Can You Play Helldivers 2 in Single-Player Mode?

Playing Helldivers 2 solo is an option, but it has challenges. Unlike some games, Helldivers 2 doesn’t offer a dedicated single-player mode.

Instead, you’ll need to tackle standard missions without the support of a squad, facing the full brunt of enemy forces alone. 

While it’s manageable on lower difficulties, the experience becomes significantly more demanding as you increase the difficulty level. 

Higher difficulties introduce more enemies and complex scenarios, making solo play particularly challenging.

Below, I’ll detail how to navigate Helldivers 2 solo and share some strategies for those venturing into the game independently.

How to Play Helldivers 2 Solo?

To tackle Helldivers 2 alone, start by ensuring you’re the only one on your Dropship when selecting a mission.

Navigate to the options menu and set the Matchmaking Privacy to ‘friends only.’ 

This setting prevents other players from joining your session or matching with you if you activate an SOS beacon.

Proceed to select an operation from the planet map as usual, but avoid queuing for Quickplay or picking an SOS beacon mission. This will allow you to descend to the surface solo.

Should you play Helldivers 2 solo, though? Based on insights from the GamesRadar+ guides team, we advise against it unless you’re prepared for a significant challenge.

While solo play is feasible, Helldivers 2 is notoriously difficult, and playing alone can make the experience even more challenging. 

The game’s easier difficulties, such as Trivial and Easy, are manageable on your own, but Medium and Challenging levels present a considerable increase in difficulty.

Solo play becomes extremely challenging on Hard, Extreme, and higher levels. 

You must be a highly skilled player with top-tier Helldivers 2 Stratagems and weapons to avoid soloing on Hard or above being worthwhile.

Helldivers 2 Solo Strategies

While playing Helldivers 2 solo can be challenging, it might sometimes be preferable to dealing with random players in Quickplay.

Here are some essential tips for navigating solo missions:

• Equip Versatile Loadouts: As a solo Helldiver, you must be prepared to face all types of enemies. This means carrying a diverse arsenal, including explosives, armor-piercing rounds, and both close-range and long-range weapons. Ensure your Stratagems can handle any threat you encounter.

• Utilize the Shield Generator Backpack: Available at level 20, this support Stratagem provides a crucial bubble shield that significantly enhances your survivability in high-risk situations. It’s indispensable for tackling higher difficulty levels solo.

• Deploy Guard Dogs and Turrets: If you haven’t reached level 20, consider bringing a Guard Dog, such as the Rover, to help manage groups of weaker enemies. Automated turrets also provide additional firepower and distraction, giving you valuable moments to reload and regroup.

• Prioritize Stealth and Avoid Engagements: Watch out for Bug Bursts and Bot Drops, which can occur unexpectedly. Try to avoid enemy patrols to reduce encounters and conserve ammunition. Running from large fights can be ineffective, so stealth and avoidance are key.

• Maintain a Fast Pace: The chaos of Helldivers missions increases over time, with frequent enemy spawns and intensified threats as the timer counts down. Focus on completing objectives swiftly to minimize the duration of your exposure to danger.

• Opt for Light Armor: Light armor offers increased speed and stamina, which enhances your mobility. The Scout passive is particularly useful for solo play, making it harder for enemies to detect you.

• Use the SOS Beacon Wisely: If you find yourself in need of assistance during a mission, activate an SOS Beacon. This can potentially bring other players into your game, providing much-needed help, though there’s no guarantee of immediate support.