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HELLDIVERS 2

Review · Action · Xbox Series S/X · PC · PlayStation 5

HELLDIVERS 2

Reviewed: 29 Apr 2026

Xbox Series S/X · PC · PlayStation 5

Arrowhead Game Studios · 2024

Ludograph rating

B

Good

67 /100

Automated review

HELLDIVERS 2 is an action game that offers significant strategic thinking, critical thinking, and spatial awareness benefits, but has an Adult-Only rating for intense violence and strong language.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 64 · R 29
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

64

Risk (RIS)

29

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.66
B2Social-emotional
0.53
B3Motor
0.75

Helldivers 2 offers significant cognitive benefits through its emphasis on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive challenge in dynamic combat scenarios. Teamwork and communication are core to success, fostering positive social interaction. The fast-paced action also provides strong motor skill development in hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, and reaction time.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.30
R2Monetization
0.25
R3Social risk
0.33

The game features intense violence and likely strong language, earning an AO rating. While primarily co-operative, the online nature and emphasis on 'Super Citizen Status' and 'Premium Warbonds' introduce some social comparison and monetization pressure. The satirical pro-military propaganda is a notable thematic element.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Heads up

  • Monthly spendTypical real-money spend by engaged players: $0 – $50/mo.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Not yet assessed·GDPR-K — Not yet assessed·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Avg playtime~22 hReviewedApr 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is HELLDIVERS 2 safe for kids?

Ludograph gives HELLDIVERS 2 a rating of 67/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is HELLDIVERS 2 appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for HELLDIVERS 2, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is more lenient than ESRB AO: industry ratings reflect content intensity, while ours also weighs how the game is designed to be played.

How long should kids play HELLDIVERS 2?

We don't publish a daily session budget for HELLDIVERS 2: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of HELLDIVERS 2?

The game features intense violence and likely strong language, earning an AO rating. While primarily co-operative, the online nature and emphasis on 'Super Citizen Status' and 'Premium Warbonds' introduce some social comparison and monetization pressure. The satirical pro-military propaganda is a notable thematic element.