Helldivers 2: Is It Worth It On PS4?

Hey everyone! If you're anything like me, you've been glued to your screens, watching all the hype around Helldivers 2. This game has taken the gaming world by storm, and for good reason! It's a co-op shooter that's all about teamwork, explosions, and, well, democracy (in the game, of course!). But the big question on a lot of people's minds, especially if you're a PlayStation 4 gamer like myself, is: Is Helldivers 2 worth it on PS4? We're diving deep into this review to give you the lowdown, covering everything from performance and graphics to the overall gameplay experience. So, grab your weapons, and let's get into it!

Diving into the Democracy: Gameplay and Core Mechanics

Helldivers 2 throws you into the role of a Helldiver, a soldier fighting for Super Earth against alien threats. The core gameplay loop is incredibly addictive and a blast to play. You and up to three other players team up to complete missions, ranging from exterminating bugs (the Terminids) to liberating planets from robotic enemies (the Automatons). The missions are procedurally generated, which means that every dive into enemy territory feels fresh and unpredictable. That element of surprise makes the game super repayable!

One of the most unique aspects of Helldivers 2 is its Stratagem system. These are powerful abilities and weapons that you call in during missions by inputting specific button combinations, kinda like a cheat code! From orbital strikes that obliterate enemies to powerful support weapons and defensive shields, Stratagems are absolutely crucial for survival, especially on higher difficulty levels. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and coordination that elevates the gameplay beyond the standard run-and-gun shooter. The right use of Stratagems can turn the tide of battle and allow your squad to achieve victory when the situation looks grim.

Furthermore, the game heavily emphasizes teamwork. You’ll need to work together with your squadmates to succeed. Friendly fire is always on, and it's super easy to accidentally blast your buddies with a stray grenade or orbital strike. This element of risk is what makes the gameplay experience so exciting. This creates hilarious moments and compels players to communicate, coordinate attacks, and watch each other's backs. Good communication and teamwork are absolutely essential. Without these, you are going to find yourself getting absolutely wrecked. Playing with friends enhances the experience immensely. Laughing at each other's mistakes is just part of the fun!

But that's not all. The game also features a progression system where you earn experience and currency to unlock new weapons, Stratagems, and cosmetic items. This helps keep things exciting and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you progress through the game. The weapon variety is great, with different guns and gear that caters to various playstyles. You'll find yourself experimenting with different loadouts to discover the best way to dominate the battlefield. Overall, the gameplay in Helldivers 2 is a thrilling and engaging experience, making it a blast to play.

Comparing Helldivers 2 on PS4 vs. Other Platforms

Okay, let's talk about the big question: how does Helldivers 2 hold up on the PS4? As you know, the PS4 is a bit older hardware than the PS5 and PC setups. You might have some concerns about the graphics and performance. On the PS4, the game runs at a stable 30 frames per second (FPS) and looks really good. While it doesn't have the visual fidelity of the PS5 version, it's still a really beautiful game. The environments are detailed, and the explosions and visual effects are awesome to look at. The game retains all the action and intensity of the other platforms. It has a great feel to it. The performance is good for the most part. However, some players have experienced occasional frame drops during intense battles with a lot of enemies on screen. It is important to remember that performance may vary depending on your PS4 model (like the original vs. the Pro) and your individual gaming setup.

One of the biggest advantages of playing on PS4 is the cross-platform play feature. This means that you can team up with players on PC and PS5, which keeps the player base nice and active, making it easier to find a match and team up with other players. The cross-platform is a great feature, that allows players to enjoy the game with a larger pool of players and adds to the game's social experience. The controls on the PS4 are well-designed and the game is easy to pick up, so players who have played a lot of third person shooters will find this game easy to get into. In general, Helldivers 2's PS4 version provides a really fun and accessible experience. You'll be dropping into battle alongside your friends in no time.

Visuals and Performance on PS4

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does Helldivers 2 look and perform on the PS4? As mentioned earlier, the game runs at a solid 30 FPS, which is pretty standard for many PS4 titles. While this isn't as smooth as the 60 FPS or higher that you might get on a PC or PS5, the game is still really playable and enjoyable. The developers have done a great job of optimizing the game to ensure a steady frame rate, which is super important for a fast-paced shooter like this one.

Graphically, Helldivers 2 still looks fantastic on the PS4. The environments are well-detailed, and the character models look good. The particle effects and explosions are particularly impressive, and there's a lot of action going on during intense firefights. While the PS4 version may not have the same level of visual detail as the PS5 or PC versions (such as ray tracing or higher resolution textures), it still holds up very well.

However, it's important to note that the PS4 version may experience some occasional frame drops or performance dips, especially during moments when there's a lot of action on the screen, like a horde of enemies or a massive explosion. This is expected given the limitations of the older hardware. However, it's nothing that is enough to ruin the experience. In most instances, the game runs really smooth. It is still a very playable game. If you're sensitive to frame rates or want the absolute best visual experience, you might prefer playing on a PS5 or PC if you have the option. But, honestly, the PS4 version still looks great. The gameplay is what matters most. Regardless, the PS4 version is still a great way to experience this exciting game and join in the fight for democracy!

PS4 Specific Considerations: What to Keep in Mind

There are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning to play Helldivers 2 on PS4. Let's delve into those key considerations for PS4 players. First, as we've discussed, the PS4 version runs at 30 FPS. This can be perfectly fine for many gamers. However, if you are accustomed to playing games at higher frame rates, it might take a bit of adjusting. But after some time playing the game, you won't even notice this detail. You'll be too busy having fun. The gameplay is so engaging that you will not focus on this. Additionally, the PS4 version may have longer loading times compared to the PS5. This is due to the PS4's slower hard drive. Be prepared to wait a bit longer to get into matches or load levels. This is a minor inconvenience that does not really impact the fun you will have. However, to compensate, the game offers a fantastic experience.

Additionally, the PS4 version might not have all the graphical bells and whistles of the PS5 version. You might notice some visual compromises, such as lower-resolution textures or less detailed environments. However, the game still looks good on PS4, and the difference is not substantial enough to make it a bad experience. The core gameplay and the action are still fantastic, so you'll still have a blast. You are not missing out on anything major. The PS4 version still gives a very immersive experience. Also, the game is still updated frequently with new content and patches. The developers are committed to providing a great experience on all platforms, including the PS4. They are continually optimizing the game and adding new content, so you can be confident that you'll have a good experience. These improvements will continue to be implemented across all platforms, ensuring that everyone gets the best experience possible.

Is Helldivers 2 Worth it on PS4? The Verdict

So, after all this, is Helldivers 2 worth it on PS4? The answer is a resounding yes! Despite the limitations of the older hardware, Helldivers 2 offers an amazing gaming experience on the PS4. The gameplay is addictive and fun, with the co-op action and the stratagem system. The game's strong emphasis on teamwork adds a unique and satisfying dimension. The visuals are still great and the solid performance makes it very playable. You will find yourself playing for hours without realizing the time that has passed.

While there might be minor graphical compromises and potential for occasional frame drops, these issues are not enough to detract from the overall experience. The PS4 version still delivers the core fun of Helldivers 2. With the cross-platform play, you will be able to play with friends on PC and PS5. All this helps to create a vibrant and active player base. The game's developers are also actively supporting the game on all platforms, including PS4. So you can be confident you'll receive updates, improvements, and new content. In conclusion, if you're a PS4 gamer looking for a fun and engaging co-op shooter, Helldivers 2 is an awesome choice. Get ready to dive into battle. Get ready to have a blast with your friends!

Final Score: 8.5/10