When the original Helldivers launched in 2015, it quickly became a cult favorite among fans of cooperative twin-stick shooters. Its mix of chaotic gameplay, satirical storytelling, and punishing difficulty created a niche experience that rewarded teamwork and perseverance. With Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios seeks to expand upon that foundation while transitioning to a fully 3D perspective and delivering a larger-scale, more ambitious game. Does it succeed? The answer is a resounding yes—but with a few caveats.
A Shift in Perspective
One of the most striking changes in Helldivers 2 is its departure from the top-down perspective to a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera. This shift fundamentally alters the way players interact with the game world. Combat feels more immersive and visceral, with the camera bringing you closer to the action. The transition to 3D also allows for more detailed environments and enemy designs, which are particularly impressive on the PlayStation 5.
The move to third-person gameplay might initially alienate purists of the original, but it’s a natural evolution for a sequel looking to expand its audience. It also adds a layer of tactical depth, as players must now manage line of sight, cover, and spatial awareness in ways that weren’t as critical in the original.
Gameplay: Familiar Chaos with New Twists
At its core, Helldivers 2 retains the series’ signature chaos. Players are tasked with completing various objectives on alien planets, ranging from defending key locations to retrieving valuable resources. The mission variety is broader this time, and objectives are often interlinked, requiring careful coordination among teammates.
The hallmark “accidental friendly fire” mechanic returns, ensuring that even the most well-coordinated teams will have their share of comedic mishaps. Every weapon, grenade, and turret can harm allies, reinforcing the need for communication and discipline. New additions, such as deployable mechs and advanced tactical gear, add layers of complexity and excitement to combat encounters.
Enemies in Helldivers 2 are smarter and more diverse. From swarming insectoids to towering mechanical behemoths, each faction poses unique challenges. Boss battles—a new addition—serve as standout moments, requiring players to exploit weaknesses while dodging devastating attacks.
Cooperation Is Key
Helldivers 2 emphasizes cooperative play more than ever. The game supports cross-play between PlayStation 5 and PC, making it easier for friends to team up regardless of platform. The progression system has been overhauled, allowing players to customize their loadouts and abilities extensively. There’s a satisfying loop of unlocking new weapons, upgrading gear, and experimenting with different builds.
Communication tools have also been improved. Players can now use emotes, pings, and contextual commands to convey information quickly. While voice chat remains the most effective way to strategize, these enhancements make the game more accessible to those who prefer a quieter approach.
Visuals and Performance
Thanks to the power of the PlayStation 5, Helldivers 2 is a visual spectacle. The alien worlds are richly detailed, featuring lush jungles, desolate wastelands, and icy tundras. The lighting effects, especially during nighttime missions or intense firefights, are stunning. Enemies are grotesquely beautiful, with detailed animations that make them feel alive and menacing.
Performance is rock-solid, with the game running at a consistent frame rate even during the most chaotic moments. The load times are virtually nonexistent, thanks to the PS5’s SSD, ensuring that players spend more time in the action and less time waiting.
Narrative: Satire Done Right
The satirical tone that defined the original returns in full force. Helldivers 2 continues to lampoon militaristic propaganda and hyper-patriotism with its over-the-top presentation. The tongue-in-cheek voiceovers, bombastic mission briefings, and absurd slogans like “Spread democracy by force” are as entertaining as ever. While the story isn’t the focus, it provides a humorous backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
Room for Improvement
While Helldivers 2 is an excellent sequel, it’s not without flaws. The difficulty curve can feel uneven, with some missions being disproportionately challenging compared to others. Solo play, while possible, is significantly less enjoyable due to the game’s heavy emphasis on teamwork. Additionally, the matchmaking system occasionally struggles to find suitable players, leading to mismatched team compositions.
Another minor gripe is the lack of variety in certain mission types. Despite the expanded objectives, some players may find the gameplay loop repetitive after extended sessions.
Verdict
Helldivers 2 is a triumphant evolution of the franchise. It successfully builds on the foundation of its predecessor while introducing meaningful changes that enhance gameplay and accessibility. The transition to a third-person perspective, improved visuals, and deeper cooperative mechanics make it one of the best multiplayer experiences available on the PlayStation 5.
While it has its share of shortcomings, the sheer fun and camaraderie it fosters make these issues easy to overlook. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer, Helldivers 2 is a must-play for anyone who enjoys chaotic, team-based action.
