Summary

• Helldivers 2's success opens up opportunities for fun crossovers with other popular video game franchises.
• Collaborations can range from simple additions, like armor or weapons, to larger content drops like new mission types or events.
• Crossovers with games like Fortnite, Mass Effect, Halo, and others could bring exciting new content and benefits for both sides.

With the massive success Helldivers 2 has had in its first months, the opportunity for fun crossovers with other video games has opened. The popular PvE shooter has already drawn heavy similarities with Starship Troopers, but also plenty of different game franchises. However, organizing collaborations with video games would likely be an easier option. It also benefits both sides more than one with old movie or television franchises that would reap little to no benefit.

In a game like Helldivers 2, crossovers with even the most unlikely of games could vary from simple additions to wide-scale content drops. The simple option is adding armor or weapons from the other game, though there is a chance weapons would be a temporary addition. The larger option would be adding mission types or events that fit the gameplay/theme of the other game. This option would likely be the more fun one, but also would take more work depending on the game.

8 Fortnite

Fortnite quickly became the king of collabs at the height of its popularity and has retained that title ever since. It's hard to deny its success in this matter with key franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and DC Comics. So it makes sense for both sides to work together and capitalize on the current hype. On the Fortnite side, these would likely be skins in the form of Helldivers or Automatons. However, this could also be expanded, similar to past collabs, where Helldivers 2 AI enemies appear around the map and drop loot related to the franchise.

For Helldivers 2, cosmetics would be the best way to go. Examples of these could include capes with popular Fortnite logos/characters on them, or armor sets that are inspired by original characters from the popular battle royale. Though there is no precedent for it, adding new guns to the game that are originally from Fortnite and fit the Helldivers 2 theme could also work well.

7 Mass Effect

The sci-fi genre has a handful of games that would work well for collaborations, and the Mass Effect franchise is definitely one of them. However, it is one of the more limited ones, as Mass Effect itself would be unlikely to have anything on its end to use, and Helldivers 2 would also be somewhat limited as the whole lore theme of the game is not being friendly with aliens. Regardless of the conflicting ideologies, the two franchises still mesh well for crossover content.

The iconic Mass Effect armor would be the best avenue for content, and sticking to armor would allow them to use that of other characters like Garrus or Liara, who wouldn't fit into Helldivers 2. These armors could even have a ive that helps negate crowd control attacks, a nod to the biotic power present throughout the Mass Effect franchise. A few of the most iconic guns, like the Avenger series rifle, would also fit without seeming like too much of a stretch.

6 Halo

Another popular sci-fi franchise that fits even better is Halo. This one may make the most sense of any, given obvious visual similarities between Halo and Helldivers 2, and works for both sides. Halo Infinite loves its cosmetic microtransactions, so a handful of original Helldivers 2 armor crossing into the shop would likely be successful. Another option, though with a significantly low chance of occurring, would be for a PvE game mode similar to Firefight mode, which could be a temporary event that tasks players with mission objectives from Helldivers 2.

Helldivers 2 has obvious choices when it comes to a collab with Halo. The first is an armor set inspired by the ODSTs, an elite trooper who has drawn many comparisons to Helldivers. Halo weapons also fit the theme of Helldivers 2 well, and a few crossing over would be a great addition. If nothing else, if Helldivers ever did implement custom skins for weapons, Halo themes would be a top option.

5 Star Wars: Battlefront

Though it would likely make no additions on its end, Star Wars: Battlefront provides another great option for collaboration. It works well for both sides as Star Wars has been more open for productive collaborations over the past few years. Meanwhile, Helldivers 2 would likely see a large monetary success, and possibly a new player spike, from the inclusion of Star Wars content. If desired, Star Wars could also look toward its television/movie content for crossover ideas, as it does with Fortnite​​​​​​.

The best options for Star Wars cosmetics would be the iconic Stormtrooper and Clone Trooper armor. Not only are these sets widely recognizable, but the Clones are one of the most popular parts of the franchise for gaming fans and offer many different sets to choose from. A less likely option, but one that would be extremely successful, would be a temporary Lightsaber melee weapon, which is one of the most demanded weapons by players. This could be a rare spawn at minor POIs but would give Helldivers a strong weapon capable of killing most enemies in one swing.

4 Destiny 2

Like Halo, originally made by Bungie, the studio's current sci-fi AAA game also draws obvious visual comparisons. Many of the armor sets from Helldivers 2 look like they could be in Destiny 2. Destiny 2 has also seen many recent collaborations with the likes of Mass Effect, Fortnite, and The Witcher in recent years, so a handful of Hellldivers cosmetics appearing would not be outside the realm of possibility.

The same thing could be said for Helldivers 2 with a few new Destiny-inspired armor sets. Destiny weapons, to some extent, also fit the theme of Helldivers well. Thus, a few of them could transfer over with unique abilities to be fun and powerful additions, whether temporary or permanent. A helpful creative option could be creating a Ghost Stratagem that would allow Helldivers to revive themselves once or twice during a mission.

3 Deep Rock Galactic

One collaboration that may make the most sense and may have already been teased is Deep Rock Galactic. A game that, theme and gameplay-wise, draws immediate comparisons, a collaboration with this one could be a when rather than an if. One Helldivers 2 theory revolves around an Automaton-controlled binary message that translates to "Where is Karl?" Karl could refer to a running gag about a missing Dwarf in Deep Rock Galactic.

A crossover between these two games would fit well and open the door for many cosmetic options. Deep Rock could see Helldiver armor and Automaton/Terminid hats for cosmetic purposes. Vice versa for Helldivers 2, which could see Deep Rock-themed armor or weapons. Perhaps the best option would be bringing over the plethora of creative Dwarf grenades and letting Helldivers utilize them on the front lines.

2 Warhammer 40,000

The popular tabletop and video game franchise fits a simple but exciting collab. On Warhammer's side, outside the usual cosmetics, there could be a larger-scale expansion. Perhaps including Automatons, Terminids, or future teased factions as a playable army. This gives both sides the ability to expand to new players. However, this kind of collaboration would likely have stricter limits due to the different nature of gameplay.

On the Helldivers 2 side, cosmetics would likely be the only option, but the best one regardless. Space Marine armor is already a popular set among video game fans, and seeing it in Helldivers would be a cool addition. However, the one caveat is they would likely be shrunk down to fit the standard frame of Helldivers. Though Warhammer and Helldivers may be the biggest stretch for a potential collab, the success both sides could see from it is undeniable.

1 XCOM

XCOM is another popular sci-fi franchise, and while the turn-based strategy may seem far from Helldivers 2, the potential fits. On the XCOMs side, any potential crossover would likely happen when the third mainline game in the series comes out. However, cosmetic Helldiver armor and gear would be cool options for players to customize their soldiers. This is important as a huge part of XCOM is connecting with the soldiers, whether random or player-created, and fitting them into the world.

Helldivers 2 has even more options for content. Cosmetic-wise, XCOM, Advent, and the armor of the three rogue factions could all make cool additions with unique perks. XCOM is also home to many unique and fun weapons that would fit well into Helldivers 2; one such option is the range of Coilguns, which lose accuracy but gain strong armor-penetrating qualities. Options like those bring powerful new weapons that Helldivers 2 needs and expand the universe it has created.

It would be a missed opportunity for both sides if collaborations like these were missed out on. The gaming world is turning to collaborations more and more, making them highly lucrative and sought-after investments. These kinds of opportunities in Helldivers 2 would also be interesting given how cost/-friendly the game's microtransaction system is. That is why these eight fun crossovers for Helldivers 2 make sense and should at least be considered by both sides.