Helldivers 2 Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Helldivers 2 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Autodesk Stingray |
| Genre | Third-Person Shooter, Co-operative, Action |
| Initial Release | 2024-02-08 |
| Developer | Arrowhead Game Studios |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Setting | Sci-Fi Galaxy, Super Earth Territory, various hostile alien planets |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Windows PC (Steam) |
| Multiplayer | Up to 4-Player Online Co-op PvE |
| 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'. |
Helldivers 2 System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low settings, ~30 FPS) – Low Preset, 1080p resolution.
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p, Medium settings, ~60 FPS) – Medium Preset, 1080p resolution, aiming for 60 FPS.
1440p
tune Performance (Targets 1440p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High Preset, 1440p resolution, aiming for 60 FPS.
2160p
tune Ultra (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Very High settings, ~60 FPS) – High/Very High Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution, aiming for 60 FPS.
Helldivers 2 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 is required. Windows 11 (64-bit) is also fully supported and recommended for newer hardware.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 is required as per official specifications. The game does not feature ray tracing.
- save_altStorage Note: 100 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is strongly recommended for faster loading times and asset streaming. Ensure at least 100 GB of free disk space.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: 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: 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.
Helldivers 2: Post-Launch Content / DLC
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.
Helldivers 2: Game Editions
Standard Edition (base game). Super Citizen Edition (base game, 'DP-53 Savior of the Free' Armor Set, 'Will of the People' Cape, 'MP-98 Knight' SMG, Super Citizen Status, Stratagem Hero Ship Game, and 'Steeled Veterans' Premium Warbond).
Helldivers 2: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Yes, Helldivers 2 supports full crossplay between PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5. Players can team up and add friends across platforms using a friend code system.
Helldivers 2 Specific Game Elements
Helldivers 2 Weapons
- securityAC-8 Autocannon (Support Weapon (Stratagem))
Powerful cannon effective against medium-armored targets and enemy emplacements. Requires a backpack for ammo.
- securityAR-23 Liberator (Primary Weapon (Assault Rifle))
Standard issue assault rifle. Balanced performance for various combat scenarios.
- securityEAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank (Support Weapon (Stratagem))
Single-use rocket launchers called in pairs. Quick deployment for dealing with armored threats.
- securityG-12 High Explosive (Grenade)
Standard fragmentation grenade with a good blast radius.
- securityGR-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.
- securityLAS-16 Sickle (Primary Weapon (Energy-based Rifle))
Laser rifle that doesn't consume ammo but can overheat. Good for sustained fire if managed well.
- securityLAS-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.
- securityP-19 Redeemer (Secondary Weapon (Machine Pistol))
Fully automatic pistol, excellent for close-quarters panic situations or finishing off wounded enemies.
- securitySG-225 Breaker (Primary Weapon (Shotgun))
High-damage shotgun, very effective at close range against most enemy types.
Helldivers 2 Vehicles
- directions_carEXO-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.
- directions_carHellbomb (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.
- directions_carVarious 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.
Helldivers 2 Characters
- personAutomatons - 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.
- personDemocracy 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'.
- personHelldiver - Player Character / Elite Soldier of Super Earth (playable)
The player-controlled elite soldier. Appearance and capabilities are highly customizable through armor, helmets, capes, weapons, and Stratagems, allowing for diverse combat roles.
- personService Technician (various titles) - Ship Crew (NPCs)
Various crew members aboard the Super Destroyer who manage armory, ship upgrades, and other interactive elements.
- personShip 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.
- personTerminids - 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.
Top 3 Characters (Classes/Key NPCs):
Helldiver (Player): Not a fixed class, but a highly customizable soldier whose role is defined by their chosen armor (with passive perks), weapons, and Stratagems. 2. Ship Master (NPC): The commanding officer on the player's Super Destroyer, providing mission briefings, updates on the Galactic War, and managing ship services. 3. Democracy Officer (NPC): An enthusiastic NPC aboard the ship who delivers satirical patriotic dialogue and reinforces the game's 'Managed Democracy' theme.
Helldivers 2 Missions / Objectives
- flagBlitz: Search and Destroy
Objective: Quickly locate and destroy a number of enemy outposts (Nests or Fabricators) within a short time limit before extraction.
- flagEliminate High-Value Target
Objective: Hunt down and defeat powerful boss-type enemies like Bile Titans, Brood Commanders, or heavily fortified Automaton positions.
- flagEradication Missions
Objective: Eliminate a target number of enemies (Terminids or Automatons) within a fortified area. Often involves defending against waves of attackers.
- flagEvacuate High-Value Assets / Personnel
Objective: Locate and escort civilian scientists or retrieve sensitive research data to an extraction point while under enemy attack.
- flagICBM Launch / SEAF Artillery Activation
Objective: 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.
- flagObjective Raids / Sabotage
Objective: 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).
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Examples):
Terminid Brood / Destroy Automaton Outpost: Focuses on enemy elimination and destruction of key structures like Shrieker Lairs or Fabricators. 2. Launch ICBM / Upload Escape Pod Data / Conduct Geological Survey: Multi-stage objectives requiring interaction, defense, and often precise Stratagem use. 3. Eliminate Bile Titan / Annihilate Automaton Command Bunker: Target high-value enemy units or heavily fortified positions, often serving as boss-like encounters.
Helldivers 2 Companions / Summons
- groupOther Players (Fellow Helldivers) (Human (Helldivers))
Ability: 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.
Helldivers 2 Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkMedals
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkRequisition Slips
Location/Use: Standard in-game currency earned from completing missions and operations. Used to unlock new Stratagems for use in missions.
- collections_bookmarkSamples (Common, Rare, Super)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkSuper Credits
Location/Use: 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.
Top 3 Collectibles:
(Common, Rare, Super): Found in missions, used to upgrade Ship Modules for permanent Stratagem and ship enhancements. 2. Medals: Earned from completing missions and personal/major orders, used to unlock items in both free and premium Warbonds. 3. Super Credits: Premium currency found in small amounts in missions or purchased, used for Premium Warbonds and rotating cosmetic items in the Superstore.
Helldivers 2 Armor
- shieldB-01 Tactical Armor
Focus/Stats: Medium Armor. Perk: Extra Padding (Higher armor rating).
- shieldCM-09 Bonesnapper Armor
Focus/Stats: Medium Armor. Perk: Med-Kit (Increases initial inventory and holding capacity of Stims by +2. Increases Stim effect duration by 2.0s).
- shieldDP-53 Savior of the Free Armor
Focus/Stats: Medium Armor (Super Citizen Edition). Perk: Democracy Protects (50% chance to not die when taking lethal damage. Prevents all damage from chest hemorrhages).
- shieldFS-02 Marksman Armor
Focus/Stats: Heavy Armor. Perk: Fortified (Further reduces recoil when crouching or prone by 30%. Provides 50% resistance to explosive damage).
- shieldSC-34 Infiltrator Armor
Focus/Stats: 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%).
Helldivers 2 Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomArmor Sets, Helmets, and Capes
Details: 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.
Helldivers 2 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
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.
- labelUser Interface
Features a clean, often diegetic UI. Key elements include the Galactic War map for mission selection, a unique Stratagem call-in system (directional inputs), compass, minimap, and clear indicators for health, stamina, ammo, and team status.
- labelSound and Music
Composed by Wilbert Roget, II. The soundtrack is an epic orchestral score inspired by satirical sci-fi action films, enhancing the game's patriotic fervor. Weapon sound design is impactful, and environmental audio contributes to immersion.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
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.
- labelAccessibility Features
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.
- labelStory and Setting
Set a century after the events of Helldivers, Super Earth faces new threats. The insectoid Terminids are breaching containment from their farm planets, while the robotic Automatons launch a campaign from the west. Players are Helldivers, elite soldiers deployed to hostile planets to fight for Managed Democracy. The narrative unfolds via the community-driven Galactic War, where collective player actions impact the frontlines and story progression through Major Orders.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Galactic War)
The game features a dynamic galaxy map divided into sectors, each with multiple planets. Planets are procedurally generated, offering diverse biomes (e.g., desert, jungle, ice, volcanic, E-710 farms, toxic) and environmental hazards (e.g., meteor showers, fire tornadoes, ion storms, tremors, spore spewers). Mission areas are large, open maps encouraging tactical exploration.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Stratagems, Ship Modules, Warbonds)
Progression involves: 1. Stratagems: Air-dropped support (weapons, vehicles like the EXO-45 Patriot Exosuit, supplies, orbital strikes) unlocked with Requisition Slips and upgraded via Ship Modules. 2. Ship Modules: Permanent upgrades for the player's Super Destroyer, enhancing Stratagems or Helldiver abilities, unlocked with Samples collected in missions. 3. Warbonds: Multi-page catalogs (like battle passes) for unlocking weapons, armor, capes, helmets, emotes, and Super Credits, using Medals earned from missions. Includes free and premium Warbonds.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Examples, Meta Dependent)
- 1. SG-225 Breaker (Shotgun): Versatile primary for close to mid-range. 2. LAS-99 Quasar Cannon (Support Weapon): Powerful energy cannon effective against heavy armor. 3. AC-8 Autocannon (Support Weapon): Good for medium armor and objectives. 4. Eagle Airstrike (Offensive Stratagem): Quick and effective area denial. 5. Orbital Laser (Offensive Stratagem): High-damage beam for large threats.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Stratagem System: The iconic mechanic of calling in powerful orbital support, weapons, vehicles, or defensive emplacements using unique directional input codes, crucial for survival and mission success. 2. Persistent Friendly Fire: A core design element where all damage, including from teammates, affects players, demanding careful positioning, communication, and leading to emergent, often chaotic, fun. 3. Galactic War: A dynamic, community-driven metagame where the combined efforts of all players influence the liberation or defense of planets and sectors, shaping the ongoing narrative and unlocking new content.
Helldivers 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What is Helldivers 2?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.
- help_outline When was Helldivers 2 released?Helldivers 2 was released on February 8, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC.
- help_outline Is Helldivers 2 a sequel?Yes, it is the sequel to the 2015 top-down shooter Helldivers.
- help_outline Does Helldivers 2 have crossplay?Yes, Helldivers 2 supports full crossplay between PlayStation 5 and PC players.
- help_outline Can I play Helldivers 2 solo?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.
- help_outline Is there PvP in Helldivers 2?No, Helldivers 2 is a purely PvE (Player versus Environment) game. Friendly fire is always active, however.
- help_outline How does the Galactic War work?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.
- help_outline What are Stratagems?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.