As Helldivers 2 continues to gain attention, some players are encountering severe performance issues that go beyond simple frame drops or minor crashes. A number of reports, including firsthand experiences during live streams, indicate that the game can hard lock PCs and, in extreme cases, even contribute to hardware damage.
Understanding Hard Locks
A hard lock occurs when your system completely freezes: Alt+F4 or Ctrl+Alt+Delete won’t respond, and your only option is often a forced restart. In some instances, PCs failed to boot after these crashes, leaving users with what one player humorously described as an expensive “Christmas tree” that lights up but doesn’t function. These issues appear most commonly during initial cutscenes or when entering the ship in-game.
Common Patterns and Contributing Factors
Analysis of multiple cases reveals several potential triggers for these hard locks:
High CPU Usage: Game Guard, the game’s anti-cheat system, has been reported to spike CPU usage significantly during loading screens and intense combat moments. These spikes can place excessive stress on CPUs, especially X3D chips known for running hot.
Power Supply Stress: Sudden spikes in power draw have caused lower-quality PSUs to fail. Some users even report long-term damage to power supplies, affecting the system beyond Helldivers 2 gameplay.
Thermal and Hardware Sensitivity: High-performance CPUs and GPUs are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Undervolting can mitigate some heat, but it does not always prevent crashes caused by rapid load changes.
One player reported that despite testing multiple RAM kits, resetting the CMOS, reflashing the BIOS, and reseating the CPU, the problem persisted until the PSU was replaced. Even after installing a new CPU, hard locks continued until a higher-quality power supply was used. This strongly suggests that the combination of Helldivers 2’s CPU and GPU demands, plus Game Guard-induced spikes, may contribute to hardware stress.
Practical Advice for Players
For those looking to avoid potential damage or frequent hard locks, the following steps are recommended:
Monitor Power and CPU Usage: Tools like HWInfo or a dedicated watt meter can help track voltage spikes and CPU stress during gameplay.
Invest in a Reliable PSU: Ensure your power supply has enough headroom above your peak system load and offers strong transient response. High-quality, fully modular units are preferable.
Keep BIOS and Drivers Updated: While this may not prevent all crashes, ensuring the system firmware and drivers are current reduces conflicts and stability issues.
Consider Hardware Configuration: Cooling solutions, RAM placement, and even case airflow can affect stability, especially during demanding sequences.
Safe Helldivers 2 Medals Trading: While unrelated to hardware issues, players who engage in trading should always opt for safe Helldivers 2 medals trading practices to avoid account or item loss. For acquiring resources, some players turn to services like U4GM to
buy Helldivers 2 medals safely, ensuring a smooth progression without compromising in-game security.
Community Observations
This is not an isolated problem. Reports from multiple users indicate that hard locks occur across different PC builds and operating systems, including Windows and Linux. Even high-end systems with Intel 13th-gen CPUs and 32GB+ RAM have experienced crashes. The consistent element appears to be the game client itself and its interaction with Game Guard.
Helldivers 2 delivers engaging gameplay, but players need to be aware of the potential hardware risks associated with prolonged or intense sessions. High CPU loads, PSU stress, and thermal management are key factors contributing to hard locks and, in some cases, permanent damage. Monitoring system performance and investing in reliable components can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, maintaining safe trading practices for in-game resources like Helldivers 2 medals is crucial for preserving account stability and progression.