Skip to main content

Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2?

A scene from Helldiver 2's opening cutscene.
Sony Interactive Entertainment

Helldivers 2 has been a huge hit this yea,r with a consistent player base since its launch in February and a peak of over 450,000 players. Fighting for Super Earth, players have been waging war against monstrous insects and deadly robots and laying down their lives for democracy. But the game’s reputation took a hit recently when it was announced that PC players would have to register for a PlayStation Network account to continue playing the game — a move that would have left players in parts of the world with no PSN support high and dry.

In  response, there was a major outcry (and review bombing of the game on Steam) in response, which led Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios to swiftly alter their policies to appease the player base. The entire ordeal has been a bit of a whirlwind, so it’s OK if you’re a little lost. Here’s what you need to know.

Recommended Videos

Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2?

No, you don’t need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 right now.

Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios ultimately reversed course on the update that would have required players to sign up for PSN.

“Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account-linking update. The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward,” PlayStation stated on X. “We’re still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2, and we’ll keep you updated on future plans.”

Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward.

We’re still…

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 6, 2024

The whole situation has revealed an issue for studios tackling live service games: It’s an unforgiving business model.

“When you make a live service game, you’re signing a risky contract. You might make a fortune, but you’ll forever be at the mercy of fans who can turn the valve off anytime they want,” wrote Digital Trends’ Senior Gaming Editor Giovanni Colantonio in an article breaking down the controversy. “It doesn’t matter if players are lashing out in good or bad faith. A small mistake could be all it takes to crush the community’s trust for good. Once you lose that, you don’t have a game anymore.”

Sam Hill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As Digital Trends' Gaming evergreen lead, Sam Hill is here to help you find your new favorite game and dive right in. The…
Is Smite 2 cross-platform?
Gods fight each other in Smite 2.

MOBA games tend to be some of the best PC games, but they tend not to work on consoles. However, much like Valorant and Path of Exile 2, Smite 2 is embracing the console space. Featuring a huge cast of legendary Gods and other legendary figures, this is one of the most approachable games in the genre. The first game is on our list of all cross-platform games, but can the same be said about its free-to-play sequel? Here's everything you need to know about Smite 2's cross-platform support.
Is Smite 2 cross-platform?

Even before Smite 2 left its early access period, we knew the good news that it supports full crossplay support on all platforms. Currently, that includes PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. While the first game was available on the Switch, it seems this sequel is a bit too big for that console, but there is a good chance it comes to the Switch 2 when that eventually releases.

Read more
Where and when you can play the Switch 2 before release
Mario Kart running on a Switch 2.

Nothing is more exciting than a new console, and the Switch 2 might be the most highly anticipated system yet. Nintendo finally made an official announcement on January 16 with a glimpse at the new hardware and promised to deliver more information in April. While it didn't give us that all-important release date as we hoped, it did fill us in on some important details like if it is backwards compatible. But what is most exciting is that Nintendo is letting consumers go hands-on with the new system long before release. You have to be in the right place at the right time to be one of the first to play a Switch 2. These are all the locations and dates for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 Experience dates and locations

Nintendo will be visiting multiple major cities around the world to give players a chance to play the Switch 2 before launch. While we don't know what games will be playable just yet, we are confident they will be worth the trip for anyone able to make it. Here is a full list of the announced cities and dates for the Nintendo Switch Experience. The only details we don't know are specific hours, but we will update this article as soon as we learn more.

Read more
Think Path of Exile 2 is too hard? Its devs want you to get good
A character blasting fire in Path of Exile 2.

Path of Exile 2 launched to much fanfare as fans of the first -- and players hungry for another Diablo-style experience -- flocked to the game. But players quickly discovered that it did not hold your hand. If you die, you're kicked from the game and lose some experience, plus any loot you haven't picked up yet. The RPG's latest patch will address a few pain points, but the developers say "the whole death actually mattering thing is important."

Director Jonathan Rogers says the game is high risk, high reward. He gave an interview with streamers Darth Microtransaction and GhazzyTV to discuss the patch. Give it a watch, if you'd like -- but be aware the video is four hours long.

Read more