While I love the single player stories in “God of War” and the Rockstar games, there is something special about playing games co-op with friends. During the last few years, I had a blast playing “Gears of War” with my brother Olivier and best friend William. We also played and finished “Elden Ring” as a team. However, very few games are built with co-op as the expected gameplay style. Helldivers 2 changes that.

Helldivers 2 elevates cooperative gameplay to thrilling new heights, making it easily the best co-op experience available on the market today. The game exemplifies a seamless blend of challenge, strategy, and sheer fun that’s missing in other titles. It’s also one of the rare games where cross-platform gameplay works well and feels fair.

One of the things that sets Helldivers 2 apart is its ingeniously implemented friendly fire mechanic, which turns potential frustration into a source of endless hilarity and, surprisingly, deeper cooperation. The game doesn’t just allow for mistakes—it encourages players to learn and laugh at them. In a world where many games strive to handhold players, Helldivers 2 dares to demand more. It requires real teamwork, communication, and tactical planning, especially as you ascend to the higher and more chaotic difficulty levels with seemingly endless hordes of enemies. The final scramble to extract leads to some of the most frantic and fun gameplay I’ve ever experienced.

Moreover, even the occasional bugs contribute to the game’s charm rather than detract from it. In an odd way, they enhance the unpredictability and spontaneity of each mission, ensuring that no two play sessions are ever the same. This unpredictability, combined with the high stakes of friendly fire, makes each session uniquely compelling.

It’s also interesting that the lack of “real” story does not really detract from the game especially as our collective actions have an impact how the game plays out. It’s fun to get elements of the lore sprinkled throughout the game during missions. I love the “Starship Troopers” analogies. It’s clear that we are the bad guys in the game, and I love it. Join us in spreading managed democracy across the galaxy!

Helldivers 2 is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the joy of gaming with others. It’s a must-play for anyone who values not just the mechanics of a game, but the memorable experiences and laughter that come from truly synergistic team play. In our fast-paced world, finding a game that allows friends to gather, strategize, and occasionally accidentally eliminate one another in the most uproarious ways possible is a rare gem. Helldivers 2 is that gem.