Helldivers 2 Collabs with Star Wars, Aliens and Others Desired, But Purposefully Avoided

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 for potential game crossovers, sparking excitement among fans. His initial suggestion of a collaboration with the tabletop game Trench Crusade ignited a flurry of online conversation. While initially enthusiastic, Pilestedt later tempered expectations, citing the numerous challenges involved in such collaborations.

Pilestedt's dream crossover list includes iconic franchises like Starship Troopers, Terminator, Warhammer 40,000, Alien, Predator, Star Wars, and even Blade Runner. However, he stressed that incorporating all these would compromise the game's unique satirical, militaristic tone. He stated that a deluge of crossovers would dilute the Helldivers identity, creating an experience that deviates from the core game.

The popularity of crossovers in live-service games is undeniable, and Helldivers 2, with its intense alien combat, seems perfectly suited for such collaborations. Pilestedt, however, demonstrates a commitment to preserving the game's integrity. He remains open to smaller crossover elements, such as individual weapons or character skins acquired through in-game currency, but emphasizes that these are merely personal preferences and no decisions have been finalized.

Many appreciate Arrowhead Studios' cautious approach, contrasting with the trend of live-service games often overwhelming players with excessive crossover content that clashes with the original game's atmosphere. Pilestedt's measured response underscores the priority placed on maintaining Helldivers 2's cohesive universe.

The future of crossovers in Helldivers 2 remains uncertain. While the potential for exciting collaborations exists, the developers' commitment to preserving the game's core identity suggests a thoughtful and selective approach to any future partnerships. Whether Helldivers soldiers will one day battle Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett remains to be seen.