Spreading Managed Democracy: The Upcoming Games That Could Be the New “Helldivers 2”

The gaming world was taken by storm in early 2024 by Helldivers 2, a game that seemingly came out of nowhere to become a cultural phenomenon. Its unique blend of satirical, B-movie sci-fi humor, chaotic cooperative gameplay, and a community-driven, dynamic war effort created an experience that felt fresh and engaging. The game’s success wasn’t just in its satisfying third-person shooting; it was in its live-service model that made every mission feel like a meaningful contribution to a larger, persistent galactic war. As the dust settles and other developers take note of Arrowhead Game Studios’ success, a new wave of cooperative shooters is on the horizon. Here are some upcoming titles that have the potential to capture the same magic and become the new “Helldivers 2.”

The Formula for Success

What made Helldivers 2 a standout hit? It was a combination of several key elements:

• A Unique Community Goal: The game’s overarching Galactic War, where players worked together to liberate planets, created a sense of shared purpose and real-time progression. The war effort felt alive, with a living, breathing game master in the form of the developers, who could introduce new threats and alter the battlefield.
• Chaotic and Unpredictable Gameplay: Friendly fire, orbital strikes that could miss their mark, and hordes of enemies that swarmed the players made every mission a tense, hilarious, and often unpredictable experience. It was about more than just shooting; it was about managing chaos.
• A Strong Sense of Place: The game’s satire of military propaganda and jingoism was a core part of its identity. It was self-aware and funny, making the repetitive nature of the missions feel like a part of the joke rather than a grind.

With these elements in mind, several upcoming titles are poised to take a shot at the throne.

Starship Troopers: Extermination (Full Release)

While already in Early Access, the full release of Starship Troopers: Extermination is a strong contender. The game is the most direct parallel to Helldivers 2, as it is based on the same satirical sci-fi franchise that inspired it. It puts players in the boots of a Mobile Infantry soldier fighting against the Arachnid threat. The game already features massive 16-player lobbies, base building, and a horde-like cooperative experience. The developers have a clear roadmap, and as the game approaches its full launch, it has the potential to perfect its systems and offer a more polished, grand-scale version of the Helldivers experience.

The scale of its battles, with dozens of players fighting massive swarms of bugs, is its biggest advantage. If it can successfully implement a dynamic progression system and an overarching war effort that feels as impactful as Helldivers‘ Galactic War, it could very well be the next major co-op hit.

Killing Floor 3

The Killing Floor series is a veteran of the cooperative horde shooter genre, and its third installment is one of the most anticipated releases in the space. The game is known for its intense, bloody combat, a wide variety of grotesque enemies, and a deep progression system for its various classes. While it traditionally lacks the grand, community-wide progression of Helldivers 2, the focus on brutal, close-quarters combat and a horror-inspired atmosphere could attract a dedicated audience. The game’s potential lies in its ability to offer a more focused, terrifying, and tactical experience. If it can deliver on its promise of an upgraded, six-player co-op experience with new enemy types and a polished progression system, it could carve out a significant place for itself in the market.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Ongoing Development)

Much like Starship Troopers: Extermination, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a game that is already out but is in a state of continuous development. The game, from the creators of Vermintide, has had a rocky launch but has been steadily improving with new content and a commitment from its developers. The game’s deep class system, melee-focused combat, and grim, atmospheric world are its strengths. While its focus is more on a linear mission structure rather than an open war, its potential to become the next “Helldivers 2” comes from its rich lore and the potential for a live-service model that could introduce new factions, massive events, and community-driven goals. If the developers can continue to build on its solid foundation and introduce a more dynamic, overarching narrative, it could become a staple in the co-op shooter genre.

FBC: Firebreak

Announced as a co-op spin-off to the critically acclaimed game Control, FBC: Firebreak is a major wildcard. The game is set to feature a trio of players fighting against the paranormal threats of the Federal Bureau of Control. The game’s potential lies in its unique setting, a surreal world of paranormal abilities and mind-bending architecture. While details are scarce, the idea of a co-op shooter in the style of Control, with its physics-based combat and supernatural abilities, is incredibly appealing. If it can deliver on the visual and gameplay brilliance of its predecessor while adding a compelling cooperative loop, it could be a fresh and innovative take on the genre, a stylish alternative to the sci-fi and horror themes of its competitors. It’s the game that might not be a direct “Helldivers killer,” but an entirely new and exciting take on the formula.

The success of Helldivers 2 has proven that there is a massive appetite for live-service cooperative games that prioritize community, dynamic progression, and engaging, chaotic gameplay. While none of these upcoming titles may be an exact clone, they all have a unique element that could help them stand out and become the next big hit. As the gaming landscape evolves, the future of the co-op shooter looks brighter than ever.