“It’s not impossible.” Helldivers 2 could be even better, but its director acknowledges that technical hurdles prevent an 8-player co-op. According to Helldivers 2’s creative director, achieving an 8-player mode is challenging, but it remains a frequent topic at the studio.

Helldivers 2 has established itself as one of the standout co-op games in recent years, thanks to its explosive mix of action and teamwork. Less than a year since its launch, Arrowhead has already expanded the PVE shooter with significant updates, including the addition of a new faction. Despite its immense success, with millions of copies sold, the team continues to dream big, exploring ways to enhance the experience further.

One lesser-known fact is that Helldivers 2 is built on an outdated graphics engine, imposing numerous technical restrictions that hinder gameplay innovations. Recently, a fan asked creative director Johan Pilestedt whether Arrowhead could introduce an 8-player co-op mode. While the studio is keen on the idea and discusses it frequently, technical barriers make it unattainable for now.

“I’ve addressed this a few times, but no. The engine, network architecture, UI, performance, and difficulty aren’t up to the task. We’d need significant investments to make 8-player co-op feasible,” Pilestedt explained on X/Twitter. “That said, it’s not impossible, and it’s a recurring topic in the studio. Only time will tell.” For now, the game’s structure supports only up to four players interacting simultaneously, presenting a major challenge for expansion.

Is Helldivers 3 Already in the Works?

One fan humorously speculated, “Helldivers 3 is coming in 2032 with 8-player co-op and swimming.” Pilestedt quipped back, “We’re turning Helldivers 2 into Helldivers 3, so you might be onto something—minus the swimming. Swimming with heavy armor, a rifle, and support weapons doesn’t sound feasible.” While the future remains uncertain, it wouldn’t be surprising if Arrowhead is planning an ambitious Helldivers 3 featuring a new, more capable engine. What’s clear is that the Swedish studio is committed to co-op gameplay for its next project.

Source: 3djuegos