Will Helldivers 2 ever release on Xbox? It might!

Helldivers 2 has been hugely successful since its February release on PlayStation 5 and PC. With a dedicated fan base which already numbers over 8 million, the co-op shooter continues to build. However, that widespread popularity has Xbox owners wondering when, or if, they’ll get a chance to join the war against the Cyborgs and Bugs.

Although it’s still a rumored possibility, Helldivers 2 could be coming to Xbox Series X S sometime in the future – at least as a timed exclusive for now. Here is everything we know thus far about a Microsoft console release.

Why Isn’t Helldivers 2 on Xbox Yet?

The reasons behind Helldivers 2’s PlayStation exclusivity are fairly straightforward – Sony owns the IP and published the game themselves. As such, they have full control over which platforms it releases on.

As a major first-party exclusive, Sony likely saw keeping Helldivers 2 off Xbox as a way to drive PlayStation 5 sales and maintain their competitive edge against Microsoft. Exclusive games have been pivotal for console manufacturers to ensure a dedicated consumer base.

Sony taking the same approach with Helldivers 2 checks out, especially given how successful the co-op shooter has proven to be so far. Restricting it to just PlayStation and PC gives those platforms a major system seller that Xbox can’t offer.

What Sony Has Said About Exclusivity

But the harsh reality of modern exclusivity deals hasn’t gone unnoticed by industry figures. Former Sony CEO Shawn Layden recently discussed the possible downsides of keeping games like Helldivers 2 exclusive to one console.

Layden said publishers will increasingly be willing to cross-platform their releases going forward. He pointed to the positive reception of Sony bringing games like Spider-Man and God of War to PC as prime examples.

“Games like Helldivers 2 could reach an even bigger audience on multiple platforms…that is surely a more profitable proposition than limiting its reach.”

Those comments echo sentiments from Xbox’s Phil Spencer, who questioned the benefits of Helldivers 2 skipping Xbox: “I get it…but I’m not exactly sure who it helps by not being on Xbox.”

The Player Demand for Helldivers 2

While the platform holders may debate the business logistics, there’s no denying the incredible player demand for Helldivers 2 on Xbox. Soon after its PlayStation/PC release, petitions were started to have the game translated to Microsoft‘s consoles.

A few of these petitions have attracted over five hundred thousand signatures from fans worldwide. That is on top of the overwhelmingly positive reception the game has gotten from the people who have played it up to now.

If this growing audience is any indication, Helldivers 2 being brought to console could be a very lucrative way for Sony to push those sales numbers further.

Could an Xbox Port Happen?

Ultimately, the decision lies solely in Sony’s hands as the publisher and IP owner of Helldivers. Their previous resistance to launching major exclusives like God of War and Uncharted on Xbox makes it seem unlikely this specific franchise would get that treatment, at least any time soon.

However, the game’s incredible commercial success and vocal following asking for broader platform support can’t be ignored forever. If Helldivers 2 continues its stellar performance, the prospect of a timed Xbox exclusive down the road feels more and more plausible.

And with industry expectations and norms shifting towards fewer outright permanent exclusives, the possibility grows that Sony could eventually feel enough pressure to bring one of their biggest new hits to an even wider audience on Xbox.

At the very least, the slightest hint or tease that Helldivers 2 could make its way to Xbox would be grounds for major celebration among the dedicated community rallying for it. For now though, the trenches are only open on PlayStation and PC.