Last year's breakout hit in the multiplayer gaming arena was Arrowhead's *Helldivers 2*, a thrilling title that captured players' imaginations with its mission to spread democracy across the stars through intense battles against aliens and robots. Now, following their successful adaptation of *Elden Ring*, Steamforged Games has set its sights on transforming the high-energy and chaotic world of *Helldivers 2* into an engaging board game. Currently available for backing on Gamefound, IGN had the opportunity to play a prototype and discuss the project with the game's designers, Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu.
Helldivers 2: The Board Game
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Developed shortly after the video game's launch, Helldivers 2: The Board Game successfully encapsulates the essence of what made the original so beloved. The game maintains the tension of firefights, the unpredictability of chaotic events, and the emphasis on teamwork, while introducing unique tweaks to enhance the tabletop experience.
Helldivers 2 remains a cooperative, objective-based skirmish game for one to four players, with the designers suggesting solo players control two characters. Each player selects a distinct Helldiver class, such as Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, or Captain, each equipped with a unique perk, a set of action cards, and a powerful one-per-game "Act of Valor" ability. Players customize their kits with primary, secondary, and support weapons, grenades, and three strategems, guided by recommended loadouts but with the flexibility to choose as they gain experience.
Gameplay unfolds on expanding grid-based boards that players explore, revealing sub-objectives and primary mission locations, such as Terminid hatcheries to destroy. As the mission progresses, increasingly difficult enemies spawn, and a mission timer adds urgency, maintaining the frenetic pace fans adore.
The prototype focused on destroying Terminid hatcheries, but the final game will offer varied objectives. Jamie confirmed that the base game includes the Terminids and robotic Automatons, with each faction featuring 10 unit types. While not confirmed, expansions might introduce the Illuminate faction, a known tactic of Steamforged Games.
A key curiosity was how the board game would replicate the video game's sense of being overwhelmed. Helldivers 2: The Board Game opts for fewer, but more challenging enemies, fostering a tactical, close-up combat experience. Players and enemies add action cards to a pool, which are shuffled and placed on an initiative tracker, similar to Steamforged's Elden Ring game. Combat relies on dice rolls, with every four action cards triggering a random event, often complicating players' plans.
On the player side, combat involves rolling dice based on weapon type and number, with damage dealt equating to wounds at every five points. This streamlined approach simplifies combat while maintaining the thrill. Friendly fire is a risk, but sometimes necessary to take down tough enemies, with reinforcements available.
A notable addition is the 'Massed Fire' mechanic, designed to mimic the cooperative shooting in the video game. Nic explained that it encourages teamwork by allowing players to focus fire on a target if within range of another Helldiver's weapons. This mechanic not only promotes group play but also reduces player downtime by involving them in others' turns.
Enemy actions, however, are simpler, dealing set damage or effects, leading to players drawing wound cards. Three wounds result in death, but players can respawn with full resources based on chosen difficulty.
The galactic war from the video game does not transition to the board game, a decision influenced by Arrowhead's desire for uniqueness. Jamie playfully positioned the board game as a training simulation for Helldivers, a clever nod to the source material.
Nic, Jamie, and Derek have focused on retaining the Helldivers feel despite the medium change. They've included unexpected events, stratagems that can misfire, and a dwindling pool of reinforcements, all hallmarks of the original game.
Jamie estimates the game's mechanics are 75-80% finalized, allowing for adjustments based on community feedback and potential new ideas. Despite concerns about tariffs affecting the board game industry, Jamie assures that their plans remain unaffected.
My experience with the prototype was enjoyable, with the random events and Massed Fire mechanic creating memorable moments. However, I felt a desire for more smaller enemies to clear out, akin to the video game's style. Enemy attacks could also benefit from more variability to match the game's overall dynamism.
I'm excited to see what further developments Steamforged Games has in store for Helldivers 2: The Board Game. The prototype has left me eager to explore new classes, game types, and combinations with different enemies and biomes. My friends and I are already planning our next mission.
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