For over a year now, Helldivers 2 has been one of the reigning champions of online multiplayer games. Despite its Sony exclusivity, Helldivers 2 has amassed strong player numbers, showcasing what a strong live-service experience looks like. While multiplayer gameplay and a third-person perspective mainly define Helldivers 2, the game boasts a blend of genres that makes it that much more of a unique experience.
Although not officially an extraction shooter, Helldivers 2 has some strong extraction-inspired elements in its gameplay. Dropping into a map, completing goals, and gaining loot before the match is over is very extraction-like. Helldivers 2 may only have an inkling of extraction gameplay, but Bungie's upcoming title Marathon is a full-blown extraction shooter. The two may not share much in common on the surface, but if Marathon has worthwhile gameplay, it could present a fun challenge for Helldivers 2 players.
Why Offline Mode is a Must-Have for Helldivers 2 in the Long Run
Right now, Helldivers 2 requires an internet connection, but down the road, allowing offline gameplay may be the best path forward.
Helldivers 2 Lacks a Key Feature in Extraction Shooters, While Marathon Seems to Fully Embrace its Label
Dominate the Match, or Lose Everything
As a Runner, Marathon players are tasked with battling in matches on the mysterious Tau Ceti IV. According to the game's Steam page, "Work together in crews of three as you battle rival teams and hostile security forces for weapons and upgrades. Survive and your loot is yours to keep for future runs on Tau Ceti." What keeps Helldivers 2 from being an extraction shooter is the fact that if players lose a match, they don't leave the battlefield empty-handed. Marathon, on the other hand, takes a more brutal approach, which could prove to be attractive for Helldivers 2 fans looking for something more high-stakes.
Reaching the same heights that Helldivers 2 did at launch is no easy task, though. Marathon has been highly anticipated since its announcement, but there has been growing suspicion about whether the game is ready for a 2025 release or not. After its Closed Alpha, many of the participants took to social media to express concerns, with several claiming that Marathon should be delayed. Following the first day of the Closed Alpha, Steam stats revealed a sharp decrease in players, which could be a sign of trouble.
There have also been rumors of an Open Beta in August, but this has yet to be confirmed by Bungie.
Survive and your loot is yours to keep for future runs on Tau Ceti.
If Marathon Can Shape Up, it Could Go Head-to-Head With Helldivers 2
Thankfully, Bungie is already planning on making changes to Marathon ahead of its launch. It remains to be seen what other changes may be on the horizon before the game's release window, but if Bungie is able to fine-tune the experience to players' liking, the extraction shooter and Helldivers 2 may present a fun franchise competition down the road.
Both Helldivers 2 and Marathon take place in wonderfully unique sci-fi worlds, and it will be exciting to see how the two compare. Helldivers 2 provides a PvE third-person experience, while Marathon holds true to its genre with a third-person PvP approach. Marathon may still need some time in the oven, but it has the potential to be a strong competitor, which could turn it and Helldivers 2 into two sides of the same coin.
Marathon is Bungie's first non-Destiny project in over a decade.
Marathon Waits On the Horizon
- Marathon is currently slated for release on September 23, 2025.
- It will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Bungie has yet to confirm a price tag.
With no price revealed, skepticism continues to grow around Marathon. After Nintendo caused a stir with its price hikes for the Switch 2, many gamers are on edge about higher prices being a continuing trend. Only time will tell what the future of Marathon holds, but if successful, Helldivers 2 could have its first real taste of competition.
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
- Engine
- bitsquid
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
