I bought Helldivers 2 because I wanted to be a part of the community experience I was watching from the outside. The memes were great, and the stories behind them came from both planned, crafted material by Arrowhead and spontaneous events embraced by the players and later the developer. I enjoyed my daily check-in on the latest shenanigans. After the events of Malevelon Creek and the introduction of Joel, the game master, I finally decided I wanted in on the action.

My initial hesitation was with the game being balanced for squad team play. I've done it before, but it isn't my go-to gaming format. It turned out that I had nothing to worry about.

Solo play is doable, though you may find yourself locked out of the higher difficulties. The developer doesn't balance for it, but also isn't against it.

Random squads have been an overall positive experience. I don't hesitate to hit the quick play button. The matchmaking works well enough. The average HD2 player is a good guy/gal.

Later, I found some old gaming friends were also in the game, and we teamed up regularly. Playing with friends is definitely the idea state for this game, but it is not the only state available.

Today, I'm part of the stories I use to just read about and can share personal accounts when talking about the game with others. I look forward to seeing what a truly cooperative-based gaming community can do.

I bought Helldivers 2 because I wanted to be a part of the community experience I was watching from the outside. The memes were great, and the stories behind them came from both planned, crafted material by Arrowhead and spontaneous events embraced by the players and later the developer. I enjoyed my daily check-in on the latest shenanigans. After the events of Malevelon Creek and the introduction of Joel, the game master, I finally decided I wanted in on the action. My initial hesitation was with the game being balanced for squad team play. I've done it before, but it isn't my go-to gaming format. It turned out that I had nothing to worry about. Solo play is doable, though you may find yourself locked out of the higher difficulties. The developer doesn't balance for it, but also isn't against it. Random squads have been an overall positive experience. I don't hesitate to hit the quick play button. The matchmaking works well enough. The average HD2 player is a good guy/gal. Later, I found some old gaming friends were also in the game, and we teamed up regularly. Playing with friends is definitely the idea state for this game, but it is not the only state available. Today, I'm part of the stories I use to just read about and can share personal accounts when talking about the game with others. I look forward to seeing what a truly cooperative-based gaming community can do.