Is there PVP in Helldivers 2?

In Helldivers 2, you fight alien foes and robotic adversaries, but many are curious if there’s a PvP mode to showcase their skills against other players. Everything you need to know is right here.

Emerging from almost a decade of development, Helldivers 2 has finally launched, quickly becoming a global gaming phenomenon. Its immediate success is a testament to the hard work of Arrowhead Game Studios, as it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor.

With its bombastic mission design and unrelenting third-person combat, there’s plenty to keep you coming back for one more round. But beyond the PVE experience, is there a PVP mode to test your skills against a fellow Helldiver?

Here’s what you need to know about PVP in Helldivers 2.

Does Helldivers 2 have PVP?

For the time being, Helldivers 2 does not have any strict PVP offering, per se. Though given the game’s friendly fire setting is enabled by default, there’s technically nothing stopping you from going to war with your own allies.

At any point in time, a stray bullet, a Strategem, or even a grenade dropped a little too close for comfort, can all see your teammates needing a redeploy. In the blink of an eye your own actions can cost lives, so in that sense, PVP is always possible.

Should you have a grudge to settle with someone on your team, there’s nothing preventing you from finding a quiet spot on the map and handling business like gentlemen.

But beyond that impromptu experience, there is no true PVP mode in Helldivers 2. You can’t load into a multiplayer battle against other humans, and there’s no competitive rankings to chase on that end. And don’t expect that to change anytime soon either. After all, the aim of the game is to help your fellow Helldivers liberate planets for the greater good of Super Earth.

Arrowhead Games CEO echoed that point in a February 15 tweet, assuring the devs will “never” add any sort of PVP mode to the game. “This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.

We want an environment that’s supportive, fun, and where we are all fighting on the same side.”

Hey; We'll "never" add a PvP-mode. This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.

We want an environment that's supportive, fun and where we all are fighting on the same side!

— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) February 14, 2024

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to brush up on more of our Helldivers 2 coverage below:

Are there classes in Helldivers 2? | How to fix Helldivers 2 quickplay error | How to change your ship name in Helldivers 2 | Does Helldivers 2 have vehicles & mechs? | How to fix Helldivers 2 failed to join error | Is Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck? | Can you play Helldivers 2 offline? | Helldivers 2: Trophies and Achievements | Is Helldivers 2 on Xbox Game Pass?