Fans Can’t Help But Notice The Uncanny Similarity Between Helldivers 2 And Another Famous Game

Solo players in Helldivers 2 have found intriguing links to Metal Gear Solid 5.

Fans Can't Help But Notice The Uncanny Similarity Between Helldivers 2 And Another Famous Game

SUMMARY

  • Dedicated Helldivers 2 solo players discovered a surprising stealth-oriented side to the game, resembling Metal Gear Solid 5.
  • Similar animations, reliance on off-map support, and strategic use of resources create parallels between the two games.
  • Helldivers 2 could potentially become a unique stealth-focused open world experience with further live-service development.
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Great works of art like Helldivers 2 are often signified by their inspirations. In addition to the obvious elements Helldivers 2 adapts from the 1997 sc-fi epic, Starship Troopers, there’s another curious source it draws from as well.
Even though Helldivers 2‘s core focus is teamwork in multiplayer, a dedicated group of players has embraced the challenge of solo play. Driven by bugs and launch issues, they’ve developed unique tactics and unearthed a surprising stealth-oriented side to the co-op shooter, revealing semblances to the greatest stealth-action franchise in gaming.

Helldivers 2 Imbibes The Spirit Of The Last True MGS

Some movement animations in Helldivers 2 are very reminiscent of those in Metal Gear Solid 5. Image credit: NunoTheDude via Reddit
Some movement animations in Helldivers 2 are very reminiscent of those in Metal Gear Solid 5. Image credit: NunoTheDude via Reddit
One fan over on X/Twitter posted a TikTok video that highlighted some commonalities between Helldivers 2 and the last Hideo Kojima-led game from Konami, Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes.
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The video shows some movement animations in Helldivers 2 such as crouching, diving, prone crawling, prone shooting, etc. These animations are compared against MGS5 and the creator says that it feels very similar to the stealth-action classic: “Obviously they’re very different [games], but the movement itself is very Metal Gear Solid-ish.

Helldivers 2 Could Build On Its Stealth Elements

Helldivers 2's underrated stealth elements could be developed further by Arrowhead. Image credit: Arrowhead
Helldivers 2’s underrated stealth elements could be developed further by Arrowhead. Image credit: Arrowhead

The parallels to Metal Gear Solid 5 are striking. Character movements, especially prone diving, and the reliance on off-map support via stratagems, evoke a familiar feel. Both games reward finesse and strategic use of resources, even allowing resupply drops to function as aerial bombardments.

It almost raises whether we can think of Helldivers 2 as a stealth-focused open world game instead of the frenetic, fun-filled shooter it appears to be. Recon, smart usage of cover, and strategic tool manipulation are key to stealth games, and Helldivers features all of them in gameplay to an extent.

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Enemies have varying awareness levels, allowing you to break line of sight and lure them with deployable turrets. Perks like ‘Scout’ enhance stealth and radar detection, crucial for solo survival. Melee attacks are situational but can help against smaller enemies.

As hilarious as it can be at times, Helldivers 2 does lack the subtly whimsical elements of MGS5 to a degree. However, since it’s a live service title, Arrowhead could easily introduce playful non-combat items and stratagems to encourage sandbox exploration and experimentation, similar to MGS5‘s humorous gadgets.

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Metal Gear Solid 5's goofy Fulton balloon extraction system. Image credit: Konami
Metal Gear Solid 5’s goofy Fulton balloon extraction system. Image credit: Konami

Imagine deploying the cardboard Helldiver from the tutorial as a decoy, or even adapting MGS5‘s Fulton balloon extraction system for removing enemies, or teammates who take advantage of friendly fire. Same thing.

This playful spirit is a vital component of both games. MGS5 rewards stealth for the freedom it offers to experiment and goof around. Similarly, Helldivers 2‘s solo potential, while currently a bit sparse, holds exciting possibilities for further development.

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With continued updates from Arrowhead, Helldivers 2‘s promising solo and stealth aspects may blossom into something truly unique.

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Written by Viraaj Bhatnagar

Articles Published: 174

A lifelong gamer, lover of cars, and Master's student of Automotive Journalism, Viraaj Bhatnagar is a gaming writer at FandomWire who aims to be one of the greats. When he's not hunched over on his laptop typing out copy, he can be found lapping circuits in Gran Turismo or slaying draugr in God of War.