Helldivers 2: Poised to Be the Next Starcraft Phenomenon

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has been facing some tough times recently, but there’s a new player that might just stir up some excitement: Helldivers 2. While Starcraft’s once-thriving landscape is now somewhat neglected by Blizzard, this presents an intriguing opportunity for Arrowhead Game Studios, with their Helldivers universe, to rejuvenate interest in RTS games.

Arrowhead has shown that they can adapt and grow, having evolved from the relatively modest beginnings of Helldivers 1 to the successful co-op shooter that Helldivers 2 has become. This franchise’s versatility, with its large-scale battles over sprawling maps, could be exactly what the RTS genre needs right now.

If you’ve played Helldivers 1, you’ll recall its top-down view and how it blended conventional strategy mechanics with twin-stick shooter action, creating a unique real-time tactical experience. The game included substantial strategic elements, like pre-planned loadouts and a galactic map, showing that Arrowhead drew inspiration from strategy roots. Helldivers 2 shifted perspectives to a third/first-person view with great success, proving that the core elements of Helldivers can transition across different styles of gameplay.

The setup of Helldivers makes it a prime candidate for an RTS adaptation. Each enemy faction possesses distinct characteristics and a plethora of unit types, supported by structures functioning like RTS bases. For instance, the Terminids offer the thrill of relentless waves—think Zerg-like hordes—that ambush and overwhelm. Meanwhile, the Automatons employ traditional warfare with solid defenses, and the Illuminate use elite strike forces shielded by drones. Even Super Earth’s forces could form a faction, emphasizing small, highly trained units rather than overwhelming numbers, turning conventional human faction dynamics on their head.

Looking at the bigger RTS picture, Helldivers could draw lessons from games like Starcraft, which thrives on huge armies, resource gathering, and diverse factions. Other RTS titles provide valuable templates as well. The Dawn of War series, for example, introduced non-linear campaigns and a battle map filled with factions competing for dominance. Helldivers could adopt a similar system, connecting with the online galaxy map to allow players to influence their faction’s ambitions.

Additionally, the games Dawn of War 2 and Company of Heroes brought a commander system that aligns with Helldivers’ stratagems. This feature lets players activate global abilities to deploy units or launch devastating attacks from orbit. Each Helldivers faction could expand on these abilities, creating dynamic gameplay.

Even the classic Age of Empires could serve as inspiration by offering drawn-out, strategic games on large maps. Helldivers could innovate on this model, allowing factions to land on new planets, establish beachheads, and grow into powerful empires—all while competing for planetary resources.

The challenges of breaking into the RTS genre mustn’t be underestimated. RTS games have struggled to keep up with the popularity of MOBAs, which offer accessibility with strategic depth. Even games like Dawn of War couldn’t maintain a player base to rival Starcraft. The recent success of Total War: Warhammer reveals that simplifying traditional RTS elements can make these games more approachable.

The right intellectual property alone isn’t a guaranteed path to success. Many franchises have tried to venture into the strategy market and falter. Such examples show that more than a strong IP is needed—it must be coupled with an innovative approach and a deep understanding of what makes strategy gaming enjoyable.

If Helldivers were to make an RTS leap, it would need to distinguish itself not by leaning solely on its established universe but by rekindling players’ love for RTS games. It’s about innovating, capturing the essence that made co-op games like Helldivers popular, and ensuring the excitement translates into a new format, intriguing both longtime RTS fans and newcomers alike.