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

Helldivers 2's creative director, Johan Pilestedt, recently sparked excitement among fans by sharing his dream crossovers for the game. From iconic sci-fi franchises like Starship Troopers and Warhammer 40,000 to modern classics such as Alien and Star Wars, Pilestedt's vision for potential collaborations is expansive and imaginative. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the game's unique identity, cautioning that too many crossovers could dilute the satirical, militaristic essence of Helldivers 2.

The conversation about crossovers began on social media when Pilestedt praised the tabletop game Trench Crusade, leading to playful banter and hints of potential collaboration. Trench Crusade, a skirmish wargame set in an alternate World War I where forces of Hell and Heaven clash, seemed like a fitting partner for Helldivers 2's war-themed universe. However, Pilestedt quickly tempered expectations, describing these ideas as "fun musings" rather than concrete plans.

Pilestedt's dream list of crossovers included major franchises such as Terminator, Predator, and Blade Runner. Yet, he stressed the risk of these collaborations diluting the game's core identity. "If we were to do all of them, it would dilute the IP and make it a 'not helldivers' experience," he noted, underscoring his commitment to preserving the game's tone and thematic consistency.

Despite the allure of crossover content in live-service games, Pilestedt and Arrowhead Studios are taking a careful approach. While he is open to incorporating elements like a single weapon or a character skin through Warbonds, he emphasized that these ideas are personal preferences and that no decisions have been made yet. This cautious stance has been appreciated by many fans, who value the cohesive universe of Helldivers 2.

The future of crossovers in Helldivers 2 remains uncertain, but the discussions highlight the creative potential and challenges of integrating such diverse franchises into the game's satirical style. Whether or not players will one day see Super Earth's soldiers battling Xenomorphs as Jango Fett or the Terminator is still up in the air, but it remains an intriguing thought experiment.