We're officially entering the holiday season now, and that means there's a good chance you're hunting for good gifts to give friends and loved ones — or perhaps you're looking for one to give yourself, instead.
If you or someone you know is an avid video game player on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or PS5, one of the best games you can get as a gift (or a treat) is Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios' beloved 2024 multiplayer co-op shooter. At its base $39.99 MSRP, it's already more affordable than most $59.99 AAA titles.
Helldivers 2 will be the gift that keeps on giving
Helldivers 2 stood tall in 2024 as one of the year's biggest and most popular multiplayer games, and has remained a hit throughout 2025 as well. By far, it's the most successful PlayStation Studios-published title that Sony has ever brought to Windows PC and Steam; it did so well that it was even ported to Xbox, where it's absolutely flourished.
But why? Well, the core reason for Helldivers 2's acclaim is that it's got some of the most dynamic, chaotic, and satisfying teamwork-driven gameplay of any co-op title I've ever played.
Enemy factions of alien bugs, bots, and squids have incredibly diverse armies of different unit types that require different tactics to deal with, and paired with Helldivers' wide variety of map types and mission objectives, this ensures no two missions ever feel the same.
Further depth comes from the huge arsenal of different weapons, armors, and "stratagems" — special call-ins for air support, heavy weaponry, and fortifications — you can take into battle, with Helldivers 2 greatly emphasizing choosing loadouts that synergize with those of your teammates (you can have up to three).
New DLC Warbonds with additional gear are regularly added every one-to-three months or so, with Helldivers 2's live-service Galactic War metagame also bringing new enemy subfactions, special new unlocks, and a constantly evolving narrative to players.
All in all, it's a terrific game that's become my favorite multiplayer title to enjoy with friends, with just the right balance of structure and chaos that ensures even longtime veterans like me are kept on their toes on higher difficulties. And between its inherent replayability and all the consistent content updates it gets, it'll make for the perfect gift that keeps on giving for months and years to come.
More Black Friday 2025 - quick links
- All our TOP recommended Black Friday deals: Just the best
- Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
- GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
- Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
- Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
- Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
- ANC headphones: great Black Friday deals on the best ANC headphones
Even more Black Friday deals: - Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
- Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
- Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
- Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
- Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
- Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
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