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

Helldivers 2 Creative Director Dreams of Epic Crossovers, But Prioritizes Game Integrity

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 conversation about the potential for integrating other iconic franchises.

Pilestedt's enthusiasm extends to major sci-fi properties like Starship Troopers, Terminator, Warhammer 40,000, Alien, Predator, Star Wars, and even Blade Runner. However, he acknowledges the potential pitfalls of excessive crossovers. He cautions that incorporating too many collaborations could dilute the game's unique satirical, militaristic identity, resulting in an experience that deviates from the core Helldivers feel. He emphasizes that maintaining the game's cohesive universe is paramount.

While acknowledging the popularity of crossover content in live-service games, Pilestedt highlights the importance of a measured approach. He remains open to both large-scale and smaller crossover elements, such as individual weapons or character skins acquired via in-game currency. However, he stresses that these are personal preferences and no decisions have been finalized.

The team at Arrowhead Studios seems committed to a thoughtful approach, contrasting with the trend of live-service games often overwhelming players with numerous, sometimes incongruous, additions. This deliberate strategy suggests a dedication to preserving the integrity of the Helldivers 2 universe.

The future of crossovers in Helldivers 2 remains uncertain. While the potential for exciting collaborations exists, the developers' priority is maintaining the game's core identity. Whether Super Earth soldiers will one day battle Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator is still up in the air, but the possibility alone fuels the imagination.