Helldiver 2, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, takes players on an intense intergalactic journey, reviving the themes and gameplay that made the original Helldivers a hit. Known for its satirical take on managed democracy, relentless co-op gameplay, and brutal combat, Helldivers 2 pushes the envelope of what a cooperative shooter can offer. Yet, beneath its ambitious design, some questionable decisions and ongoing struggles have impacted the game’s reception.
In Helldivers™ 2, players enlist as elite soldiers defending Super Earth in their fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy. Set a century after the events of the original, this sequel brings larger planets, revamped visuals, and new mechanics that both entice and challenge players. The game’s world is littered with Terminids, Automatons, and other rising alien threats, keeping players engaged in a never-ending galactic war for the glory of managed democracy.
With each new planet and battle, Helldivers™ 2 attempts to blend humor, gore, and strategy in its missions. Players can also unlock new weapons, stratagems, and abilities as they progress, enhancing their loadout to tackle higher difficulty levels. But as engaging as these missions can be, the game is not without its issues. Let’s delve deeper into the gameplay, review feedback, and the role Sony Interactive Entertainment has played in shaping (and sometimes complicating) Helldivers 2’s journey.
Gameplay in Helldivers™ 2 is a chaotic blend of tactics and survival, which begins in a boot camp tutorial introducing players to the game's mechanics: moving, shooting, and using unique stratagems to call in equipment. As a ferocious third-person shooter, the game emphasizes teamwork and precision.
Stratagems are a core feature of Helldivers™ 2, allowing players to call in support such as airstrikes, turrets, and supply drops. Mastery of stratagems is essential for success, especially on higher difficulties where hordes of bugs and robots become overwhelming. Players can customize their loadout with machine guns, flamethrowers, and other weapons to suit their playstyle.
Helldivers™ 2 introduces a Warbond store where players can buy various items using Warbonds, an in-game currency earned from missions. Additionally, Super Earth Credits are another form of in-game currency that players can earn to unlock exclusive items and participate in the Battle Pass system, which offers seasonal rewards. This in-game economy encourages players to engage in missions repeatedly to gather resources.
The game offers squad-based gameplay where players need to work together to complete missions, collect resources, and survive. Friendly fire is always active, adding an extra layer of challenge as players must coordinate carefully to avoid harming squad mates. On higher difficulty levels, each planet becomes a warzone where everything from equipment shortages to relentless enemy hordes tests players’ skills.
Helldivers™ 2 boasts cinematic visuals and a gritty, futuristic aesthetic, immersing players in its sci-fi universe. Character models, weapons, and enemies are well-detailed, giving the game a high-end feel. The immersive sound design complements the visuals, with explosive effects and intense battle cries enhancing the ferocity of each encounter. Players have praised the voice acting, with characters spouting humorous lines and cries of agony during battles.
Arrowhead Game Studios has made several choices that, while well-intentioned, have sparked frustration within the player community. Here are some of the more divisive issues:
One of the most common complaints is the continuous cycle of weapon nerfs. Helldivers™ 2 is a PvE game, but Arrowhead has often adjusted weapons based on their popularity rather than effectiveness. Players feel that the developers missed the mark, targeting fan-favorite weapons like the railgun and flamethrower with heavy-handed adjustments. This attempt to balance often results in making these weapons less fun and less effective, detracting from the chaotic joy that fans seek.
On higher difficulties, Helldivers™ 2’s enemies are overwhelmingly powerful. Terminids and Automatons become relentless and almost unfairly challenging, turning missions into repetitive grinds. This sense of “cheap-shot” deaths from heavily armored enemies, or being overwhelmed by waves of foes, leaves players with limited options for tactical response. Instead of creating a fair challenge, the AI scaling feels more like an uphill battle where fun takes a backseat.
Despite promising an expansive world, Helldivers™ 2 suffers from a lack of substantial updates or progression. Months after release, the game still lacks features that players hoped for, like a weapon upgrade tree, a Helldiver progression system, or new factions. The limited variety of weapons and gear diminishes the game’s long-term appeal, leaving fans wondering why Arrowhead Game Studios has not introduced any new meaningful content.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s decision to require PlayStation Network account linking was met with considerable backlash. Initially, players were forced to link their accounts to play the game, but this move was perceived as invasive. Many felt that Sony was prioritizing its ecosystem’s interests over player convenience. Eventually, Sony and Arrowhead relented, removing the mandatory PSN linking requirement. This backpedal slightly appeased players but left a sour taste, as it underscored the sense that the corporate giant was out of touch with the community.
Frequent patch updates that focus on nerfing weapons or changing enemy difficulty, without fixing core bugs, have also contributed to frustration. Players experience game-breaking glitches, invisible mines, and unpredictable enemy spawns. Many of these issues have remained unresolved, while patches continue to tweak minor balance aspects rather than addressing player feedback on stability and enjoyment.
Helldivers™ 2 has garnered both praise and criticism, with players highlighting the following:
Pros:
Cons:
Helldivers 2, at its core, is a game with immense potential. The blend of satire, relentless action, and co-op gameplay offers a fresh take in the crowded shooter genre. However, Arrowhead Game Studios’ approach to balancing, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s account linking debacle, and the lack of long-term content have hindered the game’s success. While it remains enjoyable in its own right, Helldivers™ 2 feels like a work-in-progress rather than a fully realized vision.
For players and fans, Helldivers™ 2 is both a love letter to cooperative shooters and a frustrating experience marred by technical hiccups and questionable decisions. If Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment can address these issues, Helldivers™ 2 might still carve out its place as a beloved, enduring title. If you enjoyed this article and the Game Autopsy we did on it, stay tuned to SaveGame as we'll be covering how over game titles failed after success!
Despite its flaws, Helldivers™ 2 provides an engaging experience for those willing to navigate its challenges. The ferocious third-person shooter mechanics, combined with strategic use of stratagems and teamwork, make it a game better played with friends. As a co-op shooter for PS5 and PC, it offers crossplay capabilities, allowing players to enlist in the fight for Super Earth regardless of their platform.
Looking ahead, players hope for meaningful updates that will unlock the game's full potential. Features like new planets to explore, additional stratagems, and a more robust progression system could enhance the gameplay experience. If the developers address the technical issues and listen to community feedback, Helldivers™ 2 could win an intergalactic struggle to rid the galaxy of rising alien threats and become a staple in the cooperative shooter genre.
Helldivers™ 2 is currently available on PS5 and PC via Steam, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The game's crossplay functionality allows friends on different platforms to join forces and tackle the challenges that await across the galaxy.
For those seeking an immersive sci-fi experience filled with action and strategy, Helldivers™ 2 offers a unique journey. Whether you’re calling in airstrikes on hordes of enemies or coordinating with squad mates to capture objectives, the game provides moments of intense satisfaction. Despite its shortcomings, it invites players to take up arms, customize their Helldiver, and contribute to the fight for Super Earth.
