Considering the humor in Helldivers 2, knowing that you can play an innocent game of rock, paper, scissors shouldn't be all that surprising. It is one of those touches that continues to make the co-op shooter one of the best experiences in recent times – a game that doesn't take itself too seriously while delivering when it comes to the shooting.

For players who are hoping to express more of their personality beyond the propaganda that is routinely spouted out by dispensable soldiers, here's a guide on how to play rock, paper, scissors in Helldivers 2.

Updated March 4th, 2024 by Russ Boswell: The Rock, Paper, Scissors emote is supremely useful in Helldivers 2. Not only can it offer a welcome respite from the action as players battle one another on their ship when awaiting missions, but it can also be used to decide courses of action during the heat of battle. A quick Rock, Paper, Scissors can help players decide who draws the short straw, so to speak, when having to embark on a particularly dangerous objective. To better help players understand Rock, Paper, Scissors in Helldivers 2, the following guide has been updated to include a video.

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Playing Rock, Paper, Scissors in Helldivers 2

This is only possible via the Emote function within the game, which already contains several hilarious and celebratory actions that Helldivers can pull off both on the Super Destroyer and out in the wild. The particular emote in question, Rock, Paper, Scissors, can be obtained as part of the progression in the Warbonds acquisition track.

Costing 50 medals to unlock, it will require a considerable number of medals before that is even possible, as the emote is found on page eight of the battle pass. In total, players will have to spend 650 total medals before the options on the page become available. Add it all up, and 700 medals will go towards making it possible to play rock, paper, scissors with other Helldivers. Medals can be earned from completing the various operations on a planet, as well as completing daily orders that usually require more effort from players.

Playing Rock, Paper, Scissors in Helldivers 2-1

Once that emote has been unlocked, players can attempt to play this simple game with others. Do note that only one player is required to have the emote equipped, and upon pressing the emote button (left on the D-pad on PS5, B on PC), the other player will simply have to interact using the emote button as well. This will make it possible to choose your preferred move. By using the D-pad or the arrow keys, players can choose to either throw out rock, paper, or scissors in order to come out on top.

This particular emote is not the only one that has an interactive element to it. Early on, players can also unlock the Explosive Handshake to bring some spark to the proceedings, or even hug your fellow Helldivers in a show of solidarity. In any case, it is nice to see that the charm of Helldivers 2 extends beyond just the hustle and bustle of war against the alien invaders.

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Helldivers 2 Tag Page Cover Art
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Third-Person Shooter
Extraction Shooter
Action
Science Fiction
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
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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
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Franchise
Helldivers
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction