In the realm of online cooperative shooters, two heavyweights stand tall in 2025: Helldivers 2 and Destiny 2. While both offer intense team-based action and sci-fi settings, they take drastically different approaches. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned squadmate, you're probably wondering: Which co-op shooter truly reigns supreme?
Let’s break it down across key categories like gameplay, customization, community, and long-term value to find out which title deserves your time — and your squad’s commitment.
Gameplay: Squad Tactics vs. Space Magic
Helldivers 2 thrives on coordination and chaos. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, it puts players in the boots of soldiers fighting for “managed democracy” across alien worlds. With friendly fire always on, communication and positioning are everything. Missions require teamwork, with real consequences for sloppy execution. It’s punishing, hilarious, and endlessly replayable.
Destiny 2, on the other hand, leans into smooth gunplay and fast-paced action. Bungie’s legendary shooter mechanics shine through, making even the simplest skirmishes feel satisfying. As a Guardian, you wield powerful space magic alongside your arsenal, blending traditional FPS combat with superpowered abilities. The variety in PvE and PvP modes also adds depth beyond co-op play.
Winner: Tie. Helldivers 2 wins on intensity and tactical depth, while Destiny 2 rules for fluid combat and variety.
Progression and Customization
In Destiny 2, the loot grind is legendary. With hundreds of weapons, armor sets, shaders, and builds, there’s always something new to chase. Exotic gear adds flair and strategy, and the subclass system allows for extensive character customization.
Helldivers 2 takes a more streamlined approach. Stratagems (deployable support abilities) offer flexibility in playstyles, and unlocking gear is tied to your performance in missions. While not as deep as Destiny 2’s loot system, it's refreshingly focused.
Winner: Destiny 2. Its build diversity and gear chase keep players coming back for years.
Community and Co-Op Experience
Helldivers 2 shines as a pure co-op experience. There’s no PvP, no solo grind — just squad-based missions and galactic war progression. The shared online campaign map adds a unique touch, giving every mission a purpose in a greater cause.
Destiny 2 offers both co-op and competitive play. You can play solo, but the real fun lies in Strikes, Raids, and seasonal events. However, some activities require heavy time investments or large friend groups to fully enjoy.
Winner: Helldivers 2. Its “co-op only” identity fosters tighter team synergy and less friction.
Visuals and Worldbuilding
Destiny 2 boasts jaw-dropping environments, rich lore, and cinematic storytelling. From the Dreadnaught to Neomuna, every location is dripping with detail. Bungie continues to build its mythos with each expansion.
Helldivers 2 isn’t quite as cinematic, but its satirical take on space warfare — combined with gritty environments and over-the-top effects — gives it a distinct identity. The dystopian propaganda style adds flavor, even if the story takes a backseat to gameplay.
Winner: Destiny 2. Few games match its worldbuilding scope and visual polish.
Long-Term Value
Destiny 2 has years of content, raids, expansions, and a rotating seasonal model that ensures a constant stream of activities. However, it’s not always newcomer-friendly, and some players burn out on the grind.
Helldivers 2 is newer, but its live-service model shows promise. Frequent updates, community-driven goals, and addictive co-op loops make it a sleeper hit for long-term fans — especially if you play regularly with friends.
Winner: Destiny 2 for solo-friendly depth, but Helldivers 2 wins for tight-knit squad longevity.
Final Verdict: Which Shooter Should You Play?
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Choose Helldivers 2 if you want a brutally fun, squad-first experience where every mission demands coordination and strategy.
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Choose Destiny 2 if you love deep lore, flashy powers, and a massive playground of PvE and PvP content to explore.
Overall Winner: Destiny 2 (by a narrow margin)
Despite Helldivers 2’s incredible focus and co-op brilliance, Destiny 2 still dominates in content, customization, and long-term appeal — especially for players who enjoy mixing solo and squad experiences. That said, Helldivers 2 may be the better choice for tight-knit friend groups looking for a pure, no-nonsense co-op challenge.
Where to Get Started
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Grab Destiny 2 on Steam – Free to play with expansions available.
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Get Helldivers 2 on PlayStation or PC – A must-play for tactical shooter fans.
