Helldivers 2 has exploded in popularity, becoming one of the biggest gaming hits of the year. Millions of players are logging in on PlayStation 5 and PC to spread Managed Democracy across the galaxy. This massive success has left the Xbox community asking one simple question: Is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox?
As of right now, the short and direct answer is no. Helldivers 2 is not available on Xbox Series X|S, and there are no official plans for an Xbox release.
But why is that the case, and could it ever change? This guide will break down all the official reasons for its exclusivity, what the developers and executives have said, historical precedents, and the latest news on a potential future release.
The Main Reason: PlayStation and PC Exclusivity
The answer to the question is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox lies with one simple fact: the game was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
While the developer is the talented independent studio Arrowhead Game Studios, the Helldivers intellectual property (IP) is owned by Sony. As the publisher and IP holder, Sony made the strategic decision to release the game exclusively on its own PlayStation 5 console and on PC to attract a wider audience. This is a common strategy for major console manufacturers to provide exclusive content that makes their platform more appealing.
Unlike PC, which is considered a neutral platform, the Xbox is PlayStation’s direct competitor in the console market. Releasing a major hit like Helldivers 2 on Xbox would mean directly giving up a key advantage that might persuade a gamer to buy a PS5 instead of an Xbox. This makes Helldivers 2 a “PlayStation console exclusive,” and it will remain that way unless Sony itself decides to change its strategy.
Official Statements from Developers and Executives
The topic has become so popular that both the developer and even the head of Xbox have commented on it.
Arrowhead Game Studios’ CEO, Johan Pilestedt, has been very active on social media. When asked about an Xbox version, he has stated that while he would love for the game to be on as many platforms as possible, the decision is ultimately not his to make. This confirms that the final say rests with the publisher, Sony.
Even Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming (Xbox), has expressed his thoughts. In an interview with Game File, when asked about Helldivers 2, he commented on the missed opportunity for the industry when games are locked to a single console, stating, “I’m not exactly sure who it helps in the industry by not being on Xbox.” These comments highlight the massive demand and the complex business decisions that prevent a port from happening.
The “MLB The Show” Precedent: A Glimmer of Hope
While Sony exclusives coming to Xbox is extremely rare, it is not unheard of and provides a key precedent. When people ask is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox, the most significant example to look at is the MLB The Show baseball franchise. This series is developed by San Diego Studio, a studio owned by Sony, and was a flagship PlayStation exclusive for years.
However, starting in 2021, MLB The Show began launching on Xbox consoles, and it’s even included in the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This unprecedented move was largely due to pressure from Major League Baseball (MLB) itself, who wanted their licensed game to reach the widest possible audience.
This shows that under the right circumstances—such as pressure from an external partner or an overwhelming business case—Sony is willing to put its games on competing consoles. While Arrowhead doesn’t have the same leverage as the MLB, the massive, ongoing success of Helldivers 2 could create a compelling financial argument for an Xbox port down the line.
What is the Xbox Community Saying?
The demand from the Xbox community has been nothing short of deafening. A petition on Change.org urging Sony to bring the game to Xbox has gathered tens of thousands of signatures. The question is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox is posted daily on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit by players asking for a port.
This vocal community response demonstrates that there is a huge, untapped market of players eager to join the fight for Super Earth. This level of public demand is certainly noticed by executives at both Sony and Microsoft and could play a role in any future discussions about the game’s platform availability.
3 Great Helldivers 2 Alternatives on Xbox Game Pass
So while the immediate answer to is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox is ‘no,’ you don’t have to miss out on the co-op alien-blasting action. The good news is that Xbox Game Pass has some fantastic alternatives that scratch a similar itch.
- Deep Rock Galactic: This is perhaps the closest spiritual successor to Helldivers on Xbox. You play as a team of up to four space-faring dwarves who must descend into procedurally generated caves, mine resources, and survive against hordes of insect-like aliens. The focus on teamwork, completing objectives, and calling in supplies will feel very familiar to Helldivers fans.
- Warhammer 40,000: Darktide: If you prefer the gritty feel of fighting against overwhelming odds, Darktide is for you. You and three other players form a squad to take on missions against chaotic hordes in the Warhammer 40k universe. It’s a brutal, first-person co-op experience that requires tight communication and teamwork to survive.
- Starship Troopers: Extermination: Based on the same movie that inspired much of Helldivers’ satire, this game puts you right on the front lines against the Arachnid threat. It’s a 16-player co-op shooter focused on completing objectives, building bases, and holding out against absolutely massive swarms of bugs.
So, Is Helldivers 2 Coming to Xbox in the Future?
Considering all the evidence, is Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox anytime soon? The answer remains no. However, the possibility for a future release is not zero.
Sony’s willingness to bring games to PC and the specific precedent of MLB The Show prove that their exclusivity strategy can be flexible. The overwhelming success and massive demand from the Xbox community create a strong financial incentive. If a port were to happen, it would likely be years away, after the game has maximized its value as a PlayStation 5 console exclusive.
For now, the only way to join the fight for Super Earth is on a PlayStation 5 or a capable gaming PC. If you’re considering making the jump to PC, make sure your rig is ready for the fight by checking out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming PCs.
As the Galactic War continues to evolve with new threats like the potential return of the Illuminate, we’ll keep this page updated with any official news or announcements regarding a potential Xbox release.