Best 10 Games Like Helldivers 2 (2026) — Co-op Shooter Picks
Quick Answer: The best games like Helldivers 2 in 2026 are Deep Rock Galactic, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, Earth Defense Force 6, GTFO, Remnant 2, Aliens: Dark Descent, Back 4 Blood, The Finals, Risk of Rain Returns, and the original Helldivers. Each delivers Helldivers 2's mix of co-op chaos, squad combat, and "for democracy!" energy across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Helldivers 2 became the surprise game of 2024 — Arrowhead's bug-stomping democracy simulator hit 12 million players in three months. Two years on, it's still getting major Warbond updates. But sometimes you want a different flavor of co-op chaos. Here are the 10 best alternatives.
Quick Comparison Table
| Game | Platforms | Why it's like Helldivers 2 | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Rock Galactic | PS5, Xbox, PC | 4-player PvE + class roles | Co-op purists |
| Space Marine 2 | PS5, Xbox, PC | 3-player Tyranid swarms | 40K + power fantasy |
| Earth Defense Force 6 | PS5, PC, Switch | Massive bug invasions | Pure chaos |
| GTFO | PC | Hardcore stealth co-op | Tactical squads |
| Remnant 2 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Souls-like co-op shooting | Build crafters |
| Aliens: Dark Descent | PS5, Xbox, PC | Squad RTS Aliens | Strategy + tension |
| Back 4 Blood | PS5, Xbox, PC | Spiritual L4D successor | Zombie shooters |
| The Finals | PS5, Xbox, PC | Destructible team PvP | Free-to-play fans |
| Risk of Rain Returns | Switch, PC | 2D co-op rogue-lite | Indie + chill |
| Helldivers 1 | PS4, PC, Vita | The original top-down version | Series completionists |
1. Deep Rock Galactic (PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC)
If Helldivers 2 is "starship troopers with democracy," DRG is "Dwarves in space with beer." 4-player co-op, four distinct classes (Driller, Engineer, Gunner, Scout), procedural caves, and the most genuinely tight co-op design in the genre. Rock and Stone! Buy on Amazon or Kinguin.
2. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Saber Interactive's 2024 hit. Space Marine 2 delivers the closest thing to Helldivers 2's swarm combat in third-person, with hundreds of Tyranids on screen, brutal melee, and 3-player co-op. Massively expanded with free updates through 2026.
3. Earth Defense Force 6 (PS5, PS4, PC, Switch)
The Japanese cult classic that inspired Helldivers. EDF 6 is pure chaos: giant ants, kaiju-sized spiders, alien motherships, four-player co-op, and a budget aesthetic that's part of its charm. If Helldivers 2 felt slightly too polished, EDF goes maximum jank in the best way.
The hardcore co-op horror shooter. GTFO requires actual squad coordination — voice comms, planned routes, ammo discipline. Players regularly call it "the Dark Souls of co-op shooters." If Helldivers 2's helldives felt too easy, GTFO will humble you.
Soulslike + third-person shooter + 3-player co-op. Remnant 2's procedural worlds and deep build crafting give it more long-term hook than Helldivers' loadouts. The 2024 expansions added two full new worlds.
6. Aliens: Dark Descent (PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC)
Tactical squad RTS in the Aliens universe. Not a shooter — you control a squad in real-time-with-pause. But it captures the same "marines vs overwhelming swarm" tension Helldivers 2 nails, with the official Aliens IP wrapper.
7. Back 4 Blood (PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC)
The Left 4 Dead spiritual successor from the original L4D devs. Back 4 Blood's card-based loadout system gives every run variety, and 4-player co-op zombie hordes scratch the same swarm itch. Very affordable.
8. The Finals (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Embark Studios' free-to-play 3v3v3 PvP shooter with full destructible environments. Different format (PvP vs Helldivers' PvE) but the chaotic teamwork energy is identical. Free-to-play means zero risk to try.
9. Risk of Rain Returns (Switch, PC)
The 2D rogue-lite remake of the original Risk of Rain. 4-player online co-op, dozens of items that stack into broken builds, and that signature "things get more chaotic the longer you survive" pacing. Cheap and very replayable.
10. Helldivers (PS4, PC, PS Vita)
The 2015 top-down original that started it all. If you've only played Helldivers 2, going back to the first game's twin-stick perspective is a fascinating look at how the formula evolved. Often free on PS Plus or affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most similar game to Helldivers 2?
Deep Rock Galactic for the co-op-class-shooter feel, Space Marine 2 for the swarm combat, and Earth Defense Force 6 for the over-the-top bug-killing energy. All three are essential plays for Helldivers 2 fans.
Is Helldivers 2 still active in 2026?
Yes — Arrowhead has shipped 8+ Warbonds since launch and the Galactic War metagame is still running. Player count has stabilized at a healthy core after the 2024 PSN controversy.
Are any of these games free?
The Finals is fully free-to-play. Helldivers 1 is regularly free on PS Plus. Back 4 Blood is often free on Game Pass. The rest are often affordable on sale.
What's the best Helldivers 2 alternative on Game Pass?
Space Marine 2 (added 2025), Remnant 2 (regularly rotates in), and Aliens: Dark Descent (added 2024) are all on Xbox Game Pass at various points in 2026. Check the current catalog before buying.
Can I play Helldivers 2 alternatives solo?
Deep Rock Galactic, Remnant 2, GTFO (technically), EDF 6, and Risk of Rain Returns all support solo play. Space Marine 2 has a full single-player campaign in addition to co-op.
Continue exploring
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