Helldivers is an extremely popular tactical game, which attracted players not only with its dynamic gameplay and mechanics, but also with its characteristic cooperative mode.
After almost a decade the sequel to the game – Helldivers 2 – has been released. What elements do the two titles have in common and what are the differences?
Core Gameplay Comparison
Let’s take a look at Helldivers 2 vs Helldivers 1 comparison in terms of a gameplay. The storyline of the first game takes place in the galaxy, where players fight enemies, defend planets and capture strategic points. They take on the role of soldiers of the elite Helldivers unit.
In Helldivers 2, the storyline duplicates the concept of the original, but new missions and challenges have been added. The opponents are also much stronger.
Helldivers 1 Gameplay
One of the main differences between the two titles is the change in perspective of the game. Helldivers 1 offered only a top-down view, which means that the player could only see the action from above.
Helldivers 2 Gameplay
Helldivers 2 introduces a third-person perspective (TTP), which allows for a more detailed and immersed game experience.
Helldivers 2 also offers the gamer with possibility to choose between singleplayer and multiplayer mode.
Helldivers 2 – Missing Features
Although Helldivers 2 offers players a lot of upgrades, a sequel lacks some elements from the original game, such as:
- Less gameplay modes – in Helldivers 1, players could test their skills in a variety of modes and missions that had clearly defined objectives (ex. survival mode, target defense). In Helldivers 2, many of these modes have been simplified or changed
- Lower diversity of weapons – compared to the first, Helldivers 2 offers a smaller selection of main and side weapons, resulting in the absence of some features that were available in the previous installment
- Smaller selection of difficulty levels – Helldivers 1 offers as many as 15 difficulty levels, which gives more matchmaking possibilities, while Helldivers 2 has only 9
New Features and Improvements in Helldivers 2
We already mentioned that Helldivers 2 introduces a third-person perspective which definitely sets it apart from the first game. What other new features it has to offer?
- AI enhancement – thanks to this improvement, Helldivers 2 features a more advanced enemy system, making their actions less predictable and more dynamic
- Increased personalization – this applies mainly to weapons or characters, these elements can be more adapted to the style of play and player preferences
- Changes to the co-op system – the cooperative system has also been improved, making the gameplay more precise and dynamic. This makes it easier to avoid situations such as accidental friendly fire
Weapons and Loadouts: Then vs Now
In addition to making weapons more personalized, as mentioned earlier, Helldivers 2 offers the player new weapons, such as machine guns and bombs, which significantly increase the attack range. The game also focuses on improving the quality and modification of weapons.
Helldivers 2 Loadout UI
Helldivers 1, however, offered a wider selection of weapons, which surprised players who hoped the sequel would match its diversity.
Helldivers 1 Loadout UI
Vehicles and Gameplay Mechanics
Helldivers 1 offered players various types of vehicles, but they were not an important feature in the overall gameplay. The mechanics of the game relied on close cooperation between players and good tactics.
In Helldivers 2 players are introduced not only to new types of vehicles such as transporters or ships, but also to the possibility of modifying and adapting them to their own needs. Thanks to this, the gameplay has become more dynamic.
Community Reactions and Developer Plans
As is often the case with sequels, opinions were mixed. A large part of the community appreciated the progression of the game in technical terms or the ability to customize elements, but many players expected the game’s updates and the return of features from the original title.
The developers responded to the requests of fans of Helldivers by announcing the expected updates.
Final Verdict
The choice between Helldivers 2 vs Helldivers 1 of course depends on the preference of the player. In the comparison of both games it can be seen that the sequel is more refined in terms of dynamics and gameplay mechanics, but does not have some of the features that players originally liked and expected.
Regardless of the version, Helldivers is an engaging title that combines action with tactics and cooperative elements, giving a lot of satisfaction from the game.