How to play Helldivers 2 solo – single-player build explained

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Are you wondering if Helldivers 2 can be played solo? In the defense of Super Earth, Helldivers are called in to deal democracy to bugs and bots. Once you join the Helldivers, can you take up the missions by yourself?

For more on Arrowhead Games’ shooter, check out the Helldivers 2 trophies and find out if there are any Helldivers 2 classes. We’ve also got a Helldivers 2 weapon tier list and the best armor to use. But, for now, we’re here to let you know if you can tackle the game by yourself.

An image of a player using an orbital strike in Helldivers 2. Image captured by VideoGamer.
An image of a player using an orbital strike in Helldivers 2. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Does Helldivers 2 have a single-player mode

While you can play the missions in Helldivers 2 by yourself, there is no dedicated single-player mode to enjoy. An internet connection is required at all times. The Helldivers missions can be played solo, but the game itself was designed to be played with friends. All Helldivers 2 difficulty settings can also be unlocked solo by playing missions. Extraction is a pain point that I noticed while playing solo as enemies swarm the beacon that calls in the final transport shuttle.

Best Helldivers 2 solo build

If you do choose to go solo in Helldivers 2, our build will let you protect yourself as you tackle Helldivers 2 factions head-on. We’ve also got guides that cover how to level up fast and Helldivers 2 tips and tricks to improve your lone wolf performance. And with that, here’s our solo Helldivers 2 build.

Solo weapons – Breaker and P-2 Peacemaker

Opt for the Breaker Shotgun as well as the P-2 Peacemaker. The Breaker’s high damage is great against most opponents while the secondary Peacemaker can take down hordes of weaker enemies. If you haven’t unlocked these, the standard Liberator assault rifle is a good pick as well. For supply weapons, get the Grenade Launcher to fill bug trenches and clear optional objectives quickly. Consider the Railgun as well as its ‘unsafe mode’ is great against massive enemies like Bile Titans and Hulks.

Solo Grenades – High Explosive

High Explosive grenades are the ones you get by default and you can’t go wrong with them. True, Stun grenades can help you get out of a pinch but you’ll need strong grenades against armored targets.

Solo armor – Light armor

While our best armor guide mentions several Medium and Heavy options, solo players should opt for Light armor. This trades health for movement and stamina, essential boons while facing multiple opponents. Some Light armor also give you radar scans to detect objectives early.

Solo Booster – Vitality Enhancement

Injury resistance is great while playing alone so the Vitality Enhancement booster is a good option. Face off against Terminids and Automatons more effectively without succumbing to injuries. On lower difficulties, you could opt for Stamina Enhancement to cover large distances quickly.

Solo stratagems – Grenade Launcher, Shield Generator, Sentry, and Orbital

Try to mix things up with picks between lethal turrets for support and explosives to down powerful foes. We recommend the Orbital 380MM HE Barrage, Mortar Sentry, Shield Generator Pack, and Grenade Launcher.

Will Helldivers 2 get a solo mode later

There’s no news on whether Helldivers 2 will ever receive a dedicated single-player mode. However, as mentioned above, the game was specifically designed to be played with friends, so it’s unlikely.

Co-op is where Helldivers shines, and the missions are much more manageable and fun when you are working with a team of squad members instead of by yourself. The game focuses on making its multiplayer the best it can be, so it’s reasonable to believe that this is where the devs will keep their focus.

That doesn’t mean that solo fans should lose all hope. There’s no telling what the future could hold.

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Helldivers 1

The first Helldivers was also designed as a cooperative multiplayer game. While Helldivers 2 makes plenty of updates to the gameplay, adding a dedicated single-player mode is not one of them.

That’s everything you need to know on whether Helldivers 2 has a single-player experience. Be sure to check out our Helldivers 2 hub page to keep on track with everything Helldivers 2 and Arrowhead Game Studios related.

Helldivers 2 single player FAQs

Will you get more rewards while playing Helldivers 2 solo?

No. In fact, it will be tougher to complete missions this way.

Can you earn weapons fast in Helldivers 2 solo?

Since all players get the same experience and rewards after a mission, you’ll take longer to unlock weapons if you play alone.

About the Author

Annie Thelen

Annie is a journalist interested in gaming and tech news. She is Guides Writer for Videogamer. Her favorite games are Legend of Zelda, Halo, Persona 5, Saints Row 2, and The Sims 2.

Helldivers 2

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5
  • Genre(s): Action, Shooter, Third Person
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