Helldivers II (2024): The Review

Overview

Helldivers 2 is an absolute blast, especially when playing with friends, family, or anyone you might “accidentally” crush under a falling supply drop. Shifting from an isometric co-op shooter to a third-person perspective completely changes how the game feels, even though the mission to spread freedom and democracy remains just as chaotic and entertaining.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

Helldivers 2 takes everything that worked in the first game and amplifies it in all the right ways. The switch to a third-person perspective transforms the gameplay, making combat feel more dynamic and reducing accidental friendly fire without removing the chaos that defines the series. Missions remain tense and rewarding, with varying difficulty levels and objectives that let you tackle challenges your way, whether you focus on completing every side objective for maximum rewards or rush straight to the main goal. The game nails the sense of being overwhelmed by hordes while still giving you the tools to survive and thrive.

The live-service model is surprisingly well executed. Instead of feeling like a grind for arbitrary materials, you now have meaningful rewards and goals through a pseudo battle pass system. You can unlock new weapons, armor, and cosmetics while having the freedom to choose what you want. Armor now plays a functional role rather than just looking flashy, adding a layer of strategy to squad loadouts. Weapons and stratagems are abundant and varied, allowing you to experiment with different playstyles, whether that’s stacking sentries, calling down multiple airstrikes, or diving headfirst into combat with unconventional setups.

Performance and polish are strong points, too. The graphics run smoothly with no noticeable frame drops during missions, and the overall optimization ensures that even chaotic firefights feel satisfying. The game keeps the core Helldivers spirit intact while leaning into its tongue-in-cheek military parody. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, and the moment-to-moment gameplay is perfectly suited for co-op. Squads of four can coordinate loadouts, designate roles, and maximize each mission’s potential, making teamwork genuinely rewarding.

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The Negatives ⚠️

Despite its improvements, Helldivers 2 isn’t without flaws. The jumping dive mechanic can feel awkward, occasionally leaving you stuck in a prone position while mobs swarm, which can lead to frustrating deaths. While the third-person perspective reduces friendly fire, it hasn’t eliminated it entirely, so chaotic mishaps still occur.

The transition to a live-service model introduces potential FOMO for players. Seasonal events, missions, or timed rewards may require extended play to fully experience, which could turn off those who prefer a more self-contained co-op experience. Crashes remain an issue for some, particularly when accessing the Armory or joining lobbies, and there are ongoing concerns with the anti-cheat system nProtect Gameguard, which may deter certain players.

Finally, while the game’s content and systems are robust, the reliance on grinding to unlock everything, even if it’s more enjoyable than before, might feel tedious for some. The balance between rewarding progression and repetitive mission loops is mostly solid, but those looking for a purely casual co-op experience could be put off by the commitment required to fully explore and optimize all weapons, armor, and stratagems.

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The Experience 🎮

Playing Helldivers 2 feels like stepping into a perfectly chaotic playground. Whether flying into battle, coordinating with a squad, or experimenting with new weapon combinations, every moment is filled with energy, tension, and laughs. The third-person perspective enhances the sense of control, making strategic planning and improvisation feel more natural while still letting the chaos reign. Missions are satisfying to complete, but exploration, experimentation, and teamwork elevate the experience far beyond simple objectives.

The thrill of mastering new weapons, stacking stratagems, and experimenting with armor builds keeps you engaged, while the live-service model provides meaningful goals and progression without feeling intrusive. Even when things go wrong, getting swarmed by hordes, mis-timing a dive, or accidentally flattening a teammate, it’s all part of the fun. Each mission reinforces the cooperative and frenetic identity of the series, making squad coordination both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, Helldivers 2 is unapologetically designed for enjoyment. It captures the heart of the first game while expanding its systems in thoughtful ways, creating a co-op shooter that’s chaotic, strategic, and endlessly replayable. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer, it’s a game that makes you feel like part of a manic, unstoppable team dedicated to spreading “freedom and democracy”, with occasional collateral damage included.