Helldivers 2 free download available now for PlayStation gamers

Helldivers 2 is one of the surprise hits of 2024 this year so far and this Starship Troopers-inspired co-op shooter has inspired millions of gamers to do their part.

When the original Helldivers was released in 2015 on PC and PlayStation 4, it was met with a good amount of critical acclaim scoring a respectable 81 on Metacritic. However, it’s probably fair to say that Helldivers went under a lot of gamers' radar, unlike its 2024 sequel.

Check out the Helldivers 2 trailer below!

When Helldivers 2 was released earlier this year it changed the game for developers Arrowhead Game Studios. Not only did the sequel come with a third-person camera perspective (rather than the OG top-down) bringing players closer to the action but it also cranked up the silly humour and bug-infested gore by the bucketload.

In our review of Helldivers 2, we said: “Playing Helldivers 2 almost makes you feel like you’re back in the golden age of online gaming, it’s pure, silly cooperative fun that offers a tailored experience for all kinds of players, whether you’re looking for something casual or your next big challenge.”

While it’s unlikely that Helldivers 2 will be joining PlayStation Plus anytime soon (though I’m sure that day will eventually arrive), there is a way that you can claim this joyous game for free and we’ll tell you how. All you have to do is join PlayStation Stars to collect points by completing campaigns.

PlayStation Stars is a free rewards scheme that gives you digital collectables to proudly display on your PlayStation mobile app profile as well as points to spend on free PS Store credit and even select video games and DLC. Sony recently updated its list of free video games that can be redeemed with PlayStation Stars points, which not only includes Rise of the Ronin but also Helldivers 2.

That being said, collecting the required 10,000 PS Stars points won't happen overnight and it will involve some grinding. Thankfully at least, this form of grinding doesn't include seedy nightclubs and sticky floors.

How long it takes for you to accumulate enough points to claim Helldivers 2 will depend on how often you complete PS Stars campaigns that reward you with points to spend. It will also of course require a lot of patience but you’ll get there.

Helldivers 2 is out now on PC and PlayStation 5.