Summary
The core idea of a live-service game is to keep players engaged by throwing new content their way over time.Helldivers 2, while enjoying amassive launch a few months back, is now seeing its player count dwindle because of a lack of new content. Those who have been playing since launch are now burned out because of grinding the same missions.
Hence, developer Arrowhead Game Studios has decided to spend more time on the monthly warbonds to make their content meaningful. This starts with theViper Commandos Warbond, which clearly takes a lot of ideas from the 1987Predatorfilm with its macho-masculine jungle camo outfits. The new thematic approach is interesting because it opens up new doors for crossovers with other games. There are several critically acclaimed science-fiction hits out there, and it would be a wonder ifHelldivers 2manages to bring in its weapons, armor, etc.
5The Helghast (Killzone)
Unflinching in the Face of Adversity
With theKillzonefranchise shelved for the past decade, the best Sony Interactive Entertainment can do is consider green-lighting a crossover withHelldivers 2. The Helghast, in particular, would fit right into the setting. Forcefully relocated for refusing to live under the ISA rule, theKillzonegames taught a crucial lesson: not every person fighting for freedom is a terrorist. On that note, it would only be natural for some people on Super Earth to stop listening to the Ministry of Truth. It is all propaganda anyway.
The Helghast have some of the most iconic armor designs in history: ranging from the trench coat and gas mask in the early installments to the technologically advanced gear in the latter games. Some of their weapons, such as the M82 assault rifle and the StA-3 light machine gun, would also be a welcome addition to the armory.
The B-08 Light Gunner and CE-27 Ground Breakerarmor sets inHelldivers 2are the closest players can get to feeling like the Helghast.
4The Machines (Horizon: Zero Dawn)
Transforming Beasts (& Bugs) Into Automaton Bots
The Automatons were originally created by the Cyborgs from the firstHelldiversgame as the next step in their evolution. They are entirely mechanical beings that no longer require human volunteers to manipulate their bodies with machines and technology. They are still based on humans, which begs the question of why thebot fabricators inHelldivers 2cannot terraform other living beings such as the Terminids to create beast-like robots. If the Automatons were to do that, it would be a great opportunity for the Sony-ownedHorizonfranchise to do a major crossover inHelldivers 2.
Some Terminid enemies are already featured asmachines in theHorizongames, and that too, with the same names. The Stalker, for example, can turn completely invisible before attacking. There is also the Charger which can ram its targets at high speeds. There are several more machines from theHorizonbestiary that can cross over. The Ravager, for one, would be an excellent addition. Equipped for ranged and melee combat thanks to its mounted guns and sharp claws, imagine an Automaton robot beast charging you on all fours.
3Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)
Ending the Cycle of Destruction, Again
It is hard to talk about potential science-fiction crossovers without mentioning theMass Effectfranchise. Featuring a range of iconic weapons and armor with unique passives, there is a lot of potential here to make fans happy inHelldivers 2. With an all-newMass Effect 4in the works, it would perhaps be anopportunity to bring back Commander Shephardto take command in the ongoing galactic war for survival.
It would also be worth pointing out that the Reapers from theMass Effecttrilogy bear some similarities to therumored Illuminate faction inHelldivers 2. Both are highly advanced aliens stranded in another dimension, looking for a way back. The Ministry of Science could even utilize Illuminate technology to give players a form of biotic implants to create shield barriers and such.
Plasma Cutting Terminid Limbs Like Butter
What happened to the USG Ishimurawill unlikely happen to players' Super Destroyers. The unique killing mechanics ofDead Space, though, do make for a comfortable crossover inHelldivers 2. Targeting limbs is one of the many ways to beat most enemies like theBrood Commanderand theDevastator. Including new enemies inspired byDead Spacethat encourage players to target specific limbs, not just rain bullets, would certainly freshen up theHelldivers 2bestiary.
In addition, the iconicPlasma Cutter fromDead Spaceneeds to make an appearance inHelldivers 2. The energy-based mining tool fires precision shots that slice through light enemies. Considering the existence of mining colonies in theHelldiverslore, it reasons that they are using something similar to extract minerals. Furthermore, any of the variousRIGs worn by Isaac Clarkewould be a welcome addition to the armory. That as well as the latter weapons such as the pulse and plasma rifles.
The Hand Cannon and its pew-pew animation would make for an excellentemote inHelldivers 2.
1Doom Slayer (Doom)
Putting the Hell in Helldivers
With the ongoing galactic war that has taken the lives of thousands of fellow divers, no one but the Doom Slayer would qualify as the perfect one-man army to defend Super Earth.The main protagonist of theDoomfranchisehas traveled through hellish dimensions and back multiple times to lay waste to their nightmarish armies. His disdain for demonic invasions would greatly help fend off both the Automaton and Terminid factions.
What also makes the Doom Slayer a perfect crossover forHelldivers 2is the role of Mars. The planet was the central point ofdemonic invasions in theDoomgames, and where the training facilities are located to train new divers inHelldivers 2. Not to mention that his iconic shotgun and Praetor Suit would be a breath of fresh air in the armory. TheSG-225 Breakerneeds some competition, and something needs to be done about the lack of new armor designs.
