Helldivers 2 is set to launch on Xbox Series X and S next month in a surprising cross-platform move, marking a major shift in console exclusivity. The game will arrive on August 26, 2025, the same day Microsoft releases Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation 5—highlighting a new era of platform collaboration.
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, the explosive co-op third-person shooter first launched on PC and PS5 in February 2024 and quickly became a live-service phenomenon. It holds the title of the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game ever, selling 12 million copies within just 12 weeks. Now, Xbox players will finally get the chance to join the fight for Super Earth.
In an official post on Xbox Wire, Helldivers 2 Game Director Mikael Eriksson expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming release. “We know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game,” he said. “We have so much more in store for the coming months and years—and the more players we have, the more stories we can tell! The fight for Super Earth has only just begun.”
Crossplay is fully supported across all platforms, allowing PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players to team up seamlessly. This unified player base is expected to enhance matchmaking and extend the game’s longevity, especially as Steam player counts remain strong over a year and a half after launch.
The decision to bring Helldivers 2 to Xbox is particularly noteworthy given Sony’s usual stance on exclusivity. Historically, PlayStation Studios titles are reserved for PlayStation and, increasingly, PC. Exceptions like MLB The Show and the recent LEGO Horizon Adventures on Nintendo Switch have hinted at a changing strategy, but this release represents a significant expansion.
This shift mirrors broader industry trends. Microsoft is embracing cross-platform releases with Gears of War: Reloaded launching on PS5, Hellblade 2 arriving on PlayStation in August, and The Outer Worlds 2 set for a simultaneous release on PS5 in October. Despite recent company-wide layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees, Microsoft continues to push for broader accessibility across ecosystems.
With crossplay, strong post-launch support, and expanded platform availability, Helldivers 2 is poised for even greater success as it welcomes a new wave of interstellar recruits.
