Helldivers 2 offers a fun multiplayer experience where players can team up with friends or join forces with solo players through matchmaking. You can use the SOS Beacon to signal your need for help to others, or simply host or join public games. Playing with random players adds to the cooperative nature of the game and makes missions more dynamic. Efficient teamwork, strategic planning, and good communication are keys to success in these impromptu squads. Joining forces with other players can be more thrilling than playing solo, and there are several ways to make that happen in Helldivers 2.
Joining a Public Game
The quickest way to squad up with randoms is through public matchmaking:
- Set Public Privacy: Go to Settings > Gameplay > Matchmaking Privacy and set it to “Public.”
- Select a Mission: Choose a mission from the star map.
- Use Quick Play: Press the Quick Play button (usually Square on PlayStation controllers) to start matchmaking.
- Wait: Within a minute or two, you should be placed into an existing public lobby. If no lobbies are available, the system will create a new one for you.
Hosting Your Own Public Game
If you’d rather have random players join you:
- Enable Public Matchmaking: As above, ensure your Matchmaking Privacy is set to “Public.”
- Launch a Mission: Pick a mission and launch it as normal.
- Change Game Privacy: Before deploying your dropship, press Triangle (on PlayStation) to toggle your game to public.
- Wait for Players: Remain on the dropship, and players should start trickling in.
Important Notes:
- Helldivers 2 has crossplay, so you’ll be matched with players on other platforms.
- You can adjust difficulty before launching a mission – consider starting on lower difficulties for a smoother public experience.
Tips for Playing with Randoms:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use the Communication Wheel | The communication wheel offers quick callouts, essential for coordination when you don’t have voice chat. |
| Watch Your Fire (and theirs!) | Friendly fire is a constant threat in Helldivers 2. Be mindful of your shots and your teammates’ positions. |
| Prioritize Objectives | Focus on completing mission objectives, and don’t get sidetracked by optional distractions. |
| Experiment and Have Fun! | Helldivers 2 is at its best when chaotic and unpredictable. Embrace the mayhem! |
Key Takeaways
- Helldivers 2 provides options to play co-op with random players through easy-to-use matchmaking.
- Setting up and joining multiplayer games are user-friendly processes within the game interface.
- Successful cooperative play with randoms requires good communication and teamwork.
Setting Up for Multiplayer
To play Helldivers 2 with others, players must adjust certain settings and understand how the matchmaking system operates. This ensures a smoother multiplayer experience, whether with friends or random players.
Understanding Matchmaking in Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 offers a multiplayer mode that lets players join forces with others across the galaxy in what’s known as the Galactic War. This large-scale conflict requires coordination and teamwork, made possible through the game’s matchmaking system.
Configuring Matchmaking Settings
Before jumping into a game, players need to adjust their settings to connect with others:
- Open the Main Menu
- Select the Settings tab
- Find Matchmaking options
- Set the Matchmaking setting to Public for joining random players
- Save changes
It’s also important to note crossplay and cross-save features, as these allow for joining friends who might be on different platforms, ensuring progress is not lost when switching between devices.
Navigating the War Table
After configuring the matchmaking settings, players access the Galactic War map to find missions. Here’s how:
- Interact with the War Table in the game’s main hub
- Review available missions and select one
- If the Matchmaking setting is Public, the system will place the player in a lobby with open slots
- Look for the */4 symbol indicating space for additional players
By ensuring that privacy settings are configured correctly, anyone can join other Helldivers in the fight to protect Super Earth.
Joining and Hosting Games
In Helldivers 2, whether you’re looking to join a squad or bring players into your own game, understanding how to manage your multiplayer interactions enhances the co-op experience. This section breaks down the methods for connecting with random teammates, hosting your own game, and utilizing SOS Beacons.
How to Join Random Squads
To join an existing game, select the Quickplay option from the main menu. This feature places you in a public lobby, automatically finding a squad you can join for co-op gameplay. If you prefer a more selective approach, navigate to the game’s lobby browser and look for a game that suits your preference. Joining a squad mid-mission is also possible if the match settings allow it.
Tips for Hosting Your Own Game
When hosting a game, choose to make it public to let random players join your mission. For a smooth hosting experience, ensure your lobby is set to public and outline any specific gameplay strategies in the lobby name or description. Communication with squad members is crucial for a successful mission, so prepare to discuss tactics and share resources.
Using SOS Beacons to Invite Players
If you find yourself short on teammates, you can deploy an SOS Beacon during gameplay. This signals to other players that you need assistance, allowing them to join your game in progress. It’s a strategic way to fill out a full squad and continue with your co-op game in case your team’s numbers dwindle.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides clear answers to common questions about playing with randoms in Helldivers 2, covering everything from joining games to hosting public sessions.
How do you join a game with random players in Helldivers 2?
To join a game with random players, select ‘Public’ in your matchmaking settings. From the Main Menu, go to the Settings tab and adjust the Matchmaking option. Then choose a mission and you’ll be paired with other players.
Can you matchmake with people you don’t know in Helldivers 2?
Yes, matchmaking with people you don’t know is possible. Set your game to public and use the matchmaking feature to connect with other players looking for squad mates.
What steps are needed to host a public session in Helldivers 2?
Host a public session by opening the Main Menu, heading to the Settings tab, and ensuring the Matchmaking option is set to Public. Start a mission and your game will be open for others to join.
Is it possible to play in Helldivers 2 public lobbies on PS5?
Playing in public lobbies is indeed possible on PS5. Just like on other platforms, set your session to public and begin a mission to play with randoms.
How can you play Helldivers 2 if you don’t have any friends to join you?
If you have no friends available, use the SOS beacon in-game to call for help. This alerts other players that you need assistance, allowing them to join your session.
What is the process to engage in multiplayer with strangers in Helldivers 2?
Engaging in multiplayer with strangers involves setting your session to public and selecting a mission. This opens your game to players globally, allowing you to team up and tackle objectives together.
