Helldivers 2 is set to launch on Xbox Series X and S next month in a surprising move that marks Sony’s latest step beyond PlayStation-exclusive releases. The announcement confirms the popular co-op third-person shooter will arrive on Xbox platforms on August 26, 2025—coinciding with the release of Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation 5.
Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, Helldivers 2 first launched on PC and PS5 in February 2024 and quickly became a breakout live-service success. It holds the title of the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game in history, amassing 12 million copies sold within just 12 weeks. Despite launching over a year ago, the game continues to maintain strong player engagement on Steam, and the upcoming Xbox release is expected to further expand its thriving community.
In a statement published on Xbox Wire, Helldivers 2 Game Director Mikael Eriksson expressed enthusiasm about the cross-platform expansion. “We know gamers have been asking for this for some time and we are so excited to bring more Helldivers into our game,” he said. “We have so much more in store for the coming months and years—and the more players we have, the more stories we can tell. The fight for Super Earth has only just begun.”
Crossplay will be fully supported across all platforms, allowing seamless co-op gameplay between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox users. This unified approach enhances matchmaking and ensures a more robust online experience for all players.
The decision to bring Helldivers 2 to Xbox is particularly notable given Sony’s traditional stance on exclusivity. Historically, PlayStation Studios titles are reserved for PlayStation consoles, with only select exceptions expanding to PC or other platforms. MLB The Show, while developed by Sony’s San Diego Studio, releases on Xbox under the MLB brand, and LEGO Horizon Adventures launched on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC. However, Helldivers 2 represents a significant shift in strategy.
This evolving landscape reflects a broader industry trend toward platform-agnostic releases. Microsoft, despite recent major layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees, is embracing cross-platform availability. In addition to Gears of War: Reloaded making its debut on PS5, Hellblade 2 is scheduled for a PS5 release in August, followed by The Outer Worlds 2 in October—both bringing formerly Xbox-associated titles to Sony’s console.
The lines between console exclusivity continue to blur, signaling a new era where player access and cross-community engagement take precedence over platform rivalry. With Helldivers 2 leading the charge on Xbox, the future of cross-platform gaming looks more connected than ever.
