Helldivers 2 vs Doom: The Dark Ages

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Up to 4-Player Online Co-op PvE
• Setting: Sci-Fi Galaxy, Super Earth Territory, various hostile alien planets
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows PC (Steam)
• Unique Feature: Intense co-op shooter with a dynamic Galactic War, iconic Stratagem system requiring input codes, persistent friendly fire, and a strong satirical tone centered around 'Managed Democracy'.

• Perspective: First-Person
• Multiplayer: To Be Determined (TBD)
• Setting: Medieval Dark Fantasy Universe, Hell, Other Realms (Speculative)
• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
• Unique Feature: Atlan Shield (Multi-purpose weapon/tool), Flail, Rideable Dragon, Atlan Mech Combat, Medieval Doom Setting.

• Other Players (Fellow Helldivers): In the primary 4-player online co-op mode, up to three other human players join the squad. Teamwork involves coordinated fire, sharing support weapons, effective Stratagem deployment, reviving downed teammates, and completing objectives together under the constant threat of friendly fire.
  Human (Helldivers)

• Samples (Common, Rare, Super): Found during missions, scattered around the map, at points of interest, or in nests/fabricators. Used to purchase Ship Module upgrades for the Super Destroyer, providing permanent buffs to Stratagems and player abilities.
• Medals: Earned by completing missions, entire operations, and personal/major orders. Used as currency to unlock weapons, armor, cosmetics, and other items from the pages of Warbonds.
• Super Credits: Premium currency. Small amounts can be found in missions at minor points of interest (e.g., sealed pods, bunkers). Can also be purchased with real money. Used to buy Premium Warbonds and cosmetic items from the rotating Superstore.
• Requisition Slips: Standard in-game currency earned from completing missions and operations. Used to unlock new Stratagems for use in missions.

• Lore Items (Codices, Scrolls, Tablets): Hidden throughout levels, providing backstory on the world, demons, the Slayer's history, and the 'Dark Ages' setting. (Speculative based on franchise)
• Upgrade Materials/Tokens: Used to upgrade weapons, the Slayer's armor/shield, and potentially other abilities. Found in secret areas or as rewards. (Speculative based on franchise)
• Secret Encounters / Hidden Challenges: Optional combat arenas or platforming sections that reward players with collectibles or upgrade points. (Speculative based on franchise)
• Figurines/Toys (Possible): A staple collectible in modern Doom games, could return with a medieval/demonic theme. (Speculative)

• Cooperative Gameplay
• Satire
• Sci-Fi Warfare
• Galactic War
• Patriotism (Parody)
• Alien Extermination
• Teamwork
• High-Octane Action
• Procedural Generation

• Medieval Warfare
• Demonic Invasion
• Dark Fantasy
• Origin Story (Doom Slayer)
• Brutal Combat
• Hell
• Sentinel History
• Mythic Power
• Rage

• AR-23 Liberator: Primary Weapon (Assault Rifle)
  Standard issue assault rifle. Balanced performance for various combat scenarios.
• SG-225 Breaker: Primary Weapon (Shotgun)
  High-damage shotgun, very effective at close range against most enemy types.
• LAS-16 Sickle: Primary Weapon (Energy-based Rifle)
  Laser rifle that doesn't consume ammo but can overheat. Good for sustained fire if managed well.
• P-19 Redeemer: Secondary Weapon (Machine Pistol)
  Fully automatic pistol, excellent for close-quarters panic situations or finishing off wounded enemies.
• AC-8 Autocannon: Support Weapon (Stratagem)
  Powerful cannon effective against medium-armored targets and enemy emplacements. Requires a backpack for ammo.
• LAS-99 Quasar Cannon: Support Weapon (Stratagem)
  Energy cannon that charges up a powerful shot capable of destroying heavily armored foes. Has a cooldown instead of ammo.
• GR-8 Recoilless Rifle: Support Weapon (Stratagem)
  Anti-tank weapon that requires a teammate to assist with reloading for optimal efficiency, or a slow solo reload.
• EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank: Support Weapon (Stratagem)
  Single-use rocket launchers called in pairs. Quick deployment for dealing with armored threats.
• G-12 High Explosive: Grenade
  Standard fragmentation grenade with a good blast radius.

• Atlan Shield: Shield/Melee/Projectile
  A versatile shield capable of blocking attacks, bashing enemies, and being thrown as a devastating spinning sawblade. Likely to have upgrade paths. (Confirmed from trailer)
• Flail: Melee (Swinging)
  A new medieval-style spiked flail for brutal close-quarters combat. (Confirmed from trailer)
• Super Shotgun: Shotgun (Close Range, High Damage)
  The iconic double-barreled shotgun, a staple of the Doom franchise. Likely features a meat hook or similar grappling ability. (Confirmed from trailer)
• Skull-Crusher (Spiked Club/Mace): Melee (Heavy Impact)
  A heavy, spiked club or mace seen in the trailer, suggesting powerful, bone-shattering melee attacks. (Confirmed from trailer)
• Chaingun / Heavy Cannon Variant: Automatic Firearm (Sustained Fire)
  A rapid-firing weapon, likely a precursor or variant of the Chaingun or Heavy Cannon, for dealing continuous damage. (Seen in trailer)
• Other Firearms (Expected): Various (Pistol, Plasma Rifle, Rocket Launcher, etc.)
  While not all shown, classic Doom firearms or their medieval equivalents are expected to return in some form. (Speculative)
• Throwable Projectiles/Bombs (Expected): Explosive/Utility
  Likely to include grenade-like projectiles or other throwable devices, possibly with a medieval twist. (Speculative)

• B-01 Tactical Armor: Medium Armor. Perk: Extra Padding (Higher armor rating).
• SC-34 Infiltrator Armor: Light Armor. Perk: Scout (Markers placed on the map generate radar scans every 2.0s. Reduces range at which enemies can detect the wearer by 30%).
• FS-02 Marksman Armor: Heavy Armor. Perk: Fortified (Further reduces recoil when crouching or prone by 30%. Provides 50% resistance to explosive damage).
• DP-53 Savior of the Free Armor: Medium Armor (Super Citizen Edition). Perk: Democracy Protects (50% chance to not die when taking lethal damage. Prevents all damage from chest hemorrhages).
• CM-09 Bonesnapper Armor: Medium Armor. Perk: Med-Kit (Increases initial inventory and holding capacity of Stims by +2. Increases Stim effect duration by 2.0s).

• Doom Slayer's Armor (Dark Ages Variant): The Doom Slayer will undoubtedly wear a powerful suit of armor, likely a precursor or a thematically different version of the Praetor Suit. It will offer significant protection and serve as the basis for upgrades enhancing health, armor capacity, and other combat attributes. Specific stats and upgrade paths TBD.

• Armor Sets, Helmets, and Capes: Players can unlock a wide variety of armor sets, helmets, and capes. Armor sets provide stats (armor rating, speed, stamina regen) and passive perks. Helmets and capes are primarily cosmetic. Items are unlocked via Warbonds (free and premium) or purchased from the Superstore using Super Credits. Examples: 'Trailblazer Scout' Armor, 'Executioner's Hood' Helmet, 'Dissident's Nightmare' Cape.

• Doom Slayer's Armor Set: The primary 'clothing' will be the Slayer's suit of armor. Customization options are TBD but, based on Doom Eternal, could include different armor skins/colorways unlocked through progression or challenges. (Speculative)

Likely to retain core Doom mechanics: weapon mods, suit upgrades (Praetor Suit or its precursor), and possibly Runes. New mechanics tied to the Atlan shield (defensive, offensive, traversal) and potentially the Flail are expected. Progression may involve unlocking new abilities or enhancements for these new tools. Resource management for upgrades will likely return.

• EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit: Player-Piloted Combat Walker (Stratagem)
  A bipedal combat walker called in via Stratagem. Equipped with a rocket launcher on one arm and a heavy machine gun on the other. Provides significant firepower and armor but has limited ammunition and durability.
• Hellbomb: Static Explosive Device (Stratagem)
  A powerful, large explosive device called in to destroy major objectives like buildings or heavily armored targets. Requires arming and has a lengthy detonation timer.
• Various Turrets (e.g., Gatling Sentry, Mortar Sentry, Autocannon Sentry): Deployable Defensive Emplacement (Stratagem)
  Automated turrets that can be called in to provide covering fire or defend an area. They have limited ammo/lifespan and are susceptible to friendly fire and enemy attacks.

• Atlan Mech: Large Bipedal Walker / War Machine
  A massive, heavily armed mech shown in the trailer, piloted by the Doom Slayer for large-scale combat against giant demons or fortified enemy positions. (Confirmed from trailer)
• Rideable Dragon-like Beast (Cyber-Dragon): Aerial Mount / Living Weapon
  The Doom Slayer is shown riding a large, winged, cybernetically-enhanced dragon-like creature, suggesting aerial combat and/or traversal sequences. (Confirmed from trailer)

• Helldiver: Player Character / Elite Soldier of Super Earth
  The player-controlled elite soldier. Appearance and capabilities are highly customizable through armor, helmets, capes, weapons, and Stratagems, allowing for diverse combat roles.
• Ship Master: Commanding Officer (NPC) on Player's Super Destroyer
  Provides mission briefings, ship services (like Stratagem and Ship Module purchases), and commentary on the ongoing Galactic War.
• Democracy Officer: Ideological Officer (NPC) on Player's Super Destroyer
  Delivers satirical patriotic dialogue, manages Super Citizen status, and reinforces the game's themes of 'Managed Democracy'.
• Service Technician (various titles): Ship Crew (NPCs)
  Various crew members aboard the Super Destroyer who manage armory, ship upgrades, and other interactive elements.
• Terminids: Hostile Alien Faction (Insectoid)
  A bug-like alien race that reproduces rapidly and relies on swarming tactics and melee attacks. Includes units like Scavengers, Hunters, Warriors, Chargers, Brood Commanders, and Bile Titans.
• Automatons: Hostile Alien Faction (Robotic)
  A faction of heavily armed robots and cyborgs. Utilize ranged weaponry, fortifications, and powerful war machines. Includes units like Troopers, Devastators, Hulks, Tanks, and Factory Striders.

• Doom Slayer (The Slayer): Protagonist
  The legendary warrior destined to fight the armies of Hell. This game explores an earlier chapter of his story, potentially his origins or first major conflicts, showcasing his raw power and unrelenting rage in a medieval dark fantasy setting.
• Supporting Characters (Speculative): Allies / Quest Givers / Lore Figures (TBD)
  May include figures from Sentinel lore, leaders of human kingdoms, or other entities (angelic or otherwise) involved in the war against Hell. Specifics are currently unknown.
• Primary Antagonists (Speculative): High-Ranking Demons / Dark Lords / Corrupted Leaders (TBD)
  The game will feature powerful demonic leaders or corrupted beings orchestrating Hell's invasion. Specific characters are yet to be revealed.

• Eradication Missions
  Eliminate a target number of enemies (Terminids or Automatons) within a fortified area. Often involves defending against waves of attackers.
• Objective Raids / Sabotage
  Infiltrate enemy territory to destroy key structures (e.g., Automaton Fabricators, Terminid Nests, Spore Spewers, Illegal Broadcast Towers) or retrieve critical data/items (e.g., SSSD Hard Drive).
• ICBM Launch / SEAF Artillery Activation
  Complete a sequence of tasks to prepare and launch an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or activate S اہم Earth Armed Forces (SEAF) artillery, often requiring defense of multiple points.
• Evacuate High-Value Assets / Personnel
  Locate and escort civilian scientists or retrieve sensitive research data to an extraction point while under enemy attack.
• Blitz: Search and Destroy
  Quickly locate and destroy a number of enemy outposts (Nests or Fabricators) within a short time limit before extraction.
• Eliminate High-Value Target
  Hunt down and defeat powerful boss-type enemies like Bile Titans, Brood Commanders, or heavily fortified Automaton positions.

• Campaign Story Missions
  A series of linear and/or hub-based missions progressing the main narrative of the Doom Slayer's fight against demonic forces in a medieval setting. Specific mission names and objectives are To Be Determined (TBD).
• Secret Encounters / Optional Combat Challenges
  Hidden or optional combat arenas offering intense fights for rewards like upgrade points or collectibles, similar to those in Doom Eternal. (Speculative)
• Exploration & Collectible Hunting
  Levels are expected to feature numerous secrets, lore items, and collectibles, encouraging thorough exploration. (Speculative based on franchise)

The core experience is 4-player online co-operative PvE. Players select missions from the Galactic War map, customize loadouts, and deploy to planets. Friendly fire is always enabled, emphasizing teamwork and careful engagement. There are no PvP modes.

Arrowhead Game Studios provides ongoing free and paid content updates, including: New Warbonds (premium battle passes with weapons/armor), Major Orders (community-wide narrative events), new Stratagems (e.g., Exosuits), new enemy types and variants (e.g., Shriekers, Factory Striders), and potential new biomes. The game receives regular patches for balance and bug fixes.

• Q: What is Helldivers 2?
  A: Helldivers 2 is a third-person cooperative multiplayer shooter developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Players take on the role of Helldivers, elite soldiers fighting for Super Earth against alien threats in a satirical sci-fi setting.
• Q: When was Helldivers 2 released?
  A: Helldivers 2 was released on February 8, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC.
• Q: Is Helldivers 2 a sequel?
  A: Yes, it is the sequel to the 2015 top-down shooter Helldivers.
• Q: Does Helldivers 2 have crossplay?
  A: Yes, Helldivers 2 supports full crossplay between PlayStation 5 and PC players.
• Q: Can I play Helldivers 2 solo?
  A: Yes, Helldivers 2 can be played solo, but it is primarily designed and balanced for 4-player co-op. Playing solo can be significantly more challenging.
• Q: Is there PvP in Helldivers 2?
  A: No, Helldivers 2 is a purely PvE (Player versus Environment) game. Friendly fire is always active, however.
• Q: How does the Galactic War work?
  A: The Galactic War is a persistent, community-driven metagame where all players' actions (completing operations on planets) contribute to the war effort against the Terminid and Automaton factions. Super Earth command issues Major Orders, guiding the community towards specific strategic goals, which can unlock new lore, Stratagems, or affect the war map.
• Q: What are Stratagems?
  A: Stratagems are powerful abilities, weapons, vehicles, or supplies that Helldivers can call down from orbit during missions. They are activated by inputting unique directional button/key sequences and are crucial for success.

• Q: Is Doom: The Dark Ages a sequel to Doom Eternal?
  A: No, it is a prequel, set before the events of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, exploring an earlier period in the Doom Slayer's history.
• Q: What is the Atlan shield?
  A: The Atlan is a new piece of equipment for the Doom Slayer. It's a throwable shield that can also be used for blocking attacks and likely has other offensive and defensive capabilities, possibly aiding in traversal.
• Q: Will there be multiplayer?
  A: Multiplayer modes have not yet been confirmed for Doom: The Dark Ages. Details are To Be Determined (TBD).
• Q: Can you ride a dragon?
  A: Yes, the reveal trailer showed the Doom Slayer riding a large, cybernetic-looking dragon-like creature, suggesting mount-based combat or traversal will be a feature.
• Q: Is this game set in Earth's medieval times?
  A: It appears to be set in a different universe or dimension with a medieval dark fantasy aesthetic, possibly related to Sentinel Prime's history or other worlds connected to the Doom lore, rather than historical Earth.

Utilizes the Autodesk Stingray engine, delivering detailed character models, varied alien biomes, and impressive environmental effects like explosions, weather, and lighting. Enemy designs are distinct and contribute to the game's intense atmosphere.

Powered by the latest id Tech engine, visuals will aim for cutting-edge fidelity, featuring detailed environments blending medieval architecture with demonic corruption, visceral gore, and spectacular particle effects. Ray tracing and other advanced rendering techniques are expected.

Expected to feature an intense, heavy metal soundtrack driving the action, possibly by a new composer or a collaboration maintaining the franchise's signature style. Immersive sound design for demonic roars, weapon impacts, and environmental ambience is a staple and anticipated.

Includes customizable subtitles (size, background), aim assist options, full control remapping for KBM and controller, aim/sprint mode toggles, separate sensitivity sliders, reticle customization, and text chat with Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text options.

• OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for HELLDIVERS 2 (Released Feb 2024). This information is based on official PC specifications. Laptop GPU mentions are estimated based on desktop counterparts.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, which is dependent on TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling. Helldivers 2 can be demanding, so ensuring good TGP and cooling will optimize the experience on laptops.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Sufficient TGP for the laptop GPU is crucial for consistent framerates, especially in intense combat scenarios.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Good cooling is essential for maintaining stable performance during long missions and heavy action.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Adequate CPU power ensures smooth gameplay, especially with many enemies and effects on screen.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal performance and reduced latency.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: The game uses its own internal temporal anti-aliasing and upscaling solution. It does not natively support NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR at launch, though this could change in future updates. Some players might utilize driver-level FSR if available.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Object Detail, Render Distance, Shadow Quality, Particle Quality, Volumetric Fog Quality, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. High enemy counts and intense particle effects can also affect framerates.
• Game Name: Helldivers 2

• SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHLY SPECULATIVE AND PLACEHOLDERS. Official requirements will be announced closer to release. Based on trends for modern AAA titles on a new id Tech engine.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP, and excellent cooling. This will likely be a demanding title.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP will be critical.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling will be essential.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits needed.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: MUX switch or Advanced Optimus highly recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Support for DLSS, FSR, and XeSS is highly probable.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Effects, and Particle Density will likely be major performance factors.
• Game Name: Doom: The Dark Ages

• Upscaling Tech: The game uses its own internal temporal anti-aliasing and upscaling solution. It does not natively support NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR at launch, though this could change in future updates. Some players might utilize driver-level FSR if available.
• Key Settings Impact: Object Detail, Render Distance, Shadow Quality, Particle Quality, Volumetric Fog Quality, and Anti-Aliasing significantly impact performance. High enemy counts and intense particle effects can also affect framerates.

• Upscaling Tech: Support for DLSS, FSR, and XeSS is highly probable.
• Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Effects, and Particle Density will likely be major performance factors.

• G P U T G P: Sufficient TGP for the laptop GPU is crucial for consistent framerates, especially in intense combat scenarios.
• Cooling Thermals: Good cooling is essential for maintaining stable performance during long missions and heavy action.
• C P U Power Limits: Adequate CPU power ensures smooth gameplay, especially with many enemies and effects on screen.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal performance and reduced latency.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP will be critical.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling will be essential.
• C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits needed.
• M U X Switch Optimus: MUX switch or Advanced Optimus highly recommended.