Star Wars, Aliens Join Forces with Helldivers 2, Amidst Deliberate Collaborations

Helldivers 2 Creative Director Dreams of Epic Crossovers, But Prioritizes Game's Identity

Johan Pilestedt, creative director of Helldivers 2, recently revealed his wish list of dream crossovers for the game, sparking excitement among fans. His initial suggestion, a collaboration with the tabletop game Trench Crusade, ignited a flurry of online discussion. While the Trench Crusade team enthusiastically embraced the idea, Pilestedt quickly tempered expectations, citing the significant challenges involved in such collaborations.

Pilestedt's expanded list of desired crossovers includes iconic sci-fi franchises like Alien, Starship Troopers, Terminator, Predator, Star Wars, and Blade Runner. However, he emphasized a crucial point: the potential for these collaborations to compromise the game's unique satirical, militaristic tone. He stated that including all these franchises would dilute the Helldivers identity, creating an experience that wouldn't feel authentic to the core game.

The allure of crossovers in live-service games is undeniable, and Helldivers 2's intense combat and alien battles seem perfectly suited for such partnerships. Yet, Pilestedt's cautious approach underscores his commitment to preserving the game's cohesive universe. He remains open to both large and small crossover elements, such as individual weapons or character skins, potentially offered via the game's Warbonds system. However, he stresses that these remain personal preferences and no decisions have been finalized.

Arrowhead Studios' measured approach to crossovers is commendable, especially considering the trend of live-service games often overwhelming players with excessive cosmetic content that clashes with the game's original aesthetic. Pilestedt's prioritization of Helldivers 2's established universe resonates with many players.

The ultimate decision on crossovers rests with the developers. While the potential for franchises to integrate seamlessly into Helldivers 2's satirical style is intriguing, whether these collaborations will become reality remains uncertain. The prospect of Super Earth soldiers battling Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator is a fascinating, albeit potentially chaotic, concept.