Helldivers 2 Board Game: Exclusive Preview

One of last year's standout successes in the multiplayer gaming arena was Arrowhead's Helldivers 2, which captivated players with its mission to spread democracy across the cosmos through intense battles against aliens and robots. Now, following their acclaimed board game adaptation of Elden Ring, Steamforged Games is bringing the fast-paced and frenetic world of Helldivers 2 to the tabletop. The Helldivers 2 board game is currently available for backing on Gamefound. IGN had the opportunity to experience a prototype of the game and engage in a detailed discussion with the game's designers, Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu, about this exciting new tabletop adaptation.

Helldivers 2: The Board Game

17 ImagesHaving begun its development shortly after the video game's launch early last year, Helldivers 2: The Board Game successfully encapsulates the core elements that made the digital version so popular and exhilarating. It retains the tension of firefights, the unpredictability of chaotic surprises, and the necessity for teamwork, while introducing its own unique twists to the formula.

Helldivers 2 remains a cooperative, objective-based skirmish game designed for one to four players. The designers recommend solo players control two characters to fully experience the game's dynamics. Each player assumes the role of a distinct Helldiver class, such as the Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, or Captain, equipped with a unique perk, a set of action cards, and a one-use "Act of Valor" ability. Players customize their kits with primary, secondary, and support weapons, grenades, and three strategems they can deploy during the game. A recommended loadout is provided on each class card, but players can tailor their equipment as they become more familiar with the game.

Gameplay unfolds on grid-based boards that expand as players explore, requiring new sections to be added, revealing sub-objectives and the locations of primary objectives, such as Terminid hatcheries to destroy in the prototype played. As players advance, tougher enemies spawn, and the mission timer adds a layer of urgency, keeping the gameplay intense and thrilling.

The prototype focused on a single objective—destroying a specific number of Terminid hatcheries—but the final release will feature multiple mission options. Jamie Perkins mentioned that the base game will include two of the three main factions: the Terminids and the robotic Automatons, each with 10 unit types. While not confirmed, expansions might introduce the Illuminate faction, given Steamforged Games' history with stretch goals.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this adaptation is how it handles the overwhelming odds faced by players. Unlike games that rely on sheer numbers of enemies, Helldivers 2 opts for fewer but stronger foes, emphasizing tactical close-quarters combat that escalates as the mission progresses.

Turns involve players and enemies contributing action cards to a shared pool, which are then shuffled and placed on an initiative tracker, similar to Steamforged's Elden Ring game. Combat is resolved through dice rolls, with every four action cards triggering a random event that can disrupt plans by spawning additional enemies or other challenges. This mechanic adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay.

On the player side, combat involves rolling dice based on the weapon's type and number of dice, with damage calculated from the total roll value. Every five points inflicts a wound on an enemy. This straightforward damage system eliminates the need for complex modifiers or defense calculations, focusing instead on the impact of each attack. While friendly fire is a risk, especially with area attacks, it can sometimes be a necessary sacrifice to eliminate persistent threats.

A standout feature of the board game is the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, designed to replicate the cooperative shooting experience of the video game. Nicholas Yu explained, "In the video game, you're encouraged to work together as a team. You need to flank and target weak points on heavily armored enemies. We introduced 'massed fire,' allowing other Helldivers within range to join in the attack, incentivizing teamwork."

While players can choose to go solo, the 'Massed Fire' mechanic reduces downtime and encourages group participation during other players' turns. However, enemy actions remain somewhat static, with set damage and effects determined by their cards, which cause players to draw wound cards. Each wound imposes a detrimental effect, and accumulating three wounds results in character death, though players can respawn based on the chosen difficulty level.

One notable omission from the board game is the galactic war aspect from the video game. The designers considered including it but ultimately decided to focus on making the board game a unique training simulation for Helldivers, as suggested by Jamie Perkins: "We're positioning it as a training simulation. So you would get this board game as a Helldiver to learn how to be a better Helldiver."

Despite the shift to a new medium, the designers, Nic, Jamie, and Derek, are committed to preserving the essence of Helldivers. Nic emphasized, "We wanted to ensure that, despite different mechanics, it feels like Helldivers—with unexpected challenges each turn, strategems that can misfire and affect your teammates, and the dwindling pool of reinforcements."

Derek added, "We knew we needed to keep the core loop of Helldivers, with mission objectives and points of interest to chase, while dealing with enemies trying to take you down."

Currently, the game's core mechanics are about 75-80% finalized, according to Jamie, which aligns with Steamforged's typical approach at the campaign launch stage. This allows for flexibility based on community feedback and potential balance adjustments. Jamie also reassured that recent tariff-related concerns in the board gaming industry will not impact their plans, and they are moving forward as intended.

After experiencing the prototype, the systems in place, such as random events and the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, create memorable moments. However, while appreciating the tactical focus with stronger enemies, I would have preferred more smaller enemies to clear out, reflecting my enjoyment of the video game's style. Additionally, I hope for more dynamic enemy attacks in future iterations, perhaps incorporating varied outcomes based on dice rolls to match the game's overall chaotic feel.

I'm excited to see what other surprises Steamforged Games has in store for Helldivers 2. My experience so far has left me eager to explore new Helldiver classes, mission types, and combinations with different enemies and biomes. My friends and I are already planning our next drop.

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