Helldivers 2 is all the rage these days as the 3rd person shooter title that also marks the first time a first-party Sony-developed console exclusive launched side-by-side on PC continues to make inroads with gamers thanks to a steady stream of content and enjoyable gameplay in a neat package.
Helldivers 2: Hardware Requirements Explained
The recommended hardware specs for Helldivers 2 are available via Steam and are stated at two different tiers:
-
MINIMUM:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470
- Storage: 100 GB available space
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RECOMMENDED:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Additional Notes: SSD Recommended
Based on the developer's recommendations above, Helldivers 2 does not seem to be a significantly demanding title by any measure. Most gaming PCs built in the past 5 years or so should be able to handle the minimum requirements easily. Arrowhead Game Studios recommends a minimum of Windows 10 and 8GB of RAM along with at least a quad-core CPU to run the title. It also states minimum GPU requirements that can easily be found in some budget prebuilt gaming PCs.
The recommended requirements move to octa-core CPUs from both Intel and AMD even as the recommended RAM requirement is double that of the minimum spec suggestion. At the same time, beefier GPU recommendations also kick in, implying that the title scales well with higher-end hardware in general even as competitive players would want to run at both, higher FPS and higher resolutions simultaneously with a focus on the former in particular.
With 100GB of storage space as a requirement and more potentially required down the line, the storage requirements for Helldivers 2 particularly stick out. It is important to note that while Helldivers 2 runs on hard drives, the developer has left a note recommending a solid state drive (SSD) for gamers wanting a smoother experience.
The team at The Best War Games has curated 3 different builds below, all of which can play Helldivers at different hardware presets allowing users to pull ahead in their endeavors to keep Super Earth safe:
The Budget Spec PC Build For Cadets
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Display card main info widgetAMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-Core, 16-Thread CPU
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- AMD
- CPU Model
- Ryzen 7 8700G
- CPU Socket
- AMD Socket AM5
- Cores
- 8
- Threads
- 16
- PCIe 4.0 Support
- Yes, 20 lanes (8 useable by GPU)
The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-Core, 16-Thread CPU is a powerful APU that delivers modest gaming performance for PCs that do not currently utilize a discrete GPU by using the fastest iGPU solution currently available to end users.
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It comes bundled with a stock cooler, an octa-core CPU config, and a rated TDP of 65W, making it a great well-priced alternative to many budget CPU and GPU combos on the market currently.
The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G also happens to be one of AMD's first desktop CPUs that offers the AMD Ryzen AI engine built into the chip. -
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Display card main info widgetG.Skill Flare X5 Series (AMD Expo) 6000MHz 32GB (CL36)
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- G.Skill
- Size
- 32GB
- Technology
- DDR5
- Speed
- 6000MHz
- Compatible Devices
- AMD and Intel DDR5 compatible Motherboards
- RGB
- No
The G.Skill Flare X5 Series RAM kits are DDR5 RAMs that operate at an overclocked 6000MHz sweet spot for AMD AM5 processors with a lower latency EXPO profile available to allow users to overclock their memory with a push of a button while costing significantly lower than the competition.
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Display card main info widgetMSI PRO A620M-E Pro Series Motherboard
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- MSI
- CPU Included
- N/A
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCI Express 4.0
- Integrated Graphics
- No
- Memory Slots
- 2
- Memory Type
- DDR5, Up To 6800 MHz+
The MSI PRO A620M-E Pro Series Motherboard is a budget motherboard that can easily handle entry-level AMD's Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
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It supports overclocked DDR5 RAM, a single M2 PCI-E slot, and 6 USB ports, allowing users to build both, an entry-level PC and an HTPC with a newer Socket AM5-based CPU.
While it is marketed as a business line product, users can easily use it to get budget PC gaming builds going without any tweaks needed.
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Display card main info widgetKingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
Display card main info widget endThe Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4x4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It's designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.
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Display card main info widgetThermaltake SMART 600W ATX PSU
Display card main info widget endThe Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX is a power supply unit that is designed to provide reliable and efficient power for your computer. This unit delivers 600 watts of continuous output. It complies with both Intel ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards, ensuring compatibility with many PC builds.
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The SMART 600W ATX has received an 80 PLUS certification, indicating 80% efficiency under a typical load. This power supply supports two PCI-E 6 plus 2-pin connectors. -
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Display card main info widgetZalman T7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Zalman
- Material
- Steel, Plastic, Acrylic Panel
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 12 inch
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 4
- Viewing Window
- Yes
The Zalman T7 ATX Mid-Tower PC Case features a front mesh panel for maximum airflow and a transparent side viewing window. The case includes 2 pre-installed 120 mm fans and accommodates ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.
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Target Resolution and Preset: 1080P/FHD Medium
To build an entry-level system, gamers often need to ensure that they pick their fights and, likewise, upgrades. The entry-level build moves to a higher-end octa-core APU that makes up more than half the budget of the entire rig to offer a better experience in a bid to answer Helldivers 2's more demanding CPU needs compared to its flexibility with the GPU at a variety of presets.
That isn't to say that the 780M on the Ryzen 7 8700G's APU isn't capable of allowing users to play Helldivers at an acceptable frame rate. That, coupled with an entry-level A620 motherboard and 500G of value-centric Kingston SSD storage round off an excellent package that can be upgraded with a better CPU cooler and a discrete GPU option down the line.
With low latency 6000 MHz DDR5 RAMs from G.Skill in play to ensure better CPU performance, as well as higher bandwidth to support the iGPU's VRAM requirements, the PC offers an excellent mix of performance, value for money, and upgradeability for gamers looking to defend Super Earth from any threats in the near future even as a decent entry-level PSU and case bring up the vanguard.
Estimated Build Cost: $652
The Recommended Spec PC Build For Marshals
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Display card main info widgetIntel Core i5 14600KF 14-Core, 20-Thread CPU
$290 $295 Save $5Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Intel
- CPU Model
- Core i5 14600KF
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Cores
- 14 (6P + 8E Cores)
- Threads
- 20
The Intel Core i5 14600KF 14-Core, 20-Thread CPU is a powerful mid-range CPU that replaces the last generation Intel Core i5 13600KF with higher clocks on both its performance and efficiency cores.
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Like all its siblings, it does offer better performance out-of-the-box versus its predecessors but replaces them at the same price points they sold last year. Unlike the Intel Core i5 14600K, this model trades at a small discount thanks to it skipping out on integrated graphics. -
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Display card main info widgetArctic Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB
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- Arctic
- Cooling Method
- 280mm Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- Yes, ARGB
- Fan Speed
- 200-1900RPM
- Fan Airflow
- 69.90cfm
- CPU Socket Support
- LGA 1700, AM5, AM4
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280 A-RGB continues to enjoy the success created by the Freezer II 280 but now brings an upgraded VRM fan and mesmerizing ARGB LED lighting effects. It's the best-value AIO cooler when compared to other AIOs for its price tag and brings Intel and AMD contact frames for making good contact with the CPUs.
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Display card main info widgetCORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6400MHz 32GB
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- Corsair
- Size
- 32GB
- Technology
- DDR5
- Speed
- 6400MHz
- Compatible Devices
- Intel and AMD DDR5 platforms
- RGB
- Yes
Corsair's Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM kit features dual RAM modules, each having 16GB memory capacity. It has built-in XMP 3.0 profiles, offering a blend of a high-rated frequency, low latency, and a reasonable price tag in tow.
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For aesthetics, the RAM sticks look gorgeous as a result of the RGB LEDs on top of its dedicated aluminum heat spreaders. -
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Display card main info widgetGIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX
$170 $190 Save $20Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5, Up to 7600 MHz
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
The Gigabyte B760 Aorus Elite AX covers all bases in offering a stellar and uncompromising DDR5-based motherboard packed with features including Wi-Fi 6E and rear and front USB-C ports.
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Display card main info widgetSamsung 980 PRO 1TB SSD
Display card main info widget end- Storage capacity
- 250GB-1TB
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Compatible Devices
- PC
- Brand
- Samsung
- Transfer rate
- 7000 MB/s read, 5100 MB/s write
- TBW
- 1200 TBW
Whether it is for a boost in speed or just some extra storage for more games, the Samsung 980 Pro is a great way to do it. The 980 has read/write speeds of up to 7000MB/s and 5100 MB/s respectively, making it one of the fastest PCI-E 4.0 SSDs available in consumer markets, even as it proves to be one of the most reliable.
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Display card main info widgetASUS Dual RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12G
$600 $610 Save $10Display card main info widget end- Brand
- ASUS
- Cooling Method
- Dual Fan Air-Cooled
- GPU Speed
- 1980 MHz
- Slot Size
- 2.56
- Interface
- PCI Express 4.0
ASUS's dual-fan take on the RTX 4070 SUPER is possibly one of the most cost-effective launch units with a decent factory overclock.
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The RTX 4070 SUPER itself adds 15 to 20 percent gains in terms of raw performance to Nvidia's first RTX 4000 series SUPER GPU release versus its predecessor.
The 2.56 Slot GPU offers a relatively compact take on the RTX 4070 SUPER which also sees itself featured in larger premium tri-fan SKUs even as it sees a significant performance increase versus the RTX 4060 Ti thanks to its GDDR6X memory on offer. -
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Display card main info widgetThermaltake Toughpower GF1 PE 850 W
Display card main info widget end- Output
- 850 W
- Modular Cabling
- Fully Modular
The Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 PSU offers 850 W of power with full modular cables. This power supply is certified 80 plus gold, and it keeps cool with a 140 mm fan. Using a powerful single +12V rail ensures a stable and reliable supply to other PC components.
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Display card main info widgetLIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case
$100 $103 Save $3Display card main info widget end- Brand
- LIAN LI
- Material
- Steel / 4.0mm Tempered Glass
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- E-ATX (Under 280mm)
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 392mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2 x 3.5” HDD
The LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower case with all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe fan bracket to maximize airflow.
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Target Resolution and Preset: 1440P/QHD/2K High
The mid-range, a built-to-game competitively rig, combines the power of Intel's best value-centric unlocked gaming CPU, the Intel Core i5 14600KF with a mid-range B760 Gigabyte Aorus motherboard and fast DDR5 memory running at 6400 MHz at XMP clocks. This, when coupled with Nvidia's new RTX 4070 SUPER GPU allows users to crank up both the settings to high or ultra presets and the resolution to 2K or higher, depending on their performance needs.
With a powerful Liquid Freezer III AIO bringing quality cooling to the 14600KF and a 1TB Samsung 980 Pro in play for fast loading, the rig delivers on its performance and speed promises with ease even as the airflow-centric Lian Li Lancool 216 keeps things cool thanks to 3 large, preinstalled fans. With an 850W Thermaltake Toughpower PSU bringing up the rear, the build has plenty of power available for future upgrades to the CPU or GPU down the line, making it a balanced, yet powerful and customizable alternative to most prebuilt gaming PCs available online at the moment.
Estimated Build Cost: $1,572
The High-End Spec PC Build For Super Citizens
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Display card main info widgetAMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
$369 $450 Save $81Display card main info widget end- Brand
- AMD
- CPU Model
- Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Cores
- 8
- Threads
- 16
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AMD's latest and greatest CPU when it comes to gaming. With an excellent and highly efficient gaming performance that tops the charts currently, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled prowess when it comes to gaming on a PC.
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The octa-core CPU currently happens to be the fastest in the business for gaming even as it leads efficiency charts at the top, making it a very sought-after gaming upgrade. -
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Display card main info widgetMSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 Cooler
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- MSI
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- No
- Noise Level
- 21.2 dBA
- Fan Speed
- 2000 RPM (variable)
The MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 Cooler will unlock the overclocking potential of AMD and Intel CPUs, with cooling that far surpasses any conventional fan/heatstink combination. Compatible with the most recent Intel LGA 1700 processors, the CoreLiquid S360 features a 7th generation Asetek pump, a 60 mm VRM fan to cool adjacent components, and 3 Silent Gale P12 fans. A beautiful 2.4-inch IPS display keeps gamers and system builders constantly aware of CPU temps, pump and radiator fan speeds, and much more.
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Display card main info widgetG.Skill Trident Z5 NEO Series (AMD Expo) 64GB Kit CL30
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- G.Skill
- Size
- 64GB
- Technology
- DDR5
- Speed
- 6000 MHz
- Compatible Devices
- DDR5 Compatible AMD and Intel chipset-based motherboards
- RGB
- No
The G. Skill Trident Z5 NEO sticks are a pair of 32GB RAM sticks that conform to AMD's more stringent EXPO memory requirements for overclocking. With tight timings and a CAS latency of just 30-40-40-96.
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With a subtle RGB effect and a premium feel, the Trident Z Neo is one of the best premium RGB RAM sticks money can buy that is designed for AMD-based systems. -
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Display card main info widgetCrucial T700 NVMe SSD
$180 $226 Save $46Display card main info widget end- Storage capacity
- 2 TB
- Hardware Interface
- PCIe Gen 5
- Brand
- Crucial
- Transfer rate
- Read: 12400 MB/s, Write: 11800 MB/s
- TBW
- 1200 TBW
The Crucial T700 NVMe SSD is a blazing-fast storage option that is perfect for gaming, productivity, media consumption, and more It comes with a heatsink keeping it cool during heavy operation. It can deliver read speeds of up to 12400 MB/s and write speeds of up to 11800 MB/s.
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Display card main info widgetASRock X670E Taichi Carrara
$523 $530 Save $7Display card main info widget end- Brand
- ASRock
- CPU Included
- N/A
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCI Express 4.0/5.0
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5 (Upto 7800+ MHz)
The ASRock X670E Taichi Carrara is one of the best-looking motherboards for AMD's latest Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. It also comes packed with features including excellent networking, storage options, and dual PCI-E 5.0 x16 slots in tow.
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With excellent 24+2+1 power phases, high memory overclocking support, and RGB lighting on the motherboard itself, it should please gamers, enthusiasts, and power users looking beyond simply the excellent aesthetic it has on offer. -
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Display card main info widgetASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4080 SUPER OC
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- ASUS
- Cooling Method
- Tri-Fan Air-Cooled
- Interface
- PCI Express 4.0
- Memory
- 16GB GDDR6X 256-Bit
- Power
- 320W TDP
- Boost Speed
- 2610 MHz / 2640 MHz (OC)
The ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4080 SUPER OC is an excellent aftermarket take on the RTX 4080 SUPER, offering a higher boost clock than the stock option even as it clocks in an additional $100 on MSRP. It offers excellent reliability, power delivery, and one of the best aftermarket coolers one can get for Nvidia's higher-end RTX 4000 series GPUs.
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Display card main info widgetMSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU
$160 $200 Save $40Display card main info widget end- Brand
- MSI
- Output
- 1000 Watts
- Modular Cabling
- Yes, Fully Modular
- 80 Plus Efficiency Rating
- Gold (Upto 90%)
- Connection type
- 16 pin x 1, 4+4 pin x 2, 6+2 pin x 6
The MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU is built from the ground up to support the ATX 3.0 spec while also being PCI-E 5.0 compatible in a fully modular design without costing an arm and a leg unlike some of its nearest competitors, making it a viable contender for a gaming PC.
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Display card main info widgetASUS ROG Hyperion GR701
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- Asus
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- E-ATX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 460mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- Fan Controls
- Yes, fan hub with RGB control
- Viewing Window
- Yes
The Hyperion GR701 is an overkill full-tower with incredible features that are rare to find, but super handy. The case has tool-free access to the interior and supports large-sized GPUs and AIO coolers. Its built-in fan hub, RGB controller, and multiple I/O ports on the front make it stand out.
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Target Resolution and Preset: 2160P/UHD/4K
For users wanting to crank everything to the maximum without wanting to experience frame drops, the build above delivers everything that Super Citizens could ask for and more. It leverages the fastest gaming CPU currently available to consumers, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and pairs it with Nvidia's penultimate GPU, the RTX 4080 SUPER, which comes in a factory-overclocked ASUS TUF flavor. With significant cooling in tow, thanks to the MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 cooler and 64GB of handpicked low latency G.Skill RAM that also offers an EXPO profile as part of its feature set, both the CPU and GPU are allowed to run at maximum capacity.
This is in no small part due to the PCI-E 5.0 Crucial T700 SSD pushing limits on what storage is capable of and the top-of-the-line ASRock X670E Taichi Carrara motherboard offering performance, upgradability, and aesthetics in a single package. With a 1000W MSI MPG PSU with a native 12VHPWR connector for the RTX 4080 SUPER and one of the best cases in the business, the ASUS ROG Hyperion GR701, the build emphasizes expansion potential down the line with a great aesthetic and cable management potential in tow, making the ultimate Helldivers 2 build a relatively easier task to take on.
Estimated Build Cost: $3,216
Should You Buy Helldivers 2 Now?
Users on the fence about Sony's self-published 3rd party PvE shooter can also read The Best War Games's comprehensive review of Helldivers 2 before investing in PC hardware to run what is at the time of writing, the most popular game on Steam currently.
Helldivers 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- February 8, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
WHERE TO PLAY
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
URGENT BROADCAST – SUPER EARTH ARMED FORCES
Freedom. Peace. Democracy. Your Super Earth-born rights. The key pillars of our civilization. Of our very existence. But the war rages on. And everything is once again under threat.
Join the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen and make this a safe and free place to live.
BECOME A LEGEND
You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.
LOADOUTS
Rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or grit your teeth and charge head-first into the jaws of combat. How you deliver liberty is your choice; you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor and battle-changing stratagems… the jewel in every Helldiver’s arsenal.
REQUISITION
Super Earth recognises your hard work with valuable Requisition. Use it to access different rewards that benefit you, your squad, your destroyer ship and our overall war effort.
THREATS
Everything on every planet wants you dead. That’s what we’re dealing with. Each enemy has distinct and unpredictable characteristics, tactics, and behavior – but they all fight ferociously and without fear or morality.
THE GALACTIC WAR
Capturing enemy planets, defending against invasions, and completing missions will contribute to our overall effort. This war will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
We stand together, or we fall apart.
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players (online)
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- Metascore
- 83
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC & PS5
FAQ
Q: How much RAM do I need to play HellDivers 2?
While the game developer, Arrowhead Game Studios states that 8 GB is the minimum RAM requirement to play Helldivers 2 on PC, it recommends at least 16 GB for an optimal playing experience in 2024.
Q: How much storage space do I need for Helldivers 2?
Helldivers 2 requires 100GB of install space for the title, a requirement that could change with time thanks to newer content and subsequent patches down the line. The developer, Arrowhead Game Studios recommends using an SSD as an install location for game data.