Video game review - Helldivers 2 (Xbox)
The arrival of Helldivers 2 on Xbox marks an important milestone for both the franchise and the wider gaming landscape. Originally released on PlayStation 5 and PC, the game quickly developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining co-op shooters of recent years. Its delayed launch on Xbox means that players on the platform are stepping into an already well-established universe, but one that has been refined and expanded with time. The result is a strong, polished experience that feels perfectly at home on Series X|S.
gameplay
At its core, Helldivers 2 thrives on chaos. Players take the role of heavily armed soldiers of Super Earth, dropping into hostile environments to spread “managed democracy” across the galaxy. Missions are varied, ranging from evacuations and capture points to full-scale extermination of alien hordes. What sets the game apart is its balance between precision and unpredictability. Firefights are fast and brutal, but with friendly fire always on, squads must think carefully about positioning and timing. A single mis-thrown grenade or mistimed orbital strike can wipe out an entire squad, leading to equal measures of laughter and frustration.
The Stratagem system adds layers of tactical depth. Calling down supply pods, defensive turrets, or devastating airstrikes requires players to input quick directional codes in the middle of combat. This injects a sense of urgency and risk that keeps every encounter tense. The Xbox controller layout makes these inputs smooth and responsive, helping players adapt quickly even during hectic battles.
presentation
Visually, the game strikes a balance between grounded realism and satirical excess. Alien planets are beautifully rendered with hostile terrain, eerie lighting, and dynamic weather effects that can shift the flow of battle. Explosions and weapon effects are impactful, with every firefight feeling cinematic. On Xbox Series X, the game runs fluidly and showcases its detail in 4K resolution, while the Series S still delivers a crisp and stable experience.
The sound design deserves praise. Weapons roar with heavy recoil, alien screeches echo across valleys, and orbital bombardments rattle the senses. Combined with a stirring, militaristic soundtrack, the atmosphere reinforces the satirical propaganda style the series is known for. If you loved the over-the-top militarism and bug-slaying carnage of Starship Troopers, you’ll feel right at home here. The humour, the propaganda broadcasts, and the sheer absurdity of humanity’s crusade across the stars are clearly inspired by that cult classic.
multiplayer experience
The heart of Helldivers 2 is its cooperative play. Missions scale in difficulty depending on squad size, and coordination is essential for survival. Success feels truly earned, whether it’s narrowly holding off a swarm while awaiting extraction or flawlessly executing a complex multi-objective operation. The addition of cross-play means Xbox players can now join forces with PC and PlayStation squads, greatly improving matchmaking and ensuring large, active communities.
drawbacks
While the game is excellent fun, it isn’t without its limitations. Content variety is sometimes stretched thin, with mission types occasionally repeating after long play sessions. The grind for upgrades and gear can feel steep, especially for solo players. Balancing between factions is still an ongoing challenge, with some enemies proving more frustrating than engaging. These issues don’t break the experience but can slow momentum for those looking to sink hundreds of hours.
verdict
Helldivers 2 is one of the most exciting cooperative shooters available on Xbox today. Its combination of tight gunplay, chaotic friendly fire, satirical flair, and clear nods to Starship Troopers creates a uniquely entertaining package. While content depth could be expanded, the sheer joy of coordinating with friends and surviving impossible odds ensures that every mission is memorable. For Xbox players, this long-awaited release has been worth the wait—and the galaxy is now truly open for all.
