In a surprising move that signals a shift in console exclusivity, the popular co-op shooter Helldivers 2 will launch on Xbox Series X and S on August 26, 2025. This marks the first time a game directly published by PlayStation will release on Microsoft’s competing platform.
The game, which initially released for PlayStation 5 and PC on February 8, 2024, has been a massive success for Sony, selling over 15 million copies to date. Xbox players will pay the same $39.99 price tag as on other platforms, with pre-orders already available through the Microsoft Store.
Game Director Mikael Eriksson from Arrowhead Game Studios expressed excitement about the expansion, stating: “We know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game. We have so much more in store for the future months and years – and the more players we have the more stories we can tell!”
Full cross-platform play will be supported, allowing Xbox players to join forces with those on PlayStation 5 and PC. However, cross-progression—the ability to transfer game progress between platforms—is not currently supported.
Coincidentally, the Xbox release date for Helldivers 2 is the same day Microsoft’s Gears of War: Reloaded arrives on PlayStation 5, suggesting a deliberate exchange between the two longtime rivals. This mutual platform sharing represents a significant shift in the console landscape, particularly for live-service multiplayer games that benefit from larger player communities.
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Xbox players will have access to both the Standard Edition ($39.99) and the Super Citizen Edition, which typically includes additional in-game perks such as special armor sets and cosmetic items.
Helldivers 2 has built its reputation on intense cooperative gameplay where players battle alien threats to protect “Super Earth” in a satirical sci-fi universe. The game features a unique “Stratagem” system, requiring players to input precise button combinations during combat to call in reinforcements and weaponry.
Industry analysts view this move as part of Sony’s evolving multiplatform strategy, especially for live-service titles that thrive with larger player bases. While strict exclusivity may continue for major single-player releases, this development suggests multiplayer games will increasingly cross platform boundaries to maximize audience reach and engagement.