Helldivers 2 is this year’s surprise-hit game, packing a humorous nationalism-in-space theme and frenetic third-person shooter gameplay. Exclusive to the PlayStation 5 console and Windows PCs, the game has sold more than 8 million copies since its Feb. 8 debut. (Sorry, Xbox fans — seems like it’s not coming to your console anytime soon.)
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter. It’s set 100 years after the first game, and you play as an elite trooper known as a Helldiver, plummeting to planets from spaceships to fight the enemies of mankind. You’ll have to fight off alien attacks and protect outposts of Super Earth across the galaxy, which you can do alone or with up to three squad mates.
Helldivers 2 has been buoyed by its over-the-top action and gameplay — and a price point that’s considerably lower than what you see with most new titles. It’s priced at between $33 and $40. The typical charge for a big triple-A game release is $60 to $70.
But some casual gamers, who just want to jump into a silly, fast-paced action title with friends, are finding that Helldivers 2 takes a little bit of getting used to. In addition to some issues that the game’s developers have been having with cross-platform friend requests, Helldivers 2 carries over its unusual “stratagem” mechanic from the first Helldivers (essentially how you call in supplies and fire support), and it requires rethinking the usual run-and-gun strategies you might employ in other shooters.
Despite a tutorial that’s fun and satirical, you don’t get much guidance on choosing missions or upgrading your arsenal for the battlefield. Here’s some of what we’ve learned as we’ve gotten up to speed on the fight for Managed Democracy across the galaxy.
