Summary
Helldivers 2’s unexpected popularity most likely means that it’s safe to expect more content for the game in the near future. However, fans who have been hoping for a particular game mode to be introduced in future updates forHelldivers 2recently got some bad news. Specifically, the CEO of the development studio behindHelldivers 2, Arrowhead Studios, has gone on record publicly saying that there are noplans to bring dedicated PvP game modes toHelldivers 2.
While it makes sense that a cooperative multiplayer game such asHelldivers 2doesn’t feature any form of competitive PvP, it seems like a missed opportunity not to bring this kind of content to the game after fans have expressed interest in it. Even though it’s already been shot down, Arrowhead Studios should arguably reconsider adding PvP toHelldivers 2at some point down the road.
The Argument for a PvP Game Mode in Helldivers 2
Recently, in an interaction between a fan and the CEO of Arrowhead Studios on X/Twitter, it was revealed that there is currently no intention of adding PvP game modes toHelldivers 2. In the studio’s response to the fan, Arrowhead Studios' CEO expressed that adding PvP would inevitably bring toxicity to the game’s community, so to maintain the game’s cooperative atmosphere, this meant avoiding any dedicated PvP game modes.
While the concerns about the negative consequences of bringing PvP intoHelldivers 2are valid and understandable, it still feels like a missed opportunity to not even experiment with the positive consequences of introducing PvP game modes. Considering how satisfying theStratagems and weapons inHelldivers 2are to use, the game already has a great third-person-shooter gameplay foundation, which arguably makes it seem like such a perfect platform for PvP multiplayer that’s just waiting to happen.
How PvP Could Work In Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 Should Let Players Take Control of the Enemy Factions
Outside of a standard approach to PvP (like team deathmatch, free-for-all, etc.,) an existing feature inHelldivers 2could come into play to potentially provide a unique PvP experience, which is the differentenemy types inHelldivers 2. Specifically,Helldivers 2could benefit from introducing a game mode inspired by another classic co-op shooter’s PvP,Left 4 Dead, where players can join the enemy team and take control of special enemy types to fight players and attempt to stop them from completing standard missions.
The enemies inHelldivers 2are already quite resilient, especially onHelldivers 2’s higher difficulties, but adding other invading players into the mix adds an extra layer of tension and difficulty that NPCs don’t quite offer. There’s already a wide variety of unique enemies inHelldivers 2between the Automatons and Terminid factions that players can currently encounter, most of which would seemingly be quite fun to play firsthand.
Helldiver’s 2 Has the Perfect Blueprint for a Battle Royale Game Mode
Admittedly,Helldivers 2’s foundations as an extraction shooter highlight the potential for a battle royale game mode. With an approach to a battle royale similar toCoD: DMZ,Helldivers 2could have the best of both worlds between PvP and PvE. Specifically, players could be able to encounter other teams while completing missions and choose to either group up with their newfound allies or attempt to fight each other for a chance to steal the other team’s loot.
Given the existing foundations andthe community’s support forHelldivers 2, now might be the best time to experiment with bringing PvP modes to the game. Ultimately, PvP inHelldivers 2in any way, shape, or form, seems like money left on the table for Arrowhead Studios not to reconsider at this point.
