Helldivers 2 Review - A Brutal But Brilliant Cooperative Shooter

Helldivers 2 transforms the top-down shooter of its predecessor into a third-person cooperative experience that maintains everything fans loved about the original while adding intense new dimensions to its gameplay. Though punishingly difficult at times, its blend of tactical combat, team coordination, and satirical humor creates an addictive loop that keeps you coming back for more planetary liberation.

Helldivers 2 masterfully evolves from its top-down roots into a third-person shooter without losing its core identity. The game drops you onto hostile planets teeming with three distinct enemy factions: the insectoid Terminids, machine armies of the Automatons, and newly introduced cyborg legions. Each faction demands different tactical approaches, keeping missions fresh and challenging.

The combat system shines through its blend of direct action and strategic elements. Your primary weapons pack a satisfying punch, but it's the support weapons and stratagems that elevate the experience. Calling in orbital strikes, defensive turrets, or supply drops requires inputting specific button combinations while potentially under fire – a mechanic that adds tension and skill expression to every mission. This creates moments of both triumph and hilarious failure as players juggle combat and support actions.

Mission variety keeps the gameplay loop engaging. Whether defending extraction points, destroying nests, or sabotaging enemy installations, each objective feels purposeful within the larger "galactic war" metagame. The difficulty scales dramatically with higher-level missions, demanding precise teamwork and loadout optimization.

The progression system cleverly avoids common pitfalls by making new equipment sidegrades rather than direct upgrades. A basic laser rifle can be just as effective as late-game weapons when used properly, keeping early-game content relevant. Ship upgrades and perk selections offer meaningful customization without creating power gaps between players.

Perhaps most impressively, Helldivers 2 nails its cooperative elements. The friendly fire system, often a contentious feature, enhances rather than frustrates. It forces teams to communicate and position thoughtfully, leading to genuine moments of coordinated excellence or catastrophic chain reactions that become memorable war stories.