bang less" – the technical term for being stealthy. Because "democracy doesn't always need to shout," changes made in the patch will allow "Helldivers to eliminate threats with reduced detection and tighter tactical control."

The patch notes explain: "Expect quieter kills, cleaner engagements, and new opportunities for coordinated strikes before the enemy knows you're there. Remember: stealth is a tool, not a substitute for overwhelming firepower. Use it wisely, Helldivers!"

To be exact, the noise radius from firing a suppressed weapon has been reduced quite significantly, by 50%. The patch notes also say that the detection radius of enemies being fired at without being hit themselves has been "reduced in some units" – namely, including the Impalers, Chargers, Watchers, Spewers, Berserkers, and Devastators. Separately, the M-1000 Maxigun muzzle flash has been tweaked "to reduce photosensitivity issues."

To put our new stealth options to the test, Arrowhead is also adding "brand new Commando missions" which will see loyal Helldivers venture "deep behind enemy lines," where they'll no longer be able to rely on support from the skies. "Reinforcements have to be deployed in advance and destroyer support is a risky business with limited time," the notes explain.

These missions aren't available immediately at the time of writing, but they're set to go live at the same time as the slightly delayed Helldivers 2 Redacted Regiment Warbond in around two hours (1pm GMT / 5am PST / 8am EST).

It all sounds like fun stuff, but the news about the slim PC build is also a major highlight. "Finally, after weeks of your input and stress testing, we are ready to make the slim PC build default for all players," Arrowhead writes. This build first became available last month, when it was billed as being able to save around 131GB of space for PC users. However, it was only accessible through a public technical beta.

The devs will be keeping the full-sized version available "for a short time to ensure a smooth transition for everyone; so you'll continue to have the option to switch back should you wish." Arrowhead doesn't clarify exactly how long this period will be, but says that once the transition is over, "we'll look to sunset the large build permanently in the near future."

Otherwise, Arrowhead teases that there's "much more to come in February and beyond," so we'll just have to watch this space.

"A lot of Helldivers will die," Arrowhead CEO says of the next Helldivers 2 major update, and the updated roadmap is still in progress.