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Play Overview
Helldivers 2 (2024) is a cooperative shooting game where you travel to other worlds and repel an alien invasion. You must use team tactics and communication to defeat hordes of insectoid enemies with guns, grenades and airstrikes. A sequel to Helldivers, it retains the same 80's B-movie cheese and over-the-top drama but shifts to an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective. It stands out for how each mission contributes to a single ongoing war to win back the planets, and the emergent tactics players use to both great effect or hilarious disaster.
When the very fabric of civilisation comes under threat from an invasion of hideous aliens, it's up to you to protect the dominion of Super Earth and stand up for freedom, justice, and liberty in the galaxy. After a brief induction to the Helldivers program of elite (but disposable) fighters, you're sent into the galaxy to begin your fight for liberty.
Play involves using a selection of guns and grenades to shoot hostile alien creatures in real-time. Each level has a specific objective, such as destroying a target or launching a rocket. In addition to your standard weapons, you can deploy useful gadgets such as shields and turrets, and even call in air strikes. The game is designed to be played cooperatively with other people, where you need well-considered strategies that lean on each player's strengths.
When a team member dies, they can respawn, but only a certain number of times, and if you run out of lives or fail to complete the objective in time, you lose the level and have to try again. As you play, you can upgrade your strength and unlock new cosmetics, weapons, and gadgets to use, letting you take on ever harder challenges. The game is continually updated with new ways to play, locations, and cosmetic items, so there's always something new to do.
The result is a game that offers a tough challenge that stems as much from effective communication and teamwork as it does from firepower and armaments. Despite the difficulty, the cheesy setting and fast-paced action keep it engaging and fun.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Helldivers 2 10 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.
When the very fabric of civilisation comes under threat from an invasion of hideous aliens, it's up to you to protect the dominion of Super Earth and stand up for freedom, justice, and liberty in the galaxy. After a brief induction to the Helldivers program of elite (but disposable) fighters, you're sent into the galaxy to begin your fight for liberty.
Play involves using a selection of guns and grenades to shoot hostile alien creatures in real-time. Each level has a specific objective, such as destroying a target or launching a rocket. In addition to your standard weapons, you can deploy useful gadgets such as shields and turrets, and even call in air strikes. The game is designed to be played cooperatively with other people, where you need well-considered strategies that lean on each player's strengths.
When a team member dies, they can respawn, but only a certain number of times, and if you run out of lives or fail to complete the objective in time, you lose the level and have to try again. As you play, you can upgrade your strength and unlock new cosmetics, weapons, and gadgets to use, letting you take on ever harder challenges. The game is continually updated with new ways to play, locations, and cosmetic items, so there's always something new to do.
The result is a game that offers a tough challenge that stems as much from effective communication and teamwork as it does from firepower and armaments. Despite the difficulty, the cheesy setting and fast-paced action keep it engaging and fun.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Helldivers 2 10 weeks ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Helldivers 2. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
This is a Communication and Shooting game with Action and Strategy elements. You can play this by yourself or as a 4-player online game. While you can play levels alone, the game is designed to be played with a squad of four players working co-operatively, each performing specific tasks and roles. If you don't have friends to play with, the game can pair you with random players from across the world.
Cross-Play: Play across PC and PS5.
The success or failure of each team's mission contributes to the overarching fight to take control of several endangered planets. Unusually, managing this challenge and the alien forces who push back is a single person ensuring that things are kept in balance.
Cross-Play: Play across PC and PS5.
The success or failure of each team's mission contributes to the overarching fight to take control of several endangered planets. Unusually, managing this challenge and the alien forces who push back is a single person ensuring that things are kept in balance.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Duration
Play Time: It takes between 20 minutes and 45 minutes to play a round of this game. There is a timer on each mission to attempt, typically around 40 minutes long, although objectives can often be achieved before this time runs out.
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.
Rated for younger players in Australia. Rated Mature Accompanied (MA 15+) for Strong Science-Fiction Violence.
Skill Level
14+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. You not only need to have very quick reflexes and precision to aim and shoot at enemies, but also be able to strategies and communicate effectively with your teammates to come up with the best tactics to complete each mission.
Account Rating
- You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to PlayStation Plus for online play, but can create sub-accounts for younger players of 7-years or older to play online with PlayStation 5.
Costs
Helldivers 2 usually costs £34.99.
There are two editions of the game available to buy: the standard game and the Super Citizen Edition, which includes exclusive cosmetic items. You can upgrade to this edition through an in-game purchase.
Additionally, you can buy in-game currency that lets you unlock new cosmetic items.
You cannot launch the game on PlayStation 5 unless you are subscribed to PlayStation Plus.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Helldivers 2
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
- In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
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You need a subscription to play online:
- You need to purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online with PlayStation 5.
There are two editions of the game available to buy: the standard game and the Super Citizen Edition, which includes exclusive cosmetic items. You can upgrade to this edition through an in-game purchase.
Additionally, you can buy in-game currency that lets you unlock new cosmetic items.
You cannot launch the game on PlayStation 5 unless you are subscribed to PlayStation Plus.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game Details
Release Date: 08/02/2024
Out Now: PC and PS5
Skill Rating: 14+ year-olds
Players: 1 (4 online)
Genres: Communication, Shooting (Action and Strategy)
Accessibility: 34 features
Components: 3D Third-Person
Developer: Arrowhead GS (@ArrowheadGS)
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Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
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