A Guide to Helldivers 2 – Gameplay, Features and Release Date

Helldivers 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2015 top down shooter Helldivers. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation, the latest entry in the series is set to launch in February. Let’s look at everything we know about this upcoming third person squad-based tactical shooter.

What is Helldivers 2?

A man is standing in front of a fire in the gameplay of Helldivers 2.

Helldivers 2 is a co-op focused third-person shooter where a team of players work together to protect Super Earth from invading aliens.

As a member of the Helldivers, an elite unit sworn to protect the planet, players must take on procedurally generated missions across enemy occupied planets.

Customizable loadouts, large scale battles, and strategic squad play all return in Helldivers 2. This next installment aims to deliver an even bigger adventure with more environments to explore, weapons to utilize, and enemies to eliminate.

The Original Helldivers

Helldivers was a science fiction-themed top-down shooter released in 2015. It featured both local and online cooperative multiplayer for up to 4 players.

While inspired by classic military sci-fi films like Aliens and Starship Troopers, Helldivers put its own unique spin on the genre with an emphasis on teamwork. Players could choose to tackle missions solo, but cooperating with others was highly encouraged as it allowed for more effective distribution of roles and responsibilities.

Overall, reviewers praised Helldivers for its strong co-op gameplay and enjoyable mission variety.

An Epic Story of Saving Humanity

Helldivers 2 gameplay in a grassy area.

The Helldivers 2 story picks up after the events of the first game. With Super Earth still under siege, the Helldivers must venture out to unknown regions of space to hunt down the source of the unrelenting alien invasions.

This search leads them to undiscovered planets filled with hostile extraterrestrial lifeforms and menacing new enemies. As they uncover the truth behind the attacks, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. The iconic tongue-in-cheek humor and tone from the original game returns as well.

Refined Gameplay and Exciting New Features

Familiar squad-based shooter mechanics make a comeback in this game but with noticeable improvements.

The movement and mobility of characters feels smoother then in the original game, and weapons pack more punch. Customization will also play a bigger role, with players being able to thoroughly fine-tune weapons, perks, and special abilities to match personal play styles.

For more information on the Helldivers 2 gameplay, check out the game’s co-op and combat trailer below.

Helldivers 2 Co-op and combat

Additionally, mow-downs and manic high-stakes battles await thanks to bigger maps and higher maximum enemy counts compared to the predecessor. Communications and tactical teamwork remain integral for completing objectives and avoiding friendly fire which, like the original game and in Magicka, makes it comeback here.

New defensive structures can also be deployed as fallback positions during events. Altogether, the action will be more explosive while retaining the challenge.

Developers Arrowhead Game Studios

Killing aliens in Helldivers 2.

Helldivers 2 comes from Arrowhead Game Studios, the Swedish developers behind the amazing Magicka series and the original Helldivers game. Their knack for crafting addictive co-op centric games with offbeat personalities will undoubtably shine through this game. Fans – including us – can expect all the charm and quirky humor they’ve come to appreciate but on a grander scale.

Helldivers 2 Platforms and Release Date

After previously being slated for late 2023, Helldivers 2 is now scheduled to release on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC via Steam on February 8, 2024. For more information, visit Helldivers 2 on Steam or on the Playstation store, and check out X and the official website.

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Harriet Gough
Over 20 years' experience as a writer and games journalist. Avid gamer and enjoy a wide range of game genres including MMOs, FPS and RTS. My favorite games include Warframe, Skyrim, Destiny 2, CoD and Age of Empires.

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