Helldivers 2 Xbox Review: The Ultimate Co-op Experience
▼ Summary
– Helldivers 2 has expanded significantly since launch, adding a third enemy faction, new vehicles, mechs, and numerous weapons and customization options.
– The game is now available on Xbox Series X and S, joining its existing PlayStation 5 and PC releases as of August 26, 2025.
– A major drawback is the lack of cross-save functionality, forcing players to start over if switching platforms and lose progress and unlocked items.
– The core gameplay remains a highly praised cooperative shooter with dynamic missions, varied biomes, and strategic loadout customization against evolving enemy factions.
– Despite some accessibility features and new content like Halo-themed Warbonds, the absence of cross-progression may deter existing players from adopting the Xbox version.
Helldivers 2 on Xbox delivers the same explosive, chaotic, and deeply satisfying cooperative gameplay that made it a hit on other platforms, now enhanced with substantial post-launch content. Players diving into the Xbox version will find a richer experience than the original 2024 release, complete with a third enemy faction, new vehicles, mechs, and an expanded arsenal. While the absence of cross-save functionality remains a notable drawback, the core experience remains one of the most engaging and replayable co-op shooters available.
It’s impressive to see how much Helldivers 2 has evolved since its debut. Originally launching on PlayStation 5 and PC, the game has now arrived on Xbox Series X|S, bringing with it all the updates and additions that have kept the community engaged. The Galactic War continues to unfold across all platforms, with Xbox players joining the fight alongside their PC and PlayStation counterparts.
Newcomers to the game will discover a third-person shooter built around teamwork, objective completion, and frantic extraction sequences. Missions vary dramatically thanks to diverse biomes and enemy behaviors, ensuring that no two drops feel identical. The introduction of the Illuminate faction adds a fresh layer of challenge, featuring advanced technology and relentless enemies that demand strategic coordination.
Super Earth equips players with an ever-growing selection of weaponry and stratagems, allowing for highly customizable loadouts. Tailoring your gear to specific mission types remains crucial, whether you’re deploying automated turrets during data retrieval or calling in airstrikes to clear swarms of foes. While the tutorial provides a solid foundation, many of the newer mechanics, like piloting mechs, are left for players to discover on their own.
One significant downside for returning players is the lack of cross-progression. If you’ve invested time on another platform, you’ll need to start over from scratch on Xbox. This means re-unlocking weapons, Warbonds, and customization items, which can feel discouraging given the number of premium and seasonal content packs now available. The recent Halo-themed Warbond, for example, offers fun homages to the franchise but requires a separate purchase.
Despite these hurdles, Helldivers 2’s moment-to-moment gameplay shines as brightly as ever. The weighty gunplay, friendly fire mishaps, and last-second extractions create unforgettable stories of triumph and comedy. Few games capture the same blend of tension and humor quite like Helldivers 2, especially when played with friends.
Accessibility options on Xbox mirror those on other platforms, including customizable reticles, scalable subtitles, and text-to-speech features. These thoughtful inclusions help ensure that more players can join the fight for Managed Democracy.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, Helldivers 2 on Xbox offers a fantastic co-op experience. Just be prepared to grind back through the ranks if you’re coming from another system.
(Source: TechRadar)
