Helldivers 2: A Co-op Shooter That’s All About the Fun, Even With Its Bugs
It was just the two of us, strangers on a crimson wasteland of an alien planet, surrounded by swarming giant bugs whose only purpose was to rip us to shreds. We’d cleared out the oozing nests, successfully launched the ICBM, and reached our extraction zone to get the hell out. But as we waited for our transport, the bugs overwhelmed us. The auto turret we’d put down was destroyed, I was out of clips for my heavy machine gun, no grenades. We were running around, shooting at the ocean of insects at our heels, counting down seconds when our aircraft arrived. Just as we beelined towards the rear doors, my squad mate called in an orbital strike on the area. We stood at the gates, unloaded our guns one last time on bugs right in front of us, and watched a glorious missile strike obliterate everything in sight before we flew off-planet. This is just one of the many exhilarating moments in Helldivers 2, a game that thrives on player choice and creates an incredibly fun and chaotic co-op experience.
Helldivers 2, the cooperative online third-person shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios, is packed with moments like these, where epic things happen not by inherent design, but by player choice. It’s a game that feels like it was built for the thrill of that shared experience, the kind where you’re laughing with your friends even as you’re desperately trying to survive a horde of acid-spewing bugs. Helldivers 2 has taken the gaming world by storm, despite being released with little fanfare and facing initial server issues, quickly becoming a phenomenon and one of the most played games on Steam. What is it about this game that has captured players’ hearts, even in the face of some technical challenges?
Dive Deep into the Galaxy: What Helldivers 2 is All About
Helldivers 2 is a game that doesn’t hold back when it comes to offering a unique co-op experience. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes it tick:
The Galactic War: A Story of Democracy vs. Bugs and Robots
The game places you in the role of a Helldiver, an elite soldier fighting for the Super Earth federation, a comically militaristic and fascistic organization determined to spread its brand of “managed democracy” across the galaxy. This galactic war is not just a power grab, it’s a confrontation with two distinct enemies: the Terminid threat – a horde of acid-spewing bugs that once thought to be eradicated – and the Automatons, a race of socialist cyborgs challenging Super Earth’s imperialistic rule. Both enemies are a threat to Super Earth’s vision of universal domination, and you’re tasked with stopping them at any cost.
Your Base of Operations: The Super Destroyer
Your home base is the Super Destroyer, an orbiting warship that acts as your hub for everything from mission selection to loadout customization. Here, you can unlock new Stratagems (weapons of mass destruction), view the status of the galactic war, prepare for your next helldive, and most importantly, connect with other players. This is where Helldivers 2 truly shines, as you can choose to embark on solo missions, team up with friends, or jump into a random online session.
Missions: From Bug Extermination to Robot Warfare
Missions in Helldivers 2 are straightforward but varied. On the Terminid front, you’ll be tackling missions like defending civilians from bug attacks, collecting data on these creatures, and engaging in full-scale extermination operations against giant boss bugs like the Brood Commander and Bile Titan. When facing the Automatons, your objectives shift to protecting Super Earth’s interests by reactivating fueling stations, destroying enemy stockpiles, and taking on dangerous cyborg bosses like the Hulk and Devastator. Each victory helps to push back the enemy threat and keep the flame of democracy burning.
The Heart of the Gameplay: Dynamic Sandbox Action
Don’t let the structured missions fool you, Helldivers 2 is a game all about player choice and improvisation. You can stick to the objectives or go off on your own to mow down bugs and robots. It’s this freedom that truly allows players to create their own fun. It’s all about managing your resources, strategizing with your teammates, and coordinating a barrage of firepower to achieve victory – or maybe just to survive the next wave of bug swarms.
Tools of Destruction: Stratagems, Weapons, and Team Play
Helldivers 2 gives you the tools to wreak havoc on the battlefield, but it’s up to you to use them wisely. Here’s a breakdown:
Stratagems: Your Personal Arsenal of Mass Destruction
Stratagems are the heart of Helldivers 2’s gameplay, offering an exciting layer of strategic depth. These "care packages" from your Super Destroyer give you a wide array of powerful weaponry and support options. From standard issue machine guns and ammo resupply to devastating orbital missile strikes, each Stratagem requires specific code sequences to be entered using controller inputs. Using them strategically, knowing their cool downs, and timing them correctly is crucial to winning the galactic war.
Weapons: Punchy, Satisfying Gunplay
The shooting in Helldivers 2 is satisfyingly punchy and weighty, rewarding skillful players. While gameplay is primarily in third-person, you can switch to first-person for more precise aiming. Bullets pack a serious punch, dismembering enemies in gruesome detail, adding a satisfyingly visceral feel to the action.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Helldivers 2 hammers home the importance of teamwork. You can’t just charge in solo and expect to win. Coordinating resupply drops, reviving fallen teammates (especially while under fire), and working in sync to overcome waves of enemies is crucial to success. The game even features friendly fire, adding a layer of tension and making you mindful of your surroundings and your squadmates.
Beyond the Battlefield: Humor, Visual Variety, and a Fair Live Service Model
Helldivers 2 doesn’t just excel in action, it also delivers on humor, visuals, and a fair and transparent live service model:
Humor: A Starship Troopers-esque Satire
Helldivers 2 is dripping with humor, from its over-the-top militarist propaganda to its hilarious battle cries. The game pokes fun at patriotic rhetoric and the absurdity of war, creating a uniquely tongue-in-cheek atmosphere. The humor isn’t just silly, it’s actually quite clever and allows the game to avoid taking itself too seriously.
Visuals: Epic Explosions and Diverse Environments
Helldivers 2 is a feast for the eyes, boasting stunning detailed environments, diverse planets ranging from desolate deserts to icy lunar landscapes, and the grand spectacle of orbital missile strikes. These colossal explosions are visually striking, leaving you in awe of the sheer power and devastation they unleash, adding to the immersive experience.
Live Service: Fair and Balanced
Helldivers 2 utilizes a transparent live service model, offering a fair way to unlock new weapons, armor, and equipment. Though there’s the option to purchase in-game currency with real money, the game isn’t pay-to-win. The game focuses on a steady progression system, earning rewards through gameplay, making it a refreshing change from many other live service games that heavily rely on microtransactions.
The Challenges of Success: Server Issues and Addressing Player Concerns
Helldivers 2 has experienced its fair share of server issues since launch, stemming from its massive popularity. However, Arrowhead Game Studios have been diligently working on addressing these issues. Updates have stabilized servers, improved matchmaking, and addressed game balancing concerns. Despite these early stumbles, the developers have shown a commitment to listening to player feedback and making necessary changes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Helldivers 2: A Shining Example of Co-op Fun
Helldivers 2 is more than just another online shooter. It’s a game that has captured the imagination of players worldwide, reminding us of the joy and excitement of cooperative gameplay. It’s a game that’s not afraid to embrace its own unique identity, its humor, and its commitment to providing an engaging and rewarding experience. With its emphasis on teamwork, strategic play, and a fair live service model, Helldivers 2 offers a true escape from the grind, reminding us why we love playing video games with others. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its unique appeal, and it’s a game that continues to evolve and grow, ensuring a lasting and passionate community.
Pros:
- Fun and engaging gameplay
- Tongue-in-cheek tone
- Explosive weapons
- Simple, effective mission structure
- Diverse environments
- Fair pricing
Cons:
- Server issues
- Jumping into online matches can take time
- Needs more diverse missions
Rating (out of 10): 8
Helldivers 2 released February 8 on PS5 and PC.
Pricing starts at Rs. 2,499 for the Standard Edition on Steam for PC and PlayStation Store for PS5.
