Helldivers 2has reached another impressive milestone, as it has now been a full year since the game first launched on June 06, 2025.Helldivers 2took a lot of gamers by surprise, quickly gaining traction with its satirical humor centered around the fight for Super Earth. Instead of a top-down shooter like its predecessor,Helldivers 2’s third-person perspective and action-packed battlefield resonated with a wider audience, bringing an onslaught of fresh fans to the series.
One of the most powerful waysHelldivers 2has excelled, though, is through its approach to the live-service method. Live-service models can prove to be controversial, since they tend to focus on microtransactions as a means to ensure longevity. WhileHelldivers 2does feature some microtransactions, players can still enjoy it just as much without in-game purchases. The game’s premium currency, Super Credits, can be earned by simply playing, which keepsHelldivers 2from feeling like a pay to win scenario. However, what makesHelldivers 2’s approach work even better is how Arrowhead Game Studios makes world-building an integral part of the process.
Helldivers 2 Has Continued to Expand Its Lore in Innovative and Unique Ways
Fans Play an Essential Role in the Story of Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2has continued to add post-launch content, as is common for live-service titles, but the methods in which Arrowhead does this require the community to play a central role in Super Earth’s fight for managed democracy.Major Orders serve as the main objectives withinHelldivers 2, and the outcome can drastically affect the storyline. These Major Orders bring players together to complete the task at hand, and if they fail, enemy factions can gain more control. It’s a simple, but clever, way to not only make players feel like they are part of the world, but it also creates an incentive that isn’t tied to any type of in-game purchase.
Helldivers 2won the title of Best Ongoing Game at the 2024 Game Awards.
The experience of playing the game seems to be what is most important to Arrowhead, and it should serve as a live-service blueprint going forward. The way in which Major Orders are handled by developers can make the game’s world feel even more rich and lifelike. For example, after it was suspected that cheaters helped complete a Major Order, an update was sent to players stating, “As is customary. Medals have been awarded to all Helldivers who honorably performed their duties, and the ones submitting false samples have had their pet fish summarily executed.“Helldivers 2’s unique brand of humoris a hilarious contrast to its violent world, and updates like this only add to the charm.
What makesHelldivers 2’s approach work even better is how Arrowhead Game Studios makes world-building an integral part of the process.
Shadow-Dropping Major Helldivers 2 Content Keeps Players Guessing
One of the biggest updates to come toHelldivers 2yet is the Omens of Tyranny update. Revealed at the 2024 Game Awards, Arrowhead surprised players by announcing a shadow-drop of fresh content that finally broughtthe long-awaited Illuminate factionto the battlefield.
While the surprise arrival ofthe Illuminate givesHelldivers 2a high bar to reachfor its next big update, Arrowhead’s ability to have fun with the game and its community is bound to give the game some serious longevity.
On top of its success in the gaming industry, Sony has announced theHelldiversfranchise is getting a live-action film adaptation.
Looking to the Future of Helldivers
Now that the first year is down, it will be fascinating to see whatHelldivers 2has planned for the future.Creative Director Johan Pilestedt recently announced a sabbatical, so it will be interesting to find out what his successor brings to the table. Only time will tell, but ifHelldivers 2continues to put a player’s experience over in-game purchases, then the second year is bound to be a success, as well.
