Helldivers 2 - What You Should Know
Published on 30th January 2024 by Guy Lanham
How would you like to unleash a barrage of gunfire into swarms of enemies, destroy every living being in the vicinity with explosives, and fight your way through hordes of aliens, all in the name of freedom? In Helldivers 2, you can.
Set to launch on February 8th, Helldivers 2 will be available on PlayStation 5™ and PC. Read on to learn all we've learned so far about this exciting co-op strategy game.
The Origin of Helldivers
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, Helldivers was released in 2015 as a top-down, squad-based game. It successfully captured the hearts of gamers with its unique blend of humour, chaos, and strategic gunplay. Fast forward almost 9 years later and Arrowhead Game Studios return with the titular Helldivers 2.
What's the difference?
Firstly, there is a shift from top-down view to third-person. Because of this, Helldivers 2 is a whole new ballgame. Venturing through the galaxy with your squad now feels more immersive than ever before.
What is Helldivers 2?
If you asked us to summarise it in three words, it would be: Aliens. Guns. Explosions. Of course, there is more to it than that, which we'll get to shortly.
While explosive action is the name of the game, players can expect to engage in strategic battles against deadly alien threats. Players will be challenged to prove their mettle by facing various challenges and completing orders in a multiplayer environment.
Picture yourself unloading a hail of bullets into swarming enemies, each shot a step closer to securing freedom for Super Earth.
How it all Begins on Super Earth
It all starts with home - Super Earth. This homely planet is subjugated to a "super Democracy," a kind of dystopian world where the populace is indoctrinated to preserve the planet's way of life.
Super Earth is under the threat of hostile aliens, prompting the deployment of Helldivers-elite soldiers sworn to protect and defend.
To answer the imminent alien threat, our heroic Helldivers are sent on a liberating mission to bring peace by whatever means necessary.
As the Helldiver, you begin by undergoing rigorous training. Once training is complete, Helldivers are frozen in Cryogenic chambers and released when needed.
Super Earth High Command is your main point of communication, and they will call upon you in times of need. As an elite combatant, it's your job to fight your way through hordes of enemies to preserve the peace.
Tactical Warfare and Familiar Mechanics
Long-time fans will be happy to see the return of familiar mechanics with stratagems. These are basically deployable tools that grant unique benefits. They may provide gear upgrades, perks and even explosives like the Eagle 500kg Bomb that can lay waste to any planet.
Not only do Stratagems add variety, but they allow for different playstyles too. Players might want to take on different roles depending on their squad.
Those who prefer to be in the front lines might want to adopt a 'tank' playstyle, opting for something like a shield generator. Damage dealers, on the other hand, might favour light armour and high-end weapons.
Strategy and tactics are part and parcel of the game. There are different types of enemies that players will encounter throughout the galaxy. Some require different ways of dealing with the threat. For example, heavily armoured foes are best dealt with armour-piercing weapons, so it's up to the player to adapt and evolve depending on the foes they're facing.
Co-op and Multiplayer
The multiplayer experience has received an upgrade this time around. Previously, squad members were bound together in the same screen. In Helldivers 2, player tethering is now a thing of the past as teammates are free to roam wherever they want in this third-person rendition.
Like the previous instalment, squad-based teamwork is a big part of the game. Helldivers will be taking part in what is known as 'operations'. Operations are a number of missions that scale based on the difficulty level. These also contain secondary objectives, which are optional but reward teams for completing them. For these operations, coordination and strategy are key to success.
Players can go solo, but are encouraged to work together in squads to make the most of what the game has to offer. Thankfully, cross-play is supported in Helldivers 2 so friends can band together whether they're on PlayStation™ or PC.
If you thought you could spray bullets everywhere with complete disregard for your allies, think again. Friendly-fire is a real thing in Helldivers 2, and it shouldn't be ignored. Because of this, players should work together to avoid any potential "accidents". All in the name of justice and freedom, right?
Missions and Progression
Missions are given out by the High Command. This body of officials will be delegating orders and giving players the low-down on the military priorities. Players have access to the galactic map, a holographic projection of planets displaying information. It's then up to the players to decide where to go next.
Missions are split into two types: major orders and personal orders. Major orders are community-wide events centred around the main story. In these missions, players from the community can take part, shaping the world around them. These orders take the collective effort of the player community and are designed to be long-term events.
What's really cool is that the developers will be interacting themselves. They will be watching and observing how the community deals with the events in the Galactic War. Depending on the situation, they can offer to help or increase the challenge by adding further challenges.
Personal orders, on the other hand, are missions designed for squads to complete small objectives. How players approach these missions is completely up to them. Players are given the choice to decide what planets to fight on, and which enemies to face first.
Loadouts and Customisation
If customisation is your thing, you'll be delighted to know there is plenty to keep you entertained. With a variety of weapons and gear available, the options for customisation are plenty.
In Helldivers 2, players have access to what is known as the Warbond. This is a kind of armoury where loadouts can be upgraded and customised. To do this, Helldivers need to earn Warbond medals by completing orders and operations.
For spaceship enthusiasts, there is something for you here too. Players get to pilot the Helldiver Destroyer. This vessel of destruction can be upgraded via an interface called the Ship Management. The Ship Management will be the main area where squads can make upgrades and customise their setup.
Squad Up and Fight The Galactic War
In short, if you're into explosive action, teamplay and destroying aliens, this could be for you. So get ready to join the Helldivers and fight for freedom. Avenge the fallen. Take up the mantle of Liberty. Enlist in the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen. FOR DEMOCRACY!!
FAQs
What's Helldivers 2 all about?
Helldivers 2 is a third-person shooter with emphasis on squad play and teamwork. Band together with your friends to capture planets, defend against invasions and complete missions to earn rewards.
When is it out?
Helldivers 2 released on February 8th, 2024.
What can I play it on?
Helldivers 2 can be played on Playstation 5™ and PC. Cross-play is supported, so players can join together across both platforms.
