Summary
- Helldivers 2 players have continued to ask about potentially increasing the squad size to fit more than 4 players.
- However, Thomas ‘Twinbeard’ Petersson confirmed it would require a lot of work to accomplish.
- Instead of flat out saying no, if this feature were to get approved, it likely wouldn't be anytime soon and instead off in the distant future..
Responding to a fan, Arrowhead Game Studios community manager confirmed that increased Helldivers 2 squad sizes likely won't be coming anytime soon. Helldivers 2 has been a massive success for both Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios, more so than anyone though considering the amount of issues the game suffered from at launch due to overwhelming numbers of players attempting to sign in. However, even the initial troubles were not enough to dissuade players from playing and Helldivers 2 continued to rapidly grow alongside the dynamic galactic war constantly shifting and evolving.
Part of the appeal of the game is Helldivers 2's ability to continually add content through consistent updates. These include bug fixes and quality life improvements, though Helldivers 2 is also changing gameplay with new strategems and modifiers like planetary effects. Many of the staff at Arrowhead Games have also been plenty vocal with the community, by answering questions, teasing new content, and keeping players informed on fixes. That trend has continued from the official Discord page, where the community managers can directly interact with players, including the ability to respond to feedback or inquiries.
One element that players have consistently asked about is whether or not it would be possible to increase the squad size from the traditional 4 to something larger. Inside of the official Helldivers 2 Discord channel, Thomas ‘Twinbeard’ Petersson was specifically asked about the possibility of increasing the squads to include more players beyond the maximum of 4. Other live service titles, specifically those in the shooter category like The Division 2, do include content designed for larger groups of players. Destiny 2 has been producing Raid activities designed for 6 players, an increase from the typical PvE game modes designed for a fire team of three.
Helldivers 2 Community Manager "Twinbeard" Weighs In
Unfortunately for fans, it doesn't seem like expanding beyond 4 players is in the cards. Twinbeard responded to the question by first admitting that the future isn't set in stone, but for now, expanding the squad size would require a lot of work. While it seems unlikely to happen based on the amount of work required, especially as Arrowhead Game Studios continues to release updates and create new content, if it were to be a greenlit feature, the change would likely be off sometime in the distant future.
The short answer is that I don't know. I do know that if we ever go down that route, it would require a lot of work. If it's ever a thing (which I'm not at all sure it will be), it's in the distant future - Thomas ‘Twinbeard’ Petersson
In fact, a discussion has been taking place online recently regarding how Arrowhead Games should be focusing its time on Helldivers 2, either on fixing bugs or generating new content. The debate even reached members of the Arrowhead Games including the CEO Johan Pilestedt, who weighed in with some additional context. As Pilestedt admitted, it's very easy to say "just fix, don't add" but considering how competitive the gaming industry is with keeping players engaged, the studio has to do both. Pilestedt even admited that it's a hot topic internally at the studio as the team continues to find its stride and balance.
Helldivers 2
- Released
- February 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter.
URGENT BROADCAST – SUPER EARTH ARMED FORCES
Freedom. Peace. Democracy. Your Super Earth-born rights. The key pillars of our civilization. Of our very existence. But the war rages on. And everything is once again under threat.
Join the greatest military force the galaxy has ever seen and make this a safe and free place to live.
BECOME A LEGEND
You will be assembled into squads of up to four Helldivers and assigned strategic missions. Watch each other’s back – friendly fire is an unfortunate certainty of war, but victory without teamwork is impossible.
LOADOUTS
Rain down freedom from above, sneak through enemy territory, or grit your teeth and charge head-first into the jaws of combat. How you deliver liberty is your choice; you’ll have access to a wide array of explosive firepower, life-saving armor and battle-changing stratagems… the jewel in every Helldiver’s arsenal.
REQUISITION
Super Earth recognises your hard work with valuable Requisition. Use it to access different rewards that benefit you, your squad, your destroyer ship and our overall war effort.
THREATS
Everything on every planet wants you dead. That’s what we’re dealing with. Each enemy has distinct and unpredictable characteristics, tactics, and behavior – but they all fight ferociously and without fear or morality.
THE GALACTIC WAR
Capturing enemy planets, defending against invasions, and completing missions will contribute to our overall effort. This war will be won or lost depending on the actions of everyone involved.
We stand together, or we fall apart.
- Developer(s)
- Arrowhead Game Studios, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation Publishing
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Helldivers
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Extraction Shooter, Action, Science Fiction
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC & PS5
