Helldivers 2 Director Defends Controversial Stance Against Cowboy Hats: “Helmets Aren’t for Hats”

If you’ve been keeping tabs on Helldivers 2 this week, you probably know that the game just introduced a new Warbond called Borderline Justice. This latest addition carries a cowboy theme, notably lacking a cowboy hat, because according to Arrowhead, such headgear doesn’t quite fit the Helldiver uniform standard.

This decision hasn’t sat well with everyone. Several players voiced their dissatisfaction and took matters into their own hands, finding mods that add a ten-gallon hat to their new armor. Johan Pilestedt, the Helldivers 2 director currently on a break, shared his thoughts on this topic via a Twitter thread while attending GDC and speaking at various panels.

Pilestedt opened the forum for players to share their opinions on the new Borderline Justice gear, leading to numerous inquiries about the missing cowboy hat and whether it might be added in the future. “I’m not sure–haven’t been involved in the design talks. But I personally think it strays a bit from what the Helldivers are about, and I agree with that,” he replied to one user. “However, when I return to the office, I’ll bring it up with the team.” To another player, he remarked, “I think it would be great, but I feel it disrupts the Helldivers’ aesthetic…visors don’t pair with hats.”

It’s interesting to note that players quickly pointed out the beret included in last year’s Viper Commandos Warbond. The beret is worn over a helmet, bending the rules of military attire. This might make you wonder, don’t cowboys have their own kind of uniform?

However, Pilestedt teased something else intriguing that could be on the horizon. There’s talk of introducing a perk where players can use sidearms as primary weapons and even handle them akimbo. Though he mentioned that developing this feature involves extensive animation work, he hinted at possible future development.

So, have you ever tried wearing a hat over a helmet in real life? Which type of helmet, you ask? Share your thoughts with us below!