HELLDIVERS 2 is an impressive conversion of Arrowhead Game Studio’s twin-stick formula into a third-person experience. It’s more visceral and immersive, placing you closer to the action – but it’s still a sequel built on the same basic framework. You dive into procedurally generated maps alone or with up to three others; complete several mandatory and optional objectives before triggering the extraction; and destroy waves of enemies by calling down supplies and orbital weapons that can be just as lethal to you. Survive and you can invest your hard-earned resources into new armour, weapons, support stratagems, and cosmetics. Yes, this sequel has live-service elements – like multiple digital currencies you can buy and a battle pass – but it still feels balanced for causal players unwilling to sink all their time into just one game to experience some semblance of progression.