The frenzied, hilarious and insanely detailed third-person co-op extraction shooter Helldivers 2 has just been released on Steam. From its gorgeous and fractious extra-terrestrial worlds to the satisfying weight of every gun, the game has already won over players with its obvious Starship Troopers theme. However, what truly sets Helldivers 2 apart is its remarkable online community, which may just be the best in gaming.
A Design That Encourages Cooperation
The key to Helldivers 2’s exceptional community lies in its design, which actively discourages toxicity and encourages cooperation. Unlike many multiplayer games that reward individual performance, Helldivers 2 only grants experience, in-game currency, and valuable samples when objectives are completed and missions are finished successfully. Crucially, these rewards are shared equally among all squad members, regardless of individual contributions.
A Cohesive Squad Experience
Consequently, even when playing with complete strangers, Helldivers 2 fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity rarely seen in online gaming. Players actively tag points of interest on the map, ping enemies, and share useful equipment like shield packs and grenade launchers, all in the pursuit of a unified goal. Every squad feels like a real unit, a singular entity working together seamlessly.
A Welcoming Community for All
One player’s experience perfectly encapsulates the Helldivers 2 community experience. The player joined a random duo after joining. One teammate was significantly higher-level and possessed powerful stratagems. This teammate not only carried the player through several missions. They also provided invaluable knowledge and guidance to the player. The experienced teammates did not meet the player with toxicity or impatience. Instead, they welcomed the player into the squad. They taught the player the ropes. Ultimately, the players became more formidable Helldrivers themselves.
Fostering Growth and Learning
This willingness to help and teach newcomers is a hallmark of the Helldivers 2 community, fostered by the game’s design that incentivizes cooperation over individual glory. Players quickly realize that the success of the squad is paramount and that helping others ultimately benefits everyone involved.
Combating Toxicity
While griefing and toxicity are not entirely absent from Helldivers 2, the community has taken active steps to discourage such behavior. Players have resorted to naming and shaming suspected griefers, fostering a culture of accountability and respect. Additionally, the developers have stated their intention to never add PvP gameplay, as they “don’t want the toxicity that naturally comes with it,” further solidifying their commitment to maintaining a positive community.
A Beacon of Hope
In a world of gaming littered with negativity and toxicity, Helldivers 2 is an excellent example of what can be achieved if a game values cooperation and respect from its players. It’s not just a great shooter; it is a reminder of the strength of community, of the happiness that results from collective work on the same cause. Grab some pals, jump into the Helldivers, and have one of the best multiplayer experiences.