New Major Order In Helldivers 2 and Arrowhead Studios Teases “Game 6”

Troy Reeder

Helldivers 2

Super Earth Command has issued its latest directive: a full-scale counteroffensive against the Automatons across multiple war-torn systems. After a brief but eerie silence in the Galactic War campaign, the new Major Order reignites the front lines with a clear objective — strike back, reclaim territory, and remind the bots who really runs the galaxy.

As Helldivers 2 continues to dominate online co-op charts and command a loyal fanbase, Arrowhead Game Studios has revealed that it’s beginning early conceptual work on a brand-new title codenamed Game 6. However, the developer has made it crystal clear: Helldivers 2 is not going anywhere.

New Major Order Drops in Helldivers 2

What’s the Objective?

The current Major Order challenges all players to:

  • Liberate a set of Automaton-held planets in a defined time window.
  • Earn up to 50 medals for participating and successfully completing objectives.
  • Prevent the loss of critical manufacturing worlds (including Curia and potentially Zosma) that could shift the war in the Automatons’ favor.

Bots Are Back – And They’re Hitting Hard

This isn’t a skirmish — it’s a full-on offensive. Automaton forces have adapted their tactics:

  • Hulks, Tanks, and Gunships are now showing up with smarter pathing and more aggressive flanks.
  • Players report an uptick in automated reinforcements, especially when Commissars and Troopers aren’t neutralized quickly.
  • Urban combat zones like Democracy Plaza are back in rotation, pushing players to adopt real cover-based strategies.

As Redditor @tajake noted:

“With bots, you want terrain between you and them or force them into kill zones. Use suppressive fire to break their aim, and don’t be afraid to bring out thermite or the laser cannon.”

Strategic Suggestions from Veterans

If you’re diving into this Major Order and haven’t fought bots much yet:

  • Cover > Movement — Unlike bugs, bots shoot accurately. Use rocks, hills, or destroyed vehicles for cover.
  • Bring Anti-Tank — From Recoilless Rifles to the 500kg bomb, you’ll need penetration power.
  • Use Suppression — Automatons lose accuracy under fire, so don’t hold back on volume.

And as @RapidWaffle put it:

“Bugs don’t surf. Bots shoot. Shoot better.”

Community Reactions – Sanctioned Frivolity Is Over

The community response? Pure chaotic energy. Players joked they were “frolicking” during sanctioned downtime and are now “pooping for liberty” mid-battle deployments. One user said they crafted a meme “on a bathroom break” to commemorate the surprise attack.

Memes, mayhem, and morale are high — especially with this new mission perceived as a return to form after several days of silence from Super Earth Command.

Rewards & Progress

  • Up to 50 Medals are on the line.
  • Participation in liberation missions is required.
  • Progress appears to affect the story arc — speculation is building about an upcoming Illuminate reappearance, or perhaps a deeper plot tied to the Station 81 ARG.

Suit up, Helldivers. The bots have struck during a time of whimsy — now it’s time to spill oil in the name of democracy.

Helldivers 2 Will Remain Arrowhead’s Top Priority

Arrowhead Studios Logo

CEO Shams Jorjani took to the official Helldivers Discord server to clarify the situation directly to fans. “Game 6 is something a very, very small team will begin working on sloooowly,” Jorjani explained, emphasizing that the studio’s main resources are still fully committed to Helldivers 2. “It’ll be our main focus and will be for a loooong time,” he said, even floating the possibility of supporting the game for an entire decade—so long as the community stays engaged.

That support already includes a consistent rollout of content updates, such as the recent “Heart of Democracy” campaign, new weapons, enemy factions, and ongoing balance tweaks. Arrowhead’s goal is to evolve Helldivers 2 into one of the most vibrant live-service shooters on the market, and they’re backing it up with action.

What We Know About “Game 6”

While virtually no creative details about Game 6 have been disclosed, one major shift is already confirmed: Arrowhead plans to self-fund and self-publish the project. This means Game 6 will not be restricted by the PlayStation ecosystem and is expected to launch on multiple platforms from day one.

That’s a significant departure from Helldivers 2, which launched as a PS5 and PC exclusive through a partnership with Sony. But despite moving toward full independence, Arrowhead had nothing but praise for PlayStation. “There would be no Helldivers if it wasn’t for them,” Jorjani noted, calling them “incredibly game/dev-oriented, solid partners.”

This signals that while Game 6 may be a new chapter for the studio, it isn’t burning bridges—it’s building new ones.

Helldivers 2: From Sleeper Hit to Global Phenomenon

Helldivers 2 has shattered expectations since its release, becoming the biggest PlayStation PC launch in history and moving over 8 million units within just over a month. That runaway success is the very reason Arrowhead can now think about self-funding its next game. With financial security and massive community momentum, the studio is now in a position to expand without sacrificing the quality or cadence of its existing work.

The recent “Heart of Democracy” update brought the fight to urban centers for the first time, complete with NPC allies (SEAF troops), new enemies like the grotesque Fleshmob, and deeper weapon customization systems. It also marked the arrival of the long-teased Illuminate faction, which players successfully repelled during the game’s largest community event yet: the Battle for Super Earth.

That event, which culminated in the destruction of the Illuminate fleet thanks to the reactivation of the Democracy Space Station (DSS), saw contributions from across the globe—including a massive turnout from the Chinese player community.

Patch 01.003.000: New Enemies, Weapon Balance, and More

The latest patch delivered meaningful changes beyond the campaign narrative:

  • Weapon Balance Tweaks – Spread, recoil, and fire rates adjusted to improve PvE flow.
  • New Enemies – Stingrays and Crescent Overseers joined the battlefield, intensifying high-level encounters.
  • Bug Fixes – Crashes, progression blockers, and matchmaking hiccups were all targeted.

Community on a Mission

Following some backlash over a failed mission to save Equality-on-Sea (which was initially expected to result in permanent in-game consequences), the Helldivers community has rallied to boost the game’s Steam rating, which had dipped to “Mixed.” Thousands of players are now flooding review sections with praise and updates, determined to reflect the improvements Arrowhead has delivered.

The Path Forward

Arrowhead’s measured, transparent approach is paying off. Rather than overextending, the studio is balancing ambitious plans for the future with the hard work of nurturing the present. Game 6 may hint at the next phase in the studio’s evolution, but Helldivers 2 remains its lifeblood—and its message is loud and clear:

The war for Super Earth isn’t over. And Arrowhead’s just getting started.

Helldivers 2: Game Summary and Release Date

Helldivers 2 launched on February 8, 2024, bringing the highly anticipated sequel to fans on both PlayStation 5 and PC platforms. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC, this third-person shooter has quickly established itself as one of the standout releases of the year. The simultaneous release on both platforms marked a departure from Sony’s traditional approach to exclusives.

The game debuted with a precise global release time of 09:00 UTC on February 8, allowing players worldwide to coordinate their entry into the cooperative shooter experience. Fans of the original game were treated to enhanced gameplay mechanics and improved visuals while maintaining the core cooperative elements that made the first game so popular.

Exciting news for current players is the upcoming “Escalation of Freedom” update scheduled for August 6, 2024. This represents the first major content expansion for Helldivers 2, promising to add new features and content to keep the community engaged well into the future.

Key Takeaways

  • Helldivers 2 released globally on February 8, 2024, for both PlayStation 5 and PC platforms.
  • The game was developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC as a third-person cooperative shooter.
  • The first major update called “Escalation of Freedom” is scheduled to arrive on August 6, 2024.

Release Information and Availability

Helldivers 2 launched on February 8, 2024, nearly nine years after the original game. This highly anticipated sequel is available on fewer platforms than its predecessor but offers more content options for players.

Launch Date and Platforms

Helldivers 2 officially released on February 8, 2024. The game was originally expected in late 2023 but was pushed to early 2024 for additional development time. Unlike the first game, Helldivers 2 is available on just two platforms: PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.

The release time was set at 09:00 UTC worldwide, allowing players to calculate their local launch time based on their time zone. For PC players, the game can be purchased and downloaded through Steam, while PlayStation 5 owners can get it from the PlayStation Store.

This marks an important PlayStation Studios title that launched simultaneously on PS5 and PC, continuing Sony’s strategy of bringing more of their games to the PC platform.

Editions and Pre-Order Details

Players could choose between two main editions when purchasing Helldivers 2:

Standard Edition:

  • Base game with all core features
  • Available on both PS5 and PC
  • Lower price point for entry-level access

Super Citizen Edition:

  • Includes the base game
  • Additional in-game cosmetics
  • Special armor sets
  • Early access to certain weapons

Pre-orders for both editions opened several months before release and included bonus content such as the ‘Steeled Veterans’ Premium Warbond, which provided extra customization options and special armor sets for early supporters.

PlayStation Plus members received additional discounts when pre-ordering through the PlayStation Store. Steam users could add the game to their wishlist well before launch to receive notifications when pre-orders opened.

Game Features and Mechanics

Helldivers 2 builds on its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, an expanded arsenal, and improved cooperative elements. The game offers players a robust experience with challenging missions against alien threats.

Gameplay Overview

Helldivers 2 is a third-person shooter that places players in the role of elite soldiers fighting to protect Super Earth from alien threats. The game features a mission-based structure where players drop onto hostile planets to complete objectives.

The core gameplay revolves around tactical combat that requires precision and teamwork. Players face increasingly difficult enemies as they progress through the game’s campaign.

Missions include diverse objectives like securing areas, retrieving valuable items, or eliminating high-value targets. The game’s difficulty scales based on player count, ensuring a balanced challenge regardless of team size.

A deep progression system allows players to unlock new equipment and abilities as they advance through the ranks of the Helldivers.

Weapons, Armor, and Stratagems

Players have access to a diverse arsenal of weapons, from standard assault rifles to specialized heavy weapons. Each weapon has unique properties and effectiveness against different enemy types.

Armor options provide various benefits, balancing protection with mobility. Players can customize their loadouts to suit different mission parameters and personal playstyles.

Stratagems are a standout feature that sets Helldivers 2 apart from other shooters. These powerful support abilities are called down from orbit and include:

  • Defensive measures (turrets, shields)
  • Offensive strikes (airstrikes, orbital bombardments)
  • Supply drops (ammo, weapons)
  • Tactical options (stealth fields, jump packs)

To activate Stratagems, players must input specific button combinations, adding a skill-based element even during intense combat situations.

Co-Op and Multiplayer Aspects

Helldivers 2 shines brightest as a cooperative experience, supporting up to four players working together. The game features crossplay between PlayStation and PC players, expanding the available player pool.

Communication and coordination are essential, as friendly fire is always active. This creates tense moments where players must be aware of their teammates’ positions and actions.

The game incorporates shared objectives that contribute to community-wide “Galactic War” efforts. Player actions collectively influence the progression of this meta-game.

Squad synergy becomes important as players can complement each other’s loadouts and Stratagems. A well-balanced team might include players focusing on different roles:

  • Heavy weapons specialist
  • Support/medic
  • Reconnaissance
  • Defense specialist

The multiplayer experience is further enhanced by dynamic mission elements that ensure no two playthroughs feel identical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Players have many questions about Helldivers 2 beyond its release date of February 8, 2024. These common inquiries cover pricing, platforms, multiplayer features, and future plans for the franchise.

What is the expected price point for Helldivers 2 on next-gen consoles?

Helldivers 2 launched with a standard price of $39.99 for the base game on PlayStation 5. The Super Citizen Edition, which includes bonus cosmetic items and armor sets, was priced at $59.99.

This pricing structure positioned the game as a mid-tier release rather than a full-priced AAA title, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

What platforms will support Helldivers 2, and will there be crossplay functionality?

Helldivers 2 released exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC. The game fully supports crossplay between these two platforms, allowing PS5 and PC players to team up seamlessly.

This cross-platform functionality helps maintain a healthy player population and lets friends play together regardless of their chosen gaming system. There are currently no announced plans to bring the game to Xbox or other platforms.

Has there been any confirmation of a Helldivers 2 movie adaptation?

There has been no official confirmation of a Helldivers 2 movie adaptation. Arrowhead Game Studios has not announced any plans to expand the franchise into film or television.

The game’s satirical military sci-fi setting would potentially translate well to other media, but no such projects have been revealed as of March 2025.

What are the anticipated player count capabilities for Helldivers 2 multiplayer modes?

Helldivers 2 supports up to 4-player cooperative gameplay. Teams of 1-4 players can drop onto planets to complete missions together against the game’s various alien threats.

The game does not feature PvP modes, focusing entirely on cooperative gameplay where players work together against AI enemies. The 4-player limit is consistent with the original Helldivers game.

Will Arrowhead Game Studios offer Helldivers 2 under a free-to-play model?

Helldivers 2 is not available as a free-to-play game. It follows a traditional purchase model where players buy the base game to access all core content.

The game does feature cosmetic items that can be purchased, but these are optional and don’t affect gameplay. According to the FAQ, some pre-order cosmetics may become available to all players in the future.

Are there any plans for a sequel beyond Helldivers 2?

Arrowhead Game Studios has not announced any plans for a sequel beyond Helldivers 2. The developer is currently focused on supporting the existing game with updates and content.

The team has been actively releasing patches and seasonal content since the February 2024 launch. Major events like the liberation of Malevelon Creek in April 2024 show their commitment to expanding the current game rather than moving on to a sequel.