In the current gaming landscape (with the exception of Palworld, which was absolutely wild!), Helldivers 2 stands out as one of the most enjoyable co-op gaming experiences I’ve had recently. Admittedly, the gameplay can feel unforgiving and yes, perhaps a tad repetitive. However, therein lies the charm: pushing your limits alongside friends, sharing laughs during friendly fire moments, and embracing the thrilling challenges together.
This review is aimed at those players pondering whether to dive into Helldivers 2 or waiting for a sale. Additionally, with the buzz surrounding PC performance, I’ll be tackling that aspect as well.
So, gear up with your laser cannon, fasten your seatbelt, and plunge into the chaotic, comedic, and surprisingly intricate universe of Helldivers 2!
Helldivers 2 Overview
Continuing its tactical legacy from the 2015 title, Helldivers 2 signifies a leap forward for the series. Transitioning to a third-person viewpoint, it draws inspiration from iconic military sci-fi such as Starship Troopers and Aliens, immersing players in frantic confrontations against bizarre alien threats.
To successfully complete central missions—particularly on the most difficult settings—Helldivers 2 requires meticulous squad coordination, adaptive loadout management, and heightened situational awareness to preserve the dominance of Super Earth’s unconventional democracy.
While solo play is an option, playing alone tends to be less effective. Helldivers 2 prioritizes teamwork, urging players to opt for specialized gear that adds distinct skills and abilities which align with their teammates’ choices.
Enhancing this teamwork aspect is the clever stratagem system. These abilities can be tailored to enable mission completion across various parameters and individual playstyles, fostering a more strategic gaming experience.
Players can utilize it to customize their tactics, whether through tactical airstrikes for maximum firepower or requesting ammo supplies to stay afloat on the battlefield. Adapting to circumstances and executing coordinated squad movements is essential, as individual heroics are quickly overwhelmed by the relentless insect enemies.
And when confronted with enemy swarms, the gunplay truly excels. And trust me, it’s impactful! The gunplay in Helldivers 2 delivers superb feedback with each shot fired, making for a satisfying experience. The highlight? Beginners are welcomed warmly; even if you’re new to the battlefield, the introductory tutorials ensure you can leap straight into the action without being overwhelmed.
Differentiating itself from typical shooters, Helldivers 2 emphasizes fulfilling objectives rather than simply racking up kills. Resources are limited, prompting players to devise strategic methods and manage their assets prudently.
Players have the option of taking a stealthy path, minimizing enemy interactions while achieving mission objectives, or they can unleash a carefully calculated barrage of gunfire and explosions, leaving a trail of countless defeated insects behind. The choice is in the hands of the players, but the map is their ally. Its dynamic enemy visibility system uncovers potential ambushes and patrol routes, allowing players to strategize effectively. This focus on observation, planning, and tactical execution introduces a level of depth rarely seen in the genre.
Once all objectives are (hopefully) completed, the real challenge begins. Escaping in Helldivers 2 isn’t a leisurely stroll; it’s a heart-pounding race against time. Calling in the dropship ignites a tense 90-second countdown, turning the extraction point into a maelstrom of enemy attacks. Success hinges on squad coordination; players must collaborate for mutual protection and ensure everyone boards the dropship before time runs out. Remember, no soldier gets left behind!
Helldivers 2 achieves widespread acclaim as it transcends being merely an action title. It offers a rich, strategic experience that necessitates teamwork, quick decision-making, and tactical adaptability. It pays homage to classic sci-fi action, imbued with humor and a generous dash of self-awareness.
Rally your team, assemble the ideal loadout, and brace yourself for the chaos ahead. Democracy has never been more intriguing!
Helldivers 2 Performance (PC vs PS5)
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Helldivers 2’s technical performance across various platforms:
PS5 Performance
The PS5 offers two graphics modes: a stunning 4K at 30 FPS Quality mode and a smooth 60 FPS Performance mode at 1080p, catering to different performance and visual expectations. Players can choose between prioritizing smoother framerates for precise aiming and responsiveness during combat or opting for improved graphical fidelity.
Helldivers 2 PS5 Performance Mode
- 60 FPS: This mode aims for near-instantaneous input response, ensuring that tactical maneuvers and combat feel remarkable. This greatly aids the weapon accuracy required throughout the game.
- 1080p Resolution: The only drawback is the 1080p; however, if there was an option for 1440p at 60fps, that would be the ideal choice. I’d endorse it on PS5.
- The consistent 60fps frame rate instills players with a tactical edge, allowing rapid maneuvering and enhanced weapon usage. For tougher challenges, higher framerates are typically more beneficial than improved graphics to maximize your team’s effectiveness.
Helldivers 2 PS5 Quality Mode
- 4K Resolution: This mode plunges players into lavishly detailed environments, enriching the tactical atmosphere and scale perception.
- Visual Appeal: Enhanced graphics deepen the gameplay experience, creating a more substantial impact as you engage in battle.
- For those who prioritize visuals and don’t mind the locked 30 FPS, this option works well, but only if you’re confident your gameplay won’t be hindered in crucial moments.
Both modes maintain stable framerates, ensuring a responsive, immersive gaming experience, with minimal drops of 2-3 frames per second during graphically intense moments. Overall, playing the game feels solid. For the ultimate gaming experience, choose a high-end PC that can deliver that exceptional 4K at 60FPS.
PC Performance
Below are the official recommended specifications from developers based on targeted frames and settings:
| PC Specs | Minimum | Recommended | Performance | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Performance | 1080P @ 30FPS | 1080P @ 60FPS | 1440P 60FPS | 4K @ 60FPS |
| Graphics Settings | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X | Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen7 3700X | Intel Core i5-12600K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D | Intel Core i5-12600K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4 RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Storage | 100GB HDD (7200 RPM) | 100 GB SSD | 100 GB SSD | 100 GB SSD |
| Additional Notes | Gameplay requires internet access | Gameplay requires internet access | Gameplay requires internet access | Gameplay requires internet access |
Now, let’s delve into the most anticipated section of this review. For an accurate representation, I’m referencing the FPS values tested by notebookcheck.net for their thorough benchmarking process. These frame rates demonstrate what players can expect across different GPUs in Helldivers 2:
| Resolution & Presets | 1080p Low | 1080p Medium | 1080p High | 1080p Ultra | 1440p Ultra | 4K Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super | 214 | 202 | 199.1 | 196.7 | 165.8 | 99.4 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 | 215 | 209 | 204 | 200 | 162.4 | 96.3 |
| AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT | 153.8 | 149.3 | 148.1 | 147.4 | 122.5 | 65.1 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (Laptop) | 136.7 | 136.7 | 136.1 | 130.2 | 105.5 | 66.9 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (Laptop) | 112.45 | 109.95 | 105.2 | 106.4 | 96.8 | 59.6 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop) | 129.5 | 117.3 | 99.5 | 98.2 | 72.2 | 40 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Laptop) | 117.9 | 92.9 | 84.7 | 82.3 | 54 | 29.6 |
| AMD Radeon RX 7600S | 77.2 | 64.4 | 56 | 54.3 | 36.7 | 18.8 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Laptop) | 106.5 | 82.2 | 74.4 | 72.1 | 44.5 | 17.8 |
Helldivers 2 is powered by the Autodesk Stingray engine. This engine’s standalone product was discontinued as of January 7, 2018. While the technology continued as part of 3DS Max until March 2022, there are still some performance challenges, particularly for AMD GPU users, and reports of crashes have surfaced.
Although detailed technical specifications may not be crucial for every player, it’s relevant to note that Helldivers 2 operates with technology initially known as Autodesk Stingray. Though the original standalone version ended in 2018, it still plays a role within 3DS Max software until its discontinuation.
Unfortunately, some users, especially those with AMD graphics cards, have cited performance concerns in Helldivers 2. There are also occasional crash reports. Updates from developers may address these issues, making it critical to know that the optimal playing experience on PC currently favors NVIDIA graphics cards. Performance disparities can be observed through benchmark evaluations on platforms like YouTube, and you’re encouraged to review performance differences across GPUs.
Helldivers 2 Conclusion
Helldivers 2 is far more than just another bug-shooting shooter; it represents a meticulously crafted experience that seamlessly blends user-friendly controls with thrilling action. The movement mechanics feel fluid and intuitive, allowing you to navigate hectic battlefields with grace. Each action feels like part of a meticulously orchestrated routine, resulting in exhilarating, adrenaline-fueled gameplay.
However, the game excels not just in mechanics but in its artistic expression. If you’re a fan of campy sci-fi films, this game transports you to a realm filled with outrageous creatures and playful humor. It embraces genre clichés, putting players in equally entertaining and challenging situations. Every colossal insect skirmish feels akin to a scene from Paul Verhoeven’s classics, all while embracing a healthy dose of satire.
So, if you’re in the market for a shooter that’s as straightforward to dive into as it is captivating to play, and if you enjoy a sprinkle of comedy with your alien annihilation, Helldivers 2 could be the game for you. Get ready to exterminate pests, share laughs, and assume the role of the hero (or perhaps a less-than-heroic one) that Super Earth desperately needs!