Many players enjoy Helldivers 2 for its intense cooperative gameplay, but there’s a rich layer of world-building and references beneath the surface. Understanding these elements isn't necessary to play, but it deepens the experience and clarifies the game’s satirical tone. This guide breaks down common questions about how the game’s universe works and the inspirations behind it.
What is the Story and Setting of Helldivers 2?The game is set in the year 2185, in a dystopian future where the galaxy-spanning Super Earth employs "Helldivers" as its elite military force. The society is a clear satire of authoritarian regimes, particularly drawing from George Orwell's *1984*. Super Earth's Ministries, like the Ministry of Truth, directly parallel Orwell's creations, focusing on propaganda and surveillance. The narrative framing is that you are a citizen-soldier, fed constant propaganda about spreading "Managed Democracy," while the reality of the war is chaotic and deadly. The story unfolds through Major Orders—community-wide objectives—and in-game news broadcasts that paint a picture of a forever war.
What are the Main Enemy Factions Based On?The three enemy factions are heavily inspired by classic sci-fi.
Terminids (Bugs): These are a direct nod to the Arachnids from Starship Troopers. Their design and the endless swarm gameplay also draw clear inspiration from the Tyranids of Warhammer 40,000. Enemies like the Bile Titan mirror the Bio-Titan concept from that universe.
Automatons (Bots): Their design is a mix of Star Wars walkers (Scout and Factory Striders resemble AT-RTs and AT-ATs) and Warhammer 40,000 robotics (the Hulk is very similar to a Dreadnought). Their aesthetic also has hints of the Terminator series.
The Illuminate (not yet fully introduced): Based on available information, they appear to take inspiration from psychic, advanced alien races like the Eldar from Warhammer 40,000 or the Protoss from StarCraft.
How Does the Game Pay Homage to Starship Troopers?Starship Troopers is perhaps the single biggest influence. The core concept of soldiers dropping from orbit in "Hellpods" is taken from the book's Mobile Infantry (who are nicknamed "Helljumpers"). The 1997 film's satirical tone is a key inspiration. Specific references include:
Liberty Day is celebrated on October 26th, the publication date of the original novel.
Planets like Klen Dahth II and Zegema Paradise are references to Starship Troopers locations Klendathu and Zegema Beach.
Achievement names like "Doing your part" and "You're it until you're dead" are famous lines from the film.
The in-game line "Aim for their center mass" is a direct quote from the movie.
What are Some of the Other Pop Culture References?The game is packed with nods that many players notice:
Halo: The Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (ODST or "Helljumper") concept is shared. The extraction ship, the Pelican-1, is named and designed after the dropship from Halo. The line "Helldivers never die!" when using a stim is a play on "Spartans never die."
Aliens: Several achievements quote the film ("It's the only way to be sure"), and the SG-225 Breaker shotgun's description mentions "close encounters" in reference to it. The AR-61 Tenderizer is modeled after the M41A Pulse Rifle from the movie.
Other Games: The CO's archery knee injury is a famous Skyrim meme. The Super Store product reviews parody Mass Effect 2. The "Are we the baddies?" sketch is referenced by bridge crew questioning the skull logo.
General Sci-Fi: The Doctor's mention of a life-extending "spice" on desert planets is a Dune reference. The Morse code from Truth Transmitters spells "SUPER-EARTHBEACONACTIVE."
How Do Weapons and Gear Fit into This World?Weapons are designed to feel part of the game's utilitarian, militaristic setting. Many are based on real or fictional firearms, with a strong leaning towards bullpup designs like the British SA80 family (the AR-19 Liberator, etc.). The descriptions often contain dry humor or references; for example, calling the historically problematic L85 "reliable and effective." The designs also pull from other media: the P-2 Peacemaker resembles RoboCop's Auto-9, and plasma weapons look like they came straight out of Warhammer 40,000.
How Does Progression and In-Game Economy Work in Practice?Most players progress by completing missions, earning Requisition Slips (for stratagems), Samples (for ship upgrades), and Medals (for the Warbond battle passes). Super Credits, the premium currency, can be found in small amounts during missions or purchased directly. If you choose to acquire them, it’s critical to use only the official, in-game storefronts. For instance, players looking to buy Helldivers 2 super credits safely on U4N should be aware that U4N is not an official platform, and such transactions carry risks like account suspension. The safest practice is always to use your platform's built-in store (PlayStation Store, Steam, etc.).
What is the General Player Etiquette?Helldivers 2 is a team game. Common courtesies include:
Calling in Reinforcements Quickly: If a teammate falls, get them back in the fight.
Communicating Stratagem Use: A quick callout before dropping an orbital strike or eagle run prevents friendly fire.
Sharing Samples: Samples are collected by the team but deposited by any individual; don’t extract while teammates are holding them.
Sticking Together: The difficulty scales with player spread. A scattered team usually wipes.In general, using a mic or the ping system greatly improves success and fun.
