When Does Helldivers 2 Get Good?
Fans of Helldivers 2 often argue they immediately fell in love with the game, after a humorous intro cinematic paired with a comedy-filled introduction to the game’s mechanics. While it can take many hours to get “good” at the game, especially as player power builds through stratagems and other ship and weapons improvements, the gameplay loop is often instantly enjoyed by most third person shooter fans.
While pugging can be fun for most, fans of Helldivers 2 argue that the real joy comes from playing together with friends, as the game never takes itself too seriously.
What Fans Say
—
—
Fans of Helldivers 2 are drawn to its cooperative gameplay and strategic combat, which deliver a chaotic yet rewarding experience. The game’s shift from an isometric to a third-person perspective has been particularly well-received, adding immersion and clarity to intense battles. Many enjoy the extensive customization options, allowing players to personalize their Helldivers with unique loadouts, armor, and weaponry. The game’s commitment to tactical teamwork, including needing players to cover one another, contributes to its reputation as a challenging yet thrilling cooperative shooter. Helldivers 2 also introduces a live-service component with battle passes, bringing new missions and rewards, keeping players engaged with evolving objectives and gear.
What Haters Say
Critics of Helldivers 2 often highlight its steep learning curve, particularly for new players, and the slightly awkward movement mechanics. Unlike many shooters that emphasize agility, Helldivers 2 encourages a slower pace, sometimes resulting in frustrating limitations when maneuvering under fire. Technical issues, such as occasional crashes and login difficulties during peak times, have also frustrated players, especially in the game’s early days. The live-service model has its downsides too, with some players feeling “FOMO” over limited-time content and events.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics generally appreciate the game’s emphasis on tactical cooperation, which distinguishes Helldivers 2 from other shooters. Its third-person shift enhances gameplay dynamics, making missions more immersive and rewarding. However, the transition hasn’t been without challenges—technical hiccups, anti-cheat software issues, and a lack of agility can detract from the game’s appeal. Many reviewers feel that while the game’s storyline is minimal, the engaging mission structure and evolving live-service features balance this with continuous content and improvements. Overall, Helldivers 2 is praised as a unique co-op experience despite some technical limitations).
Overview of Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 takes players to a futuristic battlefield where they join an elite team from “Super Earth” with the mission of spreading democracy across hostile planets. The game emphasizes cooperation, with players needing to rely on squad tactics to survive each mission. As players progress, they unlock new weapons, armor, and stratagems to improve their performance in combat. Missions are highly customizable, with different objectives and challenges that require precise teamwork to accomplish.
The visuals in Helldivers 2 are a significant improvement over the first game, and the switch to third-person provides a more immersive experience. The game’s audio design—filled with explosions, atmospheric soundtrack, and character dialogue—adds a layer of depth that complements its militaristic theme. The live-service model, while polarizing, allows continuous content updates, ensuring players always have new missions and gear to explore. Despite some flaws, Helldivers 2 is a memorable co-op game, combining strategy, action, and humor into a package that appeals to fans of tactical shooters and team-based gameplay.
Similar Games to Helldivers 2
- Warframe – Offers extensive cooperative missions, varied weaponry, and skill-based combat in a sci-fi setting.
- Destiny 2 – Known for its engaging PvE and PvP experiences, cooperative missions, and loot-based progression.
- Deep Rock Galactic – A cooperative shooter with procedurally generated environments, teamwork-focused objectives, and unique character abilities.
- Remnant: From the Ashes – A third-person shooter featuring challenging combat, cooperative play, and rogue-like elements.
- Left 4 Dead 2 – A classic co-op shooter that remains popular for its tense, zombie-survival missions and teamwork demands.
If You Like These, You’ll Like “Helldivers 2”:
- Gears of War 5 – Blends cooperative combat with a sci-fi narrative, similar to Helldivers 2’s emphasis on squad strategy.
- Risk of Rain 2 – A roguelike co-op shooter with fast-paced combat and extensive character progression.
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite – A co-op shooter where teams fight through waves of enemies, reminiscent of Helldivers 2’s tactical playstyle.
- Outriders – Offers team-based action with sci-fi elements and unique character classes, ideal for fans of intense and strategic co-op combat.
These recommendations provide options for players who enjoy team-based tactical shooters or co-op gameplay experiences with strong sci-fi elements. Helldivers 2 is a strategic shooter with a heavy emphasis on coordination and progression, making it a notable choice for fans of the genre.