Kotaku’s Essential Guide To Helldivers 2

Graphic: Images: Arrowhead Games / Kotaku, Arrowhead Game Studios, Arrowhead Game Studios / Kotaku, Arrowhead Game Studios

Available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC, Helldivers 2 from Arrowhead Game Studios feels like a 2000s-era throwback in the best possible way. Whether you’ve been playing since day one or are curious what all the fuss is about, here’s a comprehensive rundown of all our coverage of the hit shooter.

Screenshot: Arrowhead Games / Kotaku

A random player and I are surrounded by giant, alien bugs who want to rip out our guts and eat our bones. We are trying to destroy their nest, which lies in a rocky crater on some backwater alien planet. Low on ammo, out of health items, and unsure of what to do next, it seems we are screwed. But this is Helldivers 2—we have powerful tools at our disposal, like a massive airstrike or auto-turret. My squadmate calls in his airstrike before I can, runs into the fray, drops it at his feet, and begins tossing grenades. “Get outta here! I’m taking ‘em with me!” he yells. I dive over an angry insect the size of a dog and skitter out of the crater, explosions and gunfire popping off behind me. Then there is one big boom. I turn around. He did it. He saved the day, killed two dozen bugs, and destroyed their vile nest. — Zack Zwiezen

Image: Arrowhead Game Studios

Third-person cooperative shooter Helldivers 2 recently landed on PC and PS5. Featuring intense, chaotic gun fights against alien threats across the galaxy it’s proven pretty popular—so much so that you might be struggling to get into a match right now due to server load. Assuming you can get into one, I’ve rounded up a number of essential settings tucked into the game’s options that might make for a better experience. — Claire Jackson

Image: Arrowhead Game Studios / Kotaku

Greetings, fellow solitary gamer. If you’re thinking of giving the third-person co-op shooter Helldivers 2 a shot on your own, well, you’ll have your work cut out for you. Helldivers 2 is not only typically more fun with friends, much of the game’s challenges and mission structures are designed with multiple players in mind. Not to worry, you can still have fun in Helldivers 2 on your own, you’ll just need to adopt certain go-to strategies to come out alive. — Claire Jackson

Image: Arrowhead Game Studios

Co-operative PvE extraction shooter Helldivers 2 features a number of different enemy types, many of which you may have to take out to complete specific challenges. A recent challenge requiring players to take out 20 Scout Striders is one such, and it might be giving you a bit of a hard time if you’re not too experienced with taking on automatons. — Claire Jackson

Image: Arrowhead Game Studios

Online co-op shooter Helldivers 2 contains a number of nasty enemies across its Terminid and Automaton factions. The Chargers are one such foe: Large, heavily armored Terminids, they will happily charge toward you and your party to send you all to your deaths. They can prove quite a challenge if you’re not prepared, but with our tips, you can handle these imposing and deadly beasts. — Claire Jackson