As a seasoned Helldiver, you've likely noticed the ship's decor changing and heard new, strangely cheerful propaganda broadcasts. This marks the Festival of Reckoning, a major Super Earth holiday. For players, it's not just lore; it's a periodic event with specific rewards and mechanics. Here's how it typically works in practice.
What is the Festival of Reckoning in Gameplay Terms?
In practice, the Festival of Reckoning is a limited-time in-game event. It's built around a themed Major Order, often lasting longer than the standard ones. The 2185 event, for instance, was a 14-day order to liberate more planets than were lost. Success usually grants a large collective reward, like the 100 Medals promised that year. The lore about consumer discounts and televised successes is the game's way of framing this reward structure. For players, it means a focused period of coordinated gameplay with a tangible payout at the end.
What Kind of Rewards Can Players Expect?
The rewards are typically twofold. First, the community-wide Major Order reward, usually a large sum of Medals or Super Credits. Second, and often more immediately useful, are the temporary and experimental stratagems. During the festival, the Super Destroyer's bridge officers will offer powerful stratagems for limited windows, sometimes as short as 24 hours. For example, Orbital Lasers or Hover Packs might become available for everyone, regardless of their progression level. This allows all players, especially newer ones, to experience high-tier gear and plan future Warbond purchases. Additionally, experimental versions of existing stratagems, like an incendiary Orbital Gatling Barrage, are tested, offering unique tactical options.
How Do the "Minor Orders" and Activities Work?
Alongside the main Major Order, smaller, more frequent Minor Orders are issued. These usually task the community with achieving specific kill counts on designated planets. In 2185, these were icy glacier planets. Completing these grants additional Medal rewards, usually around 40 per order. It's a way to concentrate player activity and offer more frequent, smaller victories. Some players also note the return of mini-games like "Whack-A-Terminid" with festive cosmetics, providing a casual diversion.
What's the Best Strategy for Earning Festival Medals?
Most players focus on efficiency. The primary Medal income comes from completing the Major and Minor Orders, so participating in missions on the specified planets is key. Since the temporary stratagems are often powerful, using them on higher difficulties to clear objectives faster is a common tactic. Team coordination is more emphasized during these events, as the community goals require collective effort. While the grind can be intense, planning your sessions around the active Minor Orders and the available temporary stratagems is the most effective approach. For players looking to maximize their in-game progress, these events are crucial. It's worth noting that some individuals, seeking shortcuts, might look to buy Helldivers 2 medals safely on U4N (https://www.u4n.com/helldivers-2/items), but most veterans advise that the medals earned through event participation are more than sufficient and come with the intended sense of accomplishment.
How Does the Lore Impact the Gameplay Feel?
The darkly comic lore—like the dissident execution parades and patriotic carols—creates the game's signature tone. It doesn't change mechanics, but it frames the intense grinding you're doing. You're not just earning Medals; you're "financing extra ordnance" through the Reckoning Fund and ensuring the citizens of Super Earth have a festive broadcast. This narrative layer makes the community goals feel more cohesive. The stories, like the one about Wally the Walrus, are collectibles found on missions, offering a break from the action and deepening the game's satirical world.
Are Festival Rewards and Stratagems Permanent?
This is a common point of confusion. The temporary stratagems acquired from the bridge officers are only available for their stated duration, usually 24-48 hours. Once the timer runs out, they are locked again unless you've unlocked them permanently via their respective Warbonds. However, any Medals, Super Credits, or other currencies you earn are yours to keep. The experimental stratagem effects are also temporary modifications for the event's duration. The permanent rewards are the currencies and any unique badges or titles sometimes awarded for participation.
In general, the Festival of Reckoning is a time for heightened community activity, valuable rewards, and experimenting with gear. It's a core part of the live-service cycle that offers a tangible goal beyond the standard liberation campaigns. By focusing on the active orders and making the most of the temporary tools, players can significantly boost their arsenals and contribute to a (Super Earth sanctioned) festive victory.