Highlights

  • Helldivers 2 surpasses popular games in player count but faced server issues due to overwhelming demand.
  • Fans enjoy the gameplay over story, fighting aliens with friends on missions to save Super Earth.
  • While waiting for server improvements, players can try similar games like Outriders or Earth Defense Force 5.

Helldivers 2 is yet another breakout hit in 2024, surpassing games like Destiny 2 and Starfield in all-time concurrent player count on Steam. While it's exciting to see that 2024 is continuing last year's consistent stream of high-quality games, Helldivers 2 has unfortunately been plagued by overloaded servers due to so many players trying to access the game, and developer Arrowhead Game Studios has made it clear that improving server stability and accessibility is their greatest priority. In the meantime, there are several games similar to Helldivers 2 that players might want to check out to help ease the wait for the coming server improvements.

At its core, Helldivers 2 is a third-person co-op shooter that focuses on tight, satisfying gameplay over story. Players take on the role of a titular Helldiver, a super soldier enlisted to defend Super Earth from the threat of aliens like Terminids and Automatons. Despite the game missing features of other similar co-op shooters, Helldivers 2 has captured the attention of many fans who have come to enjoy fending off waves of enemies alongside friends as they dive into missions to fight for Super Earth and Democracy.

Helldivers 2 player using salute emote on ship
Related
Helldivers 2's Missing Mode is Money Left on the Table

Arrowhead Studios, the developers behind Helldivers 2, should consider adding a highly-requested game mode to the game in a future update.

Games That Are Similar to Helldivers 2

Outriders

Outriders shares a lot of similarities with Helldivers 2 as another co-op third-person shooter. However, Outriders incorporates more RPG and story elements than Helldivers 2, while still keeping a similar sci-fi aesthetic. The game was developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix, but received mixed reviews due to its underwhelming story, which might not matter to players looking to capture a similar gameplay experience to Helldivers 2.

Earth Defense Force 5

Although it can be a bit more cheesy than Helldivers 2, Earth Defense Force 5 might just scratch that itch with its familiar gameplay and premise. It's another third-person shooter playable in single-player or co-op that pits players against an invading alien army in over-the-top, city-destroying scenarios across its 110 campaign missions. While the game can be a little rough around the edges, it might be enough to keep Helldivers 2 fans occupied while waiting for the game's server situation to improve.

Remnant 2

Remnant 2 followed up on the success of Remnant: From the Ashes when it was released last summer by delivering another fantastic co-op experience. While Remnant 2 takes more cues from the Soulslike genre than a title like Helldivers 2, the core gunplay and action-based combat are enhanced when playing alongside friends in co-op. Remnant 2 also features a dystopian sci-fi aesthetic as players travel across the multiverse to defeat the invasive plant-like entity called The Root.

Deep Rock Galactic

Players looking to keep things interesting while awaiting access to Helldivers 2's servers may want to check out the procedurally generated caves of Deep Rock Galactic. This title allows up to four players to work together cooperatively to explore the caves of Hoxxes IV as they search for rare minerals to mine. However, the planet is also home to aggressive species that will require players to defend themselves and their teammates utilizing first-person shooter combat in fully destructible environments.

Helldivers

A great option for players afraid of missing out on all the Helldivers 2 action is to try out the game's predecessor. While Helldivers differs from Helldivers 2 as a top-down shooter rather than using the third-person perspective, it retains a similar gameplay loop that is perfect for a drop-in co-op experience. As Arrowhead Game Studios works diligently to improve the servers for Helldivers 2, players who want to support the developers in the interim and satisfy their urge to defend Super Earth can do so by checking out the original Helldivers.