Is Helldivers 2 pay-to-win?

Luca Di Marzo
Helldivers 2 players shooting

Players have wasted no time jumping into Helldivers 2’s third-person action as they explore planet after planet. However, given that it’s a live service game with a type of Battle Pass, many are wondering if Helldivers 2 is pay-to-win.

Helldivers 2 arrived on February 8 and players have been enjoying everything it has to offer as the action-packed sequel raises the bar from the original. The gameplay in Helldivers 2 has evolved from a top-down perspective to third-person exploration and combat, and players are loving the change so far.

However, with the sequel being a live service game with its spin on the Battle Pass concept, players are questioning if Helldivers 2 has microtransactions and if it uses a pay-to-win model. Here’s everything you need to know about whether or not Helldivers 2 is pay-to-win.

Does Helldivers 2 have microtransactions & is it pay-to-win?

Helldivers 2 does have microtransactions, but the game is not pay-to-win. While players can purchase cosmetics and new gear, the devs have created a system that does not put players who don’t spend money at a disadvantage.

Players have quickly praised Helldivers 2’s “non-predatory” take on microtransactions. The Warbonds system, which is Helldivers 2‘s version of a Battle Pass, does not require players to spend any money to earn new items and gear.

Aliens in Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 players will have to fight plenty of tough aliens.

Instead, players will earn Super Credits by simply playing Helldivers 2. The progression of Super Credits as you play the game is said to be generous, meaning that with a little time and effort, you can save up enough Super Credits to make Warbonds purchases.

Even though players can purchase Super Credits with real money, you won’t be at a disadvantage thanks to the system in place.

For more Helldivers 2, check out some of our other guides:

How to change ship name in Helldivers 2 | Can you play Helldivers 2 solo? Single-player explained | Is there split-screen in Helldivers 2? Local multiplayer explained | How to fix ‘failed to join’ error in Helldivers 2 | Is Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck?