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 of a collaboration with the tabletop game, Trench Crusade, ignited a conversation about the potential for integrating other iconic franchises.

Pilestedt's ideal crossover roster includes sci-fi giants like Starship Troopers, Terminator, Predator, Alien, Star Wars, and Blade Runner. However, he acknowledges the potential pitfalls of such collaborations. He expressed concern that incorporating too many crossovers could dilute Helldivers 2's unique satirical, militaristic identity, transforming it into something unrecognizable. He stated explicitly that a deluge of crossovers would risk creating a "not Helldivers" experience.

While acknowledging the popularity of crossover content in live-service games, Pilestedt emphasizes a commitment to maintaining the game's cohesive universe. He's open to smaller-scale collaborations, such as individual weapons or character skins acquired through in-game currency (Warbonds), but stresses that these are merely personal preferences, and no decisions have been finalized.

The team at Arrowhead Studios appears to be taking a cautious approach, avoiding the trend of overwhelming live-service games with excessive crossover content that often clashes with the original game's aesthetic. This deliberate strategy suggests a prioritization of preserving Helldivers 2's distinct tone and atmosphere.

The future of crossovers in Helldivers 2 remains uncertain. While the potential for exciting collaborations exists, the developers' commitment to preserving the game's integrity suggests a measured approach. Whether Super Earth's soldiers will one day battle Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator remains to be seen, but the possibility alone fuels the imagination.