Last year’s breakout success in the multiplayer gaming scene was undoubtedly Arrowhead’s Helldivers 2. This cooperative shooter promised to spread democracy across the stars, sending players on missions to blast aliens and robots with countless rounds of ammunition. Fast forward to today, and Steamforged Games is back with another adaptation—this time transforming the chaotic action of Helldivers 2 into a tabletop board game. Available for backing on Gamefound, IGN had the opportunity to dive into a prototype version of the game and speak with its creators, Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu, about this new iteration.
Helldivers 2: The Board Game
Developed shortly after the video game's launch last year, Helldivers 2: The Board Game retains the tension-filled firefights, chaotic surprises, and team-oriented spirit of its digital counterpart while introducing fresh twists to the formula. Players assume the roles of elite soldiers known as Helldivers, working together to accomplish objectives while fending off waves of enemies and random events. The game supports one to four players, with solo players suggested to control two characters.
Each Helldiver belongs to a distinct class, each with unique abilities, action cards, and a special "Act of Valor" ability that can turn the tide of battle. The demo showcased four classes: Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, and Captain. Players customize their loadouts with primary and secondary weapons, grenades, support gear, and three strategic tools known as strategems. Recommended setups are listed on class cards, but experienced players can tweak their configurations to suit their playstyle.
Gameplay unfolds on modular grids that expand as players explore, revealing hidden objectives and enemy locations. Primary objectives vary, but in the prototype, the goal was to destroy Terminid hatcheries. Enemies grow tougher as you progress, and a time-limited mission clock adds urgency, ensuring each session feels dynamic and intense.
The prototype focused on a single objective, but the final product will offer multiple mission types. Enemies include Terminids and Automatons, with ten variations per faction. Although Steamforged Games is known for stretch goals, it remains unclear whether the Illuminate faction will appear in the base game or as an expansion.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the adaptation was how it captured the overwhelming nature of combat. Unlike some adaptations that rely solely on numbers to create chaos, Helldivers opts for progressively stronger foes. This approach mirrors the video game's tactical depth while maintaining intensity.
Turns involve players and enemies contributing action cards to a shared pool, which is shuffled and placed on an initiative tracker (similar to Steamforged's Elden Ring board game). Combat resolves via dice rolls, with each weapon rolling a set number of dice. Damage equals the total rolled value divided by five. Players always hit their targets, focusing instead on dealing damage—a refreshing change from managing modifiers or defense values.
A standout mechanic is "Massed Fire," designed to replicate the teamwork aspect from the video game. When multiple players target the same enemy, they can combine their firepower for greater impact. Nic highlighted this feature: “We wanted to reward teamwork explicitly. Whether it’s flanking an armored enemy or simply concentrating fire, working together gives you an edge.”
Players can opt for solo play if they prefer, but the Massed Fire mechanic minimizes downtime and encourages engagement during others' turns.
Enemies follow straightforward rules, inflicting predetermined effects when defeated. Wound cards impose penalties, and three wounds result in death. However, respawns are possible depending on difficulty settings, allowing players to return with full resources.
One element absent from the board game is the intergalactic conflict present in the video game. Dropping this feature allowed the design team to focus on creating something unique rather than duplicating the source material.
Despite these changes, the essence of Helldivers remains intact. Jamie emphasized the importance of preserving the game’s unpredictable nature: “We want unexpected challenges on every turn. From stratagems that backfire to dwindling reinforcements, these elements capture the spirit of the original.”
Derek echoed this sentiment: “Our core loop revolves around objectives and survival. It’s about chasing the next shiny thing while dealing with relentless enemies.”
Currently, the game is approximately 75-80% finalized, aligning with Steamforged Games' typical launch readiness. Flexibility exists to incorporate community feedback or implement new ideas before release. Concerns over recent trade tariffs haven’t deterred the team, who remain committed to delivering the project as planned.
After testing the prototype, I found the systems engaging, especially the random events and Massed Fire mechanic, which created memorable moments. However, I would have appreciated more low-tier enemies to mow down with friends, aligning with my preference for fast-paced action over deep strategy. Additionally, enhancing enemy attacks with variable outcomes could enhance immersion.
Steamforged Games continues to impress, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead for Helldivers 2. With new classes, mission types, and enemy combinations on the horizon, my friends and I are eagerly awaiting our next drop zone.
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