By The Helldivers series has become a cult favorite among fans of cooperative shooters. Known for its brutal gameplay, where friendly fire is a constant threat and teamwork is crucial, Helldivers offers a unique and challenging experience. The game, originally released in 2015, was a hit on PlayStation and PC for its top-down, twin-stick shooter mechanics, paired with a satirical tone that poked fun at militarism. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installment, and in 2023, their wishes were answered with the announcement of Helldivers 2.
But one question continues to be asked: Will Helldivers 2 be coming to Xbox?
This article aims to explore that very question, covering everything we know about the game’s platform availability, its potential future on Xbox, and the factors that could determine whether or not it will be released for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem.
What Is Helldivers 2?
Helldivers 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Helldivers, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game was officially announced in May 2023 during the PlayStation Showcase, revealing a more advanced, visually polished version of the franchise’s signature cooperative, twin-stick shooter gameplay.
In Helldivers 2, players are once again tasked with being “Helldivers” — elite soldiers who must defend their home planet by fighting off various alien species across multiple planets. The game features drop-in/drop-out multiplayer with a focus on teamwork, challenging environments, and the risk of friendly fire. The core gameplay is designed to be intense and rewarding, with players required to complete objectives while constantly facing a barrage of enemies, all while navigating obstacles such as terrain hazards and the potential for accidental deaths due to friendly fire.
Helldivers 2 will be available for PlayStation 5 and PC at launch, but Will it make its way to Xbox? Let’s dive deeper into this question.
Current Platform Availability
As of now, Helldivers 2 is officially confirmed for the following platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (PS5)
- PC (via Steam and potentially other platforms such as the Epic Games Store)
Sony’s involvement in the development of Helldivers 2 and the game’s appearance at a PlayStation-focused event naturally points to the game being a PlayStation exclusive. This is not the first time Arrowhead Game Studios has worked with Sony; the original Helldivers was released on multiple PlayStation platforms, including PS3, PS4, PS Vita, and later on PC.
Given this history, it is not entirely surprising that Helldivers 2 is initially planned for PS5 and PC. However, this leaves Xbox owners wondering if they will get a chance to play the game on their consoles.
The Exclusivity Question: Will Helldivers 2 Ever Come to Xbox?
While it’s true that Helldivers 2 has been confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, the big question is whether it will eventually make its way to Xbox. As of now, there has been no official announcement confirming an Xbox version of the game. However, there are several factors to consider when discussing the possibility of Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox:
1. Sony’s Publishing Rights and Exclusivity Deals
The most significant barrier to Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox is Sony’s involvement in the publishing of the game. It’s important to note that Helldivers 2 is being published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, which could mean that the game is tied to some form of exclusivity agreement.
Historically, Sony has made timed exclusivity deals with third-party developers, allowing games to launch first on PlayStation before being made available on other platforms like Xbox or Switch. If Helldivers 2 follows a similar path, it’s possible that the game could remain exclusive to PlayStation for a certain period—say, 6 months to a year—before being ported to Xbox.
However, Helldivers 2 could also be part of a longer-term exclusive deal, in which case an Xbox release may not happen at all. Given the importance of exclusivity for Sony, this remains the most significant factor in whether the game will come to Xbox.
2. The Changing Landscape of Cross-Platform Play
Another important factor to consider is the growing trend of cross-platform play. Many games in recent years have introduced cross-play between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, allowing players to play together regardless of platform. This could be a way for Helldivers 2 to provide Xbox players with an opportunity to join in on the action, even if they don’t have the game on their consoles.
For instance, it’s possible that while the game could remain a PlayStation and PC exclusive, cross-play support could be implemented, allowing Xbox players to team up with their friends who are playing on PS5 or PC. This would be a great way to keep the community unified, even if the game itself isn’t available on Xbox.
While this would not directly address whether Helldivers 2 would come to Xbox, it could still provide a way for Xbox players to experience the game’s cooperative elements, even without an official port. If this happens, the idea of an Xbox version could become less critical for players who want to participate in the action.
3. Arrowhead Game Studios’ Track Record with Multi-Platform Releases
Arrowhead Game Studios is no stranger to working on multiple platforms. The original Helldivers was available on PlayStation 3, PS4, PS Vita, and PC, but never on Xbox. However, it’s also worth noting that Arrowhead’s Magicka series was released on both PC and Xbox 360. This history suggests that Arrowhead is open to developing for different platforms, even if the studio has had stronger ties with Sony in recent years.
However, whether Helldivers 2 will follow the same model of Helldivers—remaining exclusive to PlayStation and PC—is still unclear. If demand from Xbox players is strong enough, the studio may choose to eventually port the game to Xbox.
4. Game Pass and Potential for Xbox Support
One possibility that could increase the likelihood of Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox is the growing importance of Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s subscription service has been a game-changer, offering players access to a large library of titles for a monthly fee. Many developers are increasingly interested in getting their games on Game Pass due to the service’s massive user base and its ability to provide a consistent stream of players.
If Helldivers 2 were to be released on Xbox, there’s a chance it could be added to Xbox Game Pass, further expanding its audience and making it more accessible to players who may not want to purchase the game outright. In this case, a launch on Xbox would likely coincide with the addition of the game to Game Pass, giving it a high-profile platform to reach a wider audience.
Given how successful Game Pass has been for bringing in third-party titles, this is one avenue that could see Helldivers 2 eventually land on Xbox, though it would depend on negotiations between Arrowhead Game Studios and Microsoft.
5. Community Demand
Finally, fan demand plays a crucial role in whether Helldivers 2 will come to Xbox. If there’s enough of an outcry from the Xbox community for a port, Arrowhead may be more inclined to consider it. The success of a game like Helldivers 2 will largely depend on the size and engagement of its player base, and if a significant portion of that base is on Xbox, the developer may eventually decide to release the game on that platform.
Conclusion: Helldivers 2 and the Future of Xbox
At the moment, there is no official word on whether Helldivers 2 will be coming to Xbox. The game has been confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, with no announcements for an Xbox version. Several factors could influence the game’s potential arrival on Xbox, including the nature of exclusivity agreements between Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios, the role of cross-platform play, and the changing gaming landscape with services like Xbox Game Pass.
For now, Xbox players will have to wait for further announcements. However, given the increasing trend of multi-platform releases and the growing importance of services like Game Pass, it’s not out of the question that Helldivers 2 could eventually make its way to Xbox—perhaps as part of a future expansion or post-launch update.
Until then, PlayStation and PC players will be the ones to experience the next chapter in the Helldivers saga, but the door remains open for Xbox owners to join the fight in the future. Keep an eye out for official updates from Arrowhead Game Studios or Sony for any news regarding an Xbox version of Helldivers 2.
