Last year, Arrowhead’s *Helldivers 2* became a standout hit in the multiplayer gaming world, captivating players with its mission to spread democracy through intense battles against aliens and robots. Following the success of their massive *Elden Ring* board game adaptation, Steamforged Games is now bringing the fast-paced and frenetic action of *Helldivers 2* to the tabletop. The new board game adaptation is currently available for backing on Gamefound. IGN had the opportunity to play a prototype and discuss the game with designers Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu, who shared insights into this thrilling new tabletop experience.
Helldivers 2: The Board Game
17 Images
Development on Helldivers 2: The Board Game began shortly after the video game's launch, capturing the essence of what made the original so engaging. The board game replicates the tense firefights, unexpected surprises, and teamwork-focused gameplay, while also introducing unique tweaks to enhance the experience.
Helldivers 2 remains a cooperative, objective-based skirmish game, playable with one to four players (with a recommendation for solo players to use two characters). Each player assumes the role of a different Helldiver class, such as Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, or Captain, each equipped with a unique perk, a set of action cards, and a powerful one-per-game "Act of Valor" ability. Players can customize their kits with primary, secondary, and support weapons, grenades, and three strategems, with suggested loadouts available on class cards.
Gameplay unfolds on grid-based boards that expand as players explore, revealing sub-objectives and primary mission locations, such as Terminid hatcheries in the prototype. As the game progresses, increasingly difficult enemies spawn, and a mission timer adds a sense of urgency, keeping the gameplay frenetic and tense.
The prototype focused on a single objective—destroying Terminid hatcheries—but the final release will offer multiple mission options. The base game includes two main factions: Terminids and Automatons, each with 10 unit types. While not confirmed, the possibility of an expansion featuring the Illuminate faction is hinted at, given Steamforged's history with stretch goals.
A key aspect of the adaptation is how it handles the feeling of being overwhelmed and outnumbered. Unlike games like Zombicide, which rely on sheer numbers, Helldivers 2 opts for a more tactical approach with progressively tougher enemies.
Turns involve players and enemies adding action cards to a shared pool, which are then shuffled and placed on an initiative tracker, similar to Steamforged's Elden Ring game. Combat is dice-based, with every four action cards triggering a random event that can disrupt plans, adding to the game's unpredictability.
Combat mechanics for Helldivers are straightforward, with each weapon providing specific dice to roll, and damage calculated based on the total roll value. Every five points dealt inflicts a wound on an enemy, simplifying the process and focusing on impact rather than complex modifiers. Friendly fire is possible, adding a strategic layer to gameplay.
A standout feature in the board game is the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, designed to replicate the cooperative shooting experience from the video game. Nicholas Yu explained, "In the video game, you're encouraged to work together as a team. With 'Massed Fire,' when anyone shoots at a target, other Helldivers within range can also focus fire, incentivizing group play." This mechanic reduces player downtime and enhances cooperative play.
Enemy interactions are more straightforward, with set damage or effects causing players to draw wound cards. Each wound inflicts a detrimental effect, and three wounds result in a character's death. However, players can respawn based on chosen difficulty, returning with a full loadout.
One notable omission from the board game is the galactic war feature from the video game. Jamie Perkins explained that this was dropped to ensure the board game felt unique, positioning it as a training simulation for Helldivers.
The designers emphasized maintaining the core Helldivers experience despite the new medium. Nic stated, "We wanted to ensure it felt like Helldivers, with unexpected events, stratagems that could go awry, and a dwindling pool of reinforcements." Derek added, "We focused on the core loop of mission objectives and the thrill of uncovering new challenges while battling enemies."
Currently, the game's core mechanics are about 75-80% finalized, allowing for community feedback and potential adjustments. Despite recent concerns about tariffs affecting the board gaming industry, Jamie assures that Steamforged's plans remain on track.
After playing the prototype, the systems in place, such as random events and the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, create memorable moments. However, while the tactical focus with larger, tougher enemies is appreciated, there's a desire for more smaller enemies to enhance the shooting experience. Additionally, enemy attacks could benefit from more variability to match the game's overall chaos.
Excitement builds for what Steamforged Games has planned for Helldivers 2. The prototype has sparked anticipation for new classes, game types, and combinations with different enemies and biomes. The question on everyone's mind is: Where are we dropping next?
See more board games based on video games
### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
3See it at Amazon
### Bloodborne: The Board Game
4See it at Amazon
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
2See it at Amazon
### Pac-Man: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon
### Stardew Valley: The Board Game
4See it at Amazon
### Doom: The Board Game
2See it at Amazon
