HELIDIVERS™ Dive Harder Edition is celebrated as a niche cooperative twin-stick shooter that offers intense, strategic gameplay combined with chaotic action. Players appreciate its tight mechanics, diverse missions, and the challenge it presents, especially at higher difficulties. The progression system, featuring a wide array of weapons and stratagems, adds depth and customization, making unlocking new gear rewarding. The game’s visuals and sound design contribute to its immersive sci-fi universe with a patriotic theme. Cooperative multiplayer, including shared-screen gameplay, is a core strength, fostering teamwork and memorable moments, especially with the unique friendly fire mechanic. However, some players find the highest difficulties restrictive due to enemy compositions favoring armored units. The game has a small but dedicated community and remains enjoyable even years after release. While DLC content enhances the experience, some valuable gear is locked behind paywalls. Overall, HELLDIVERS remains a compelling tactical shooter best enjoyed with friends, though solo play can be punishing.
Players praise HELLDIVERS for its tight and responsive core mechanics that blend strategic teamwork with thrilling action. The variety of missions, planets, and randomized enemy spawns keeps gameplay fresh and engaging. The progression system is lauded for meaningful customization through weapons and stratagems. The immersive sci-fi setting, sound design, and patriotic visuals enhance the atmosphere. The cooperative multiplayer experience, especially the shared screen and friendly fire elements, is highlighted for creating memorable, chaotic fun. Despite its age, the game runs smoothly, including on portable platforms like the Steam Deck, and maintains an active player base. The challenging difficulty curve and tactical depth appeal to fans of demanding co-op shooters.
Common criticisms include the restrictive gameplay at highest difficulty levels due to enemy compositions favoring armored units, limiting loadout variety. The lack of AI teammates makes solo play difficult and sometimes frustrating. Some players find the top-down perspective and older graphics less appealing, especially when compared to its sequel. The UI and control systems feel dated and can be unintuitive for newcomers. There are occasional connectivity issues and mission sync problems in multiplayer. Valuable gear locked behind DLC paywalls is noted as a downside, and the player base is smaller than desired. Finally, some find the grind for achievements tedious and the game punishing for solo players without a coordinated team.
HELLDIVERS™ is a hardcore, cooperative, twin stick shooter. As part of the elite unit called the HELLDIVERS, players must work together to protect SUPER EARTH and defeat the enemies of mankind in an intense intergalactic war.