Helldivers 2 Collabs with Star Wars, Aliens and Others Desired, But Purposefully Avoided

Helldivers 2's creative director recently revealed his dream crossovers, sparking excitement among fans. Let's explore these potential collaborations and Johan Pilestedt's perspective.

Helldivers 2 Creative Director Unveils Dream Crossovers

From Starship Troopers to Warhammer 40,000: A Universe of Possibilities

Video game crossovers are increasingly popular, from fighting game mashups to Fortnite's ever-expanding roster. Helldivers 2 creative director, Johan Pilestedt, recently joined the conversation, sharing his ideal crossovers, including iconic franchises like Starship Troopers, Terminator, and Warhammer 40,000.

The discussion began with a tweet praising the tabletop game Trench Crusade. A playful exchange led Pilestedt to suggest a Helldivers 2 and Trench Crusade crossover, a prospect enthusiastically received by the Trench Crusade team. Further discussions hinted at potential collaborations between these war-themed universes.

For those unfamiliar, Trench Crusade is a unique skirmish wargame set in an alternate World War I, pitting the forces of Heaven and Hell against each other. Created by concept artist Mike Franchina and former Warhammer designer Tuomas Pirinen, it presents a world ravaged by perpetual conflict.

However, Pilestedt later tempered expectations, citing numerous challenges. He clarified that these were initial musings, not concrete plans. He then expanded his dream crossover list to include sci-fi giants like Alien, Starship Troopers, Terminator, Predator, Star Wars, and even Blade Runner. He emphasized, however, that including all these franchises would risk diluting Helldivers 2's unique satirical, militaristic identity. His concern: a crossover overload would create an experience that felt less like Helldivers.

The appeal is understandable. Crossovers are a staple of live-service games, and Helldivers 2, with its intense alien battles and detailed combat, seems perfectly suited for such collaborations. Yet, Pilestedt prioritizes maintaining the game's distinct tone and cohesive universe.

While Pilestedt is open to both large and small crossover elements—a single weapon or a full character skin—he stressed these are personal preferences, and no decisions have been finalized.

Many appreciate Arrowhead Studios' cautious approach, contrasting with the trend of live-service games often overwhelming players with excessive crossovers that clash with the game's original setting. Pilestedt's restraint demonstrates a commitment to preserving Helldivers 2's integrity.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the developers. While the potential for seamless integration of certain franchises into Helldivers 2's satirical style exists, the realization of these crossovers remains uncertain. The prospect of Super Earth soldiers battling Xenomorphs alongside Jango Fett or the Terminator is intriguing, even if it might not be the most strategically sound approach.