Why isn't Helldivers 2 on Xbox? Console exclusivity explained

Word of mouth continues to spread as the game expands thanks to new Warbonds. The rumours circulating about a third enemy faction are only helping.

With new Major Orders to complete, too, there's plenty to enjoy about Arrowhead Game Studios' latest. It's easy to see why Xbox owners feel like they're missing out.

Here's why Helldivers 2 isn't on Xbox. Skip to the end of the page for a list of similar-enough games to play on Xbox instead.

Why isn't Helldivers 2 on Xbox?

The decision to not bring Helldivers 2 to Xbox is solely down to Sony.

Helldivers 2 isn't available on the platform as the IP is owned by Sony who decided to publish the game exclusively on both PlayStation 5 and PC.

If the company wants to bring the game to another platform it has the right, it's just highly doubtful.

Will Helldivers 2 ever come to Xbox?

Since Helldivers 2 is published and licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment there's an extremely low probability of the game ever coming to the Xbox platform.

Sony has owned the IP for Helldivers since before the first game was released back in 2015.

While developer Arrowhead Game Studios is not owned by Sony, it's unlikely that Sony will decide to publish any of its exclusive games on a competitor platform like Xbox. Even if Xbox is doing the opposite with the PlayStation.

Speaking to Stephen Totilo's Game File (thanks, IGN!), Microsoft gaming head honcho Phil Spencer said: "I will say, when I look at a game like Helldivers 2 – and it's a great game, kudos to the team shipping on PC and PlayStation – I'm not exactly sure who it helps in the industry by not being on Xbox."

Spencer does say: "I get it... There's a legacy in console gaming that we're going to benefit by shipping games and not putting them on other places. We [Xbox] do the same thing."

What games like Helldivers 2 can you play on Xbox?

Helldivers 2 is all but guaranteed not to arrive on the Xbox platform – however, there are plenty of other options that are similar to the third-person shooter.

Jump Ship

This new and upcoming PvE mission-based co-op FPS should scratch that Helldivers 2 itch on Xbox. It's set to launch on PC and Xbox, so PS5 fans will have to miss out this time around.

Gears 5

The easiest alternative to suggest is the Gears of War series. The most recent release, Gears 5, hit Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC in 2019 and follows the story of Kait Diaz who sets out to discover the origins of the Locust Horde. The third-person shooter takes about a dozen hours to beat and also features three-player local split-screen multiplayer as well as online co-op.

Read more on Helldivers 2: Helldivers 2 release date | Helldivers 2 player count | Helldivers 2 server status | Helldivers 2 mechs | Helldivers 2 enemies | Helldivers 2 stratagems | Helldivers 2 difficulty levels | Helldivers 2 trophies | Helldivers 2 ‘Rickroll’ Steam Deck players | Helldivers 2 solo guide | Helldivers 2 crossplay | Is Helldivers 2 on PS4? Alternatives explained | Helldivers 2 roadmap

Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Based on the second Alien film, the game actually picks up 23 years later as players control a Colonial Marine on board the UAS Endeavor, a spaceship that responds to emergency signals in the outer colonies. It's a cooperative third-person survival shooter that puts you up against the dreaded Xenomorph.

Remnant 2

Developed by Gunfire Games and published by Borderlands creator Gearbox, Remnant 2 found a sizeable audience for itself in 2023. The third-person survival-action shooter has players hunting down an evil entity known as The Root, who is trying to take over every universe. Available in both solo and co-op, the game surpassed over 2 million sales in its first few months, and has continued to keep players engaged with three expansions.

Deep Rock Galactic

Danish studio Ghost Ship Games made a cooperative first-person shooter in 2020 called Deep Rock Galactic that offers a similar gameplay loop to that of Helldivers. Teaming up with three other dwarves, players head out into the caves of Hoxxes IV to extract resources while encountering alien swarms. Every level is procedurally generated and is available on Xbox Game Pass.

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