Helldivers 2 Board Game: First Impressions

One of last year's standout hits in the multiplayer gaming world was Arrowhead’s Helldivers 2, a game that aimed to spread democracy across the galaxy with a barrage of bullets against aliens and robots. Following their successful adaptation of the Elden Ring board game, Steamforged Games has now turned their attention to bringing the fast-paced and frenetic experience of Helldivers 2 to the tabletop. The board game is currently available for backing on Gamefound, and IGN had the opportunity to play a prototype and discuss the game with designers Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu.

Helldivers 2: The Board Game

17 ImagesDevelopment on Helldivers 2: The Board Game began shortly after the video game's launch last year. This adaptation successfully captures the essence of the video game, delivering tense firefights, chaotic surprises, and a teamwork-centric experience, while also introducing unique tweaks to the formula.

Helldivers 2 remains a cooperative, objective-based skirmish game where one to four players (with solo players recommended to control two characters) collaborate to complete objectives and survive against waves of enemies and unexpected events. Players assume different Helldiver classes, each with a unique perk, a set of action cards, and a powerful "Act of Valor" ability usable once per game. The prototype showcased classes like the Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, and Captain. Players equip themselves with a kit including primary and secondary weapons, a grenade, and three strategems, with recommended loadouts on their class cards, though experienced players can customize their gear.

Gameplay occurs on grid-based boards that expand as players explore, revealing sub-objectives and primary mission locations, such as Terminid hatcheries in the prototype. As exploration progresses, more challenging enemies spawn, and a mission timer adds urgency, keeping the gameplay intense and fast-paced.

The full release will feature multiple objectives, and Jamie Perkins confirmed that the base game will include two of the three main factions: Terminids and Automatons, each with ten unit types. While not confirmed, the possibility of the Illuminate faction appearing in an expansion is hinted at, given Steamforged's history with stretch goals.

The board game adaptation of Helldivers 2 focuses on tactical combat with progressively tougher enemies, rather than overwhelming numbers. Turns involve players and enemies adding action cards to a shuffled pool, which are then placed on an initiative tracker, similar to Steamforged’s Elden Ring game. Every four action cards trigger a random event, adding unpredictability and excitement.

Combat for the Helldivers is resolved through dice rolls, with each weapon specifying the type and number of dice. Damage is calculated by totaling the roll, with every five points inflicting a wound on an enemy. This streamlined system avoids the complexity of multiple modifiers, focusing instead on the impact of each attack. Friendly fire is a risk, especially with area attacks, but reinforcements are available.

A new feature, the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, encourages teamwork by allowing players within range to join in on targeting an enemy, mimicking the cooperative shooting from the video game. This mechanic reduces player downtime and enhances group play.

Enemies, on the other hand, deal damage based on their cards, causing players to draw wound cards, each with a detrimental effect. Three wounds result in a player's death, but respawns are possible based on the chosen difficulty level, allowing players to return with full ammo and resources.

One element from the video game not included in the board game is the galactic war. The designers opted to focus on creating a unique experience rather than a direct simulation. Jamie shared an intriguing piece of lore: the board game is positioned as a training simulation for Helldivers, which adds a fun narrative twist.

The team at Steamforged Games, including Nic, Jamie, and Derek, are dedicated to ensuring the board game feels authentically Helldivers, despite the change in medium. Nic emphasized the importance of unexpected events, strategems that can go awry, and a dwindling pool of reinforcements, all elements that define the Helldivers experience. Derek highlighted the core loop of mission objectives and the thrill of uncovering new challenges while fending off enemies.

At around 75-80% completion, the game's core mechanics are nearly finalized, allowing room for community feedback and potential adjustments. Jamie reassured that recent tariff concerns in the board gaming industry won't affect their plans, and they are moving forward as intended.

After playing the prototype, the systems in place, such as random events and the Massed Fire mechanic, promise epic moments. While the focus on tactical combat with fewer, stronger enemies is appreciated, some might wish for more smaller enemies to clear out for a more chaotic feel. Enemy attacks could also benefit from added variability to match the game's overall dynamic nature.

Excitement builds for what other features Steamforged Games might reveal for Helldivers 2: The Board Game. The prototype has already sparked anticipation for new Helldiver classes, diverse game types, and the mix-and-match potential with different enemies and biomes. The question on everyone's mind is: Where are we dropping next?

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