Helldivers 2 has secured its position as a top-notch co-op shooter, thanks to its thrilling action-packed gameplay and bug-squashing adventures. However, its growing popularity has led to server issues and online troubles. While Sony is working on resolving these issues, we understand if you’re eager to explore alternatives. Thankfully, there’s a plethora of games similar to Helldivers 2 that offer the joy of battling enemies alongside friends.
To assist you in finding the perfect alternative, we’ve curated a list of the finest games akin to Helldivers 2. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
1. Risk of Rain 2
Our top recommendation, especially for those enjoying gaming on the Steam Deck, is Risk of Rain 2. This rogue-like action-adventure game throws you onto an alien planet where you battle through waves of enemies, collecting upgrades and power-ups along the way. With its unique difficulty scaling system, the game keeps ramping up the challenge as you progress, resulting in more intense encounters with hordes of foes.
The best part? Risk of Rain 2 supports cooperative play, allowing you and up to three friends to team up and tackle enemy waves together, offering a deeply satisfying rogue-like experience reminiscent of Helldivers 2.
2. Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Before horde shooting became popular, there was a game that played a pivotal role in popularizing the concept. Warhammer: Vermintide 2, developed by Fatshark, is a co-op first-person action-adventure game set in the gothic dark-fantasy universe of Warhammer. Players assume the roles of one of five different classes and embark on missions to various locations overrun by the Chaos army and Skaven Horde.
In Vermintide 2, you and your team must join forces to eliminate hordes of heretics in service of the Emperor. The game features a unique skill-tree system that allows players to customize their heroes with different abilities, adding depth to the gameplay experience. Overall, Warhammer: Vermintide 2 serves as a solid alternative to Helldivers 2, particularly during times when server issues are prevalent.
3. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Another masterpiece from Fatshark, Warhammer 40,000 offers a thrilling gaming experience akin to Vermintide 2. In this game, you and your friends face off against hordes of enemies, following a similar formula to Vermintide 2 but with the addition of iconic 40K lore-accurate weapons.
While Darktide initially faced challenges during its launch, it has since evolved into an enjoyable experience well worth revisiting. If you’re eager for some action but can’t wait for Helldivers 2 to be fixed, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is definitely worth checking out.
4. Earth Defense Force 5
This game hails from a developer well-versed in the concept long before Helldivers 2 emerged. Enter the universe of Earth Defense Force, where you assume the role of a soldier fighting against swarms of giant bugs, particularly ants.
Teaming up with your friends, you embark on a relentless rampage through various levels, exterminating alien insects along the way. As you advance, you unlock better weapons, mechs, and face tougher challenges, all in the pursuit of repelling the invading forces and safeguarding your territory.
For those who prefer a touch of classic gaming, EDF 5 even offers local split-screen gameplay. Plus, with the game currently on sale, there’s no better time to grab it and dive into the action!
5. Aliens: Fireteam Elite
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a gripping third-person co-op shooter set in Ridley Scott’s expansive Aliens universe. Assume the role of a fireteam member of the Colonial Marines of Weyland-Yutani as you journey to the newly discovered planet LV-895, now overrun by swarms of Xenomorphs.
Select your fireteam member class, assemble your squad, and embark on an intense story campaign spanning four chapters.
Fireteam Elite offers the ultimate experience of stepping into the boots of a Colonial Marine, battling terrifying aliens. While there may not be literal bugs in the game, the Xenomorphs can certainly be considered as such. So, squint your eyes, and you’ll see them as you exterminate these deadly creatures.
6. Starship Trooper: Extermination
Starship Troopers: Extermination, an official game based on the same series that Helldivers 2 draws immense inspiration from, is a thrilling first-person tactical co-op shooter. Step into the shoes of a member of the Deep Space Vanguard from the Starship Troopers universe.
When the deep-space mining colony, Planet Valaka, falls prey to the Arachnids, you and your friends must join the war effort to eliminate the bug menace.
With three different classes to choose from, tailored to suit your preferred playstyle, you’ll engage in base-building, refinery construction, and various side activities to bolster the war effort and simplify your mission. For an experience closest to Helldivers 2, Starship Troopers: Extermination is a must-try game.
7. World War Z
If you’re familiar with the book or movie, you’ll recognize this one. World War Z is a gripping third-person co-op game that plunges you into the shoes of multiple survivors scattered across the globe. As humanity teeters on the brink of extinction and hordes of bloodthirsty zombies overrun the world, you and your team must band together to survive the onslaught and live to see another day.
World War Z boasts an impressive horde system, with swarms of hundreds of zombies descending upon your party to overwhelm you. With access to eight different in-game classes and a robust progression system, each encounter offers a unique challenge. It’s the perfect choice for those days when you’re craving a break from battling socialist bots and bugs.
8. Deep Rock Galactic
While I could simply end this section with a hearty “ROCK AND STONES,” let me provide some context for those new to DRG. Deep Rock Galactic stands as one of the finest co-op games in recent memory. As an FPS game, it places you at the helm of four classes of formidable space dwarves tasked with mining minerals and materials across various off-world planets.
With procedurally generated environments that are fully destructible, DRG offers an exhilarating gameplay loop. Join forces with your friends to mine resources and fend off bugs using cutting-edge gadgets, resulting in deeply satisfying teamwork.
As a worthy alternative for days when Helldivers 2 undergoes server maintenance, Deep Rock Galactic may even become your go-to choice. Who knows?
9. Helldivers
Before Helldivers 2 rose to prominence as the thrilling third-person shooter it is today, there was the original Helldivers. A top-down twin-stick shooter, it placed you in the boots of the titular last line of defense for Super Earth.
Join forces with up to four players to battle swarms of Terminids across various planets, utilizing support stratagems and an array of powerful firearms, all in the name of Democracy.
Helldivers is essentially the precursor to Helldivers 2, albeit without the lavish budgets of its successor. If you’re seeking a fun twin-stick shooter to enjoy with friends, opt for the original game and experience the roots of this beloved franchise.
10. Remnant II
The last entry on our list is the popular shooter game from last year, Remnant 2. In this three-player co-op shooter, you’ll face off against god-like bosses and deadly creatures across post-apocalyptic Earth and other universes. With a blend of melee and ranged combat systems and a unique upgrade system offering replayability, Remnant 2 delivers an immersive experience.
Moreover, the game’s archetypical progression system provides players with unique passives and powers. Essentially an enhanced version of its predecessor, Remnant 2 is polished, carefully crafted, and thoughtfully designed. Overall, it stands as a solid co-op title that everyone should enjoy with their friends.
Here are the top ten games similar to Helldivers 2 that you should dive into right away. Have more suggestions for us and our readers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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