Helldivers 2's creative director, Johan Pilestedt, recently unveiled his dream crossovers for the game. Delve into the potential collaborations and discover what Pilestedt envisions for Helldivers 2.

Helldivers 2 Creative Director Reveals Dream Crossovers

From Starship Troopers to Warhammer 40K

Video games often embrace crossovers, with examples ranging from Tekken's inclusion of Final Fantasy and The Walking Dead characters to Fortnite's diverse guest stars. Now, Johan Pilestedt, the creative director of Helldivers 2, has shared his dream crossovers, which include iconic franchises such as Starship Troopers, Terminator, and Warhammer 40,000.

The idea of crossovers started with Pilestedt's tweet on November 2, where he praised the tabletop game Trench Crusade, describing it as a "cool IP." Trench Crusade's official account responded with a humorous and bold reply, leading Pilestedt to propose a crossover between Helldivers 2 and Trench Crusade. The Trench Crusade team expressed their enthusiasm, calling it "the sickest thing imaginable." Pilestedt then hinted at further discussions, suggesting a potential collaboration between these war-themed universes.

Trench Crusade, developed by concept artist Mike Franchina and former Warhammer designer Tuomas Pirinen, is a unique skirmish wargame set in an alternative WW1 where the forces of Hell and Heaven battle on Earth. This game reimagines a world engulfed in perpetual conflict from medieval times through World War I.

However, Pilestedt soon tempered expectations, acknowledging numerous challenges. A few days later, he clarified that these were merely "fun musings" rather than concrete plans. He shared an expanded list of his favorite franchises that he would love to incorporate into Helldivers 2, including Alien, Starship Troopers, Terminator, Predator, Star Wars, and Blade Runner. Yet, he emphasized that integrating all these could dilute the game's satirical, militaristic essence, stating, "if we were to do all of them, it would dilute the IP and make it a ‘not helldivers’ experience."

Fans are naturally intrigued by these potential crossovers, as they have become a staple in live-service games. Helldivers 2, with its detailed combat and alien battles, seems a fitting candidate for such collaborations. Nonetheless, Pilestedt remains committed to preserving the game's unique tone.

While open to both large and small crossover elements, such as a single weapon or a character skin available through Warbonds, Pilestedt stressed that these are his "personal preference and joys in life" and that "Nothing [is] decided yet."

Arrowhead Studios' cautious approach to crossovers is appreciated by many, especially in an era where live-service games often flood the market with numerous skins and accessories that may not align with the original setting. By prioritizing the game's cohesive universe, Pilestedt ensures that Helldivers 2 remains true to its roots.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to implement crossovers in Helldivers 2 lies with the developers. While discussions have explored how certain franchises might fit into the game's satirical style, it remains uncertain if these crossovers will come to fruition. Perhaps one day, Super Earth's soldiers will confront Xenomorphs as Jango Fett or the Terminator. While it may not be the best idea, it certainly sparks an intriguing thought experiment.