Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter where space marines deploy on random missions to complete objectives while surviving two different enemy factions.
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Story & Themes
Helldivers 2 is a cooperative third-person shooter that pits space-faring human soldiers against two different enemy factions: the robotic automatons and the bug-like Terminids. Players choose a procedurally generated mission on an alien planet, completing random objectives and side objectives while surviving against enemy forces.
In addition to various weapons, players can deploy powerful strategems. Strategems range from huge orbital strikes, to defensive turrets, to specialized weapons and drones.
Up to four online players can join a squad and complete missions together. Players have a limited pool of lives for each mission, and must work together to survive, while completing as many objectives as possible before extracting.
Helldivers 2 does not have a formal campaign mode, but ongoing updates and events help create a shared sense of storytelling. The sci-fi military theme is tongue-in-cheek, and heavily influenced by the 1997 film Starship Troopers.
Save Points
The game saves between missions, which can last 40 minutes or more.
Difficulty
Helldivers 2 features no fewer than nine difficulty levels, allowing new players to jump in and gradually ramp up their gameplay experience.
Heads Up!
Violence Combat in Helldivers 2 is fast, intense, and cinematic, with realistic gunfire, bloodsplatter, and cries of pain. However, enemies are either robots or giant bugs, making the violence more palatable than other games. For that reason, we think many teens younger than 17 should be able to handle Helldivers 2 on a case-by-case basis.
Scary Imagery The size, power, and surprise attacks by enemy forces can be frightening, but none of the enemies are designed to be horrific or scary.
Consumerism There are optional battle passes that can be purchased, allowing players to unlock more cosmetics, weapons, and armor. Currency can be slowly earned in-game, preventing the need to spend real money.
Online Community
Helldivers 2 must be played online to access missions, but can be played solo. As a co-op only game, the online community is generally very supportive and helpful. Voice chat can be used, but many players don't bother with it, preferring to use the simple ping system and emotes.
Conversation Starters
- Who is more fun (or more terrifying) to play against: the terminids, or the automatons?
- What's your go-to weapon?
- What's your favorite emote to use with your teammates?
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