Helldivers 2 Free on PS Plus Extra & Premium? Answered
No, Helldivers 2 is not free on PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium as of this writing. It is not included in any PS Plus tier’s game catalog, and you must purchase it separately to play. The only way to play Helldivers 2 without buying it is through a PS Plus subscription’s monthly free games, and it has not been offered that way yet.
What PS Plus Tiers Actually Include
PlayStation Plus has three paid tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential gives you online multiplayer access and two or three monthly games you keep while subscribed. Extra adds a catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games, similar to a Netflix-style library. Premium adds classic games from older PlayStation consoles, game trials, and cloud streaming on supported devices.
Helldivers 2 is a current-generation live-service game from 2024. It has never appeared in the Extra or Premium catalogs. Sony and the developer, Arrowhead Game Studios, have not announced any plan to add it to those tiers. The game continues to sell at full price, with occasional discounts during seasonal sales.
Why People Think It Might Be Free
Several factors feed the confusion. First, Helldivers 2 requires a PS Plus subscription for online co-op on PlayStation, so players associate the game with PS Plus even though the subscription does not include the game itself. Second, the game had a massive launch in early 2024, and many articles and videos discussed “PS Plus� in the context of server issues and cross-play. Third, Sony has a history of adding first-party and popular third-party games to Extra months after release, so players reasonably expect Helldivers 2 to follow that pattern.
However, expectation is not the same as fact. As of the latest catalog update, Helldivers 2 remains a paid title. If you see a claim that it is free, check the date of the source and the official PlayStation Store page before acting.
How to Check if a Game Is on PS Plus
The only reliable way to know is to look at the PlayStation Store on your console or the official PlayStation website. On the console, go to the PlayStation Plus hub, then select the “Game Catalog� for Extra or “Classics Catalog� for Premium. Search for “Helldivers 2.� If it appears with a “Download� button and no price, it is included. If it shows a price, it is not.
Another method is to check the monthly “PS Plus Monthly Games� announcement, usually posted on the official PlayStation Blog around the last Wednesday of each month. That list shows exactly which games are free for Essential subscribers that month. Helldivers 2 has not appeared on any of those lists.
What You Get With a Purchase
Buying Helldivers 2 gives you the base game, which includes the full campaign, all missions, and access to the cooperative multiplayer. You do not need PS Plus to play solo, but you do need it for online co-op on PlayStation. The game also has microtransactions for cosmetic items and a premium Warbond battle pass, but those are optional and do not affect core gameplay.
There are two editions: the Standard Edition and the Super Citizen Edition. The Super Citizen Edition adds cosmetic armor, a cape, a title, and a few in-game currency items. It does not include any exclusive missions or gameplay advantages. If you only care about the core experience, the Standard Edition is sufficient.
Common Misconceptions and Confusion
A frequent mix-up involves the “free weekend� events. Some games offer free-to-play weekends, where anyone can play for a limited time without buying. Helldivers 2 has not had such an event on PlayStation as of this writing. If one happens in the future, it will be temporary, and you will still need to buy the game to keep playing after the event ends.
Another misconception is that PS Plus Extra includes all first-party Sony games. That is not true. Sony’s biggest new releases, like Helldivers 2, often skip the catalog for a year or more, if they ever appear. For example, God of War Ragnarök did not enter Extra until 2024, over a year after its release. Helldivers 2 may follow a similar timeline, but nothing is guaranteed.
Alternatives to Playing Without Buying
If you want to try Helldivers 2 without paying full price, your options are limited but real:
- Wait for a discount: The game regularly drops to around $30 during major sales like Days of Play or Black Friday.
- Buy a physical disc: Retailers sometimes price physical copies lower than the digital store, especially after a few months.
- Rent it: Game rental services, where they exist, may carry PS5 discs, letting you play for a week for a few dollars.
- Watch for free weekends: Keep an eye on official announcements; if a free weekend happens, you can try it before buying.
None of these are the same as getting it free on PS Plus, but they are the only legitimate ways to play at a lower cost right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Helldivers 2 ever be free on PS Plus Extra?
It might eventually, but there is no official announcement. Sony has added major games to Extra months or years after release. If Helldivers 2 joins the catalog, it will likely be at least a year after launch, possibly more. Until then, treat any “free on PS Plus� claim as false.
Can I play Helldivers 2 without PS Plus?
Yes, you can play the single-player or solo portion without a subscription. However, the game is designed for co-op, and most players use online multiplayer, which requires PS Plus on PlayStation. On PC, you do not need PS Plus, but you do need a stable internet connection and an account with the platform storefront.
Is Helldivers 2 cross-platform?
Yes, Helldivers 2 supports cross-play between PlayStation 5 and PC. This means you can play with friends on either platform. Cross-progression is also supported, so your unlocks and progress carry over between the two versions if you link your accounts.
Does PS Plus Premium include any Helldivers games?
No. The Premium catalog includes classic games from PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 era. Helldivers 2 is a PS5/PC game, so it does not belong in the classics catalog. The original Helldivers (2015) is also not currently in the catalog, though it has been a monthly free game in the past for some regions.
How much does Helldivers 2 cost?
The standard digital edition is $39.99 on PlayStation and PC. The Super Citizen Edition is $59.99. Prices may vary by region and during sales. These are the official list prices as of this writing, but they can change.
If I buy the game, do I need PS Plus to keep playing?
No. Once you buy the game, you own it. PS Plus is only required for online multiplayer on PlayStation. If your subscription lapses, you can still launch the game and play solo, but you cannot join online co-op sessions.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.