What it is
Up to four players drop onto hostile planets to complete objectives in a galaxy-wide war. The community's results move the map for everyone. Calling in support means typing arrow-key codes (stratagems) under fire, then throwing a beacon and hoping it lands where you meant. Friendly fire is always on. Half the fun is the chaos it creates.
The first evening
The tutorial is short and deliberately over the top, and it's the only time the game explains much. From there, join a lower-difficulty operation with strangers. The community is famously welcoming to new players. Expect to be accidentally blown up by an ally within ten minutes, and to do the same to them shortly after.
On PC you can link a PlayStation Network account if you want, but you don't have to. Sony dropped that requirement for Steam players after the 2024 backlash. The Xbox Series X|S version arrived in August 2025 and plays with everyone else.
What you'll pay for
You buy the game once. After that, the shop runs on Super Credits, and this is where Helldivers 2 earns its price-honesty score:
- Warbonds are themed unlock books with weapons, armour and emotes. Premium Warbonds cost Super Credits. Once bought they stay yours forever, and you can work through them at your own pace.
- Super Credits turn up in missions. Players who explore maps find enough to buy premium Warbonds without spending anything extra, if they're patient.
- A small rotating Superstore sells individual armour sets. It's the one place with time pressure, and it's purely cosmetic.
Who it suits
Groups of friends, and solo players who enjoy joining strangers. It's less suited to anyone who wants a stable, competitive meta, because Arrowhead tunes weapons and enemies often, sometimes in ways the community argues about for weeks.
The score, mark by mark
- Feel25% weight9.5
- Depth20% weight8.5
- Price honesty25% weight9.5
- Time respect15% weight9
- Access15% weight7.5
What works
- Warbonds never expire, so nothing is ever pulled from sale
- Premium currency turns up during normal missions
- Friendly fire and physical stratagems create stories every match
What doesn't
- Occasional balance swings can upset favourite loadouts
- Much less fun without a group, or at least a patient random squad
- PC performance varies more than on console
How to pay for Helldivers 2 in the UK
Where you can buy Helldivers 2 or its premium currency, and what each store accepts. Currency bought in one store usually stays with that platform. See the full store guide for spending controls and refunds.
| Where you buy | Debit or credit card | PayPal | Paysafecard | Store gift card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation Store | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
| Microsoft Store (Xbox) | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
Studio: Arrowhead Game Studios · Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment · Checked September 2026. The store's checkout page has the final word on payment options.
