Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios has said that players VS players (PvP) will “never” come to Helldivers 2.
In response to a reply by a fan who mentioned that Helldivers 2 can steal more players from Call of Duty by adding PvP, the CEO replied saying that they would not add it due to the toxic elements of the mode, and he wishes that the environment of the game stays supportive and friendly.
Hey; We’ll “never” add a PvP-mode. This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.
We want an environment that’s supportive, fun and where we all are fighting on the same side!
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) February 14, 2024
After tweeting this, some fans responded that the developers are ‘scared’ to put in PvP. Pliestedt expressed that it was not because of fear, and further emphasized that they don’t want the toxicity that comes with PvP, as they make games that are for people who are looking for a challenging time in a player vs environment (PvE) setting.
He also stated that there are many games that offer in PvP content in the market and even recommended Escape from Tarkov for people looking for that experience.
Not scared. Just we don’t want the toxicity that naturally comes with it. There are plenty, actually most, games that provide PvP.
We make games for people that just want to have a challenging time with friends but in a PvE setting.
If you want PvP I recommend @tarkov
— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) February 14, 2024
While some fans are disappointed with the news, many fans also praise the developers for standing their ground, with some hoping that the game stays true as is, free from PvP influence.
Even though there is no actual PvP in Helldivers 2, the game does have friendly fire. As such, a stray bullet or a grenade from a mischievous teammate can still kill players.