Following the massive success of Arrowhead’s Helldivers 2, a multiplayer hit that brought cooperative alien-blasting action to the masses, Steamforged Games has unveiled its latest video game adaptation. Fresh off their ambitious Elden Ring board game, the studio now tackles the high-energy chaos of Helldivers 2. The tabletop version is currently open for backing on Gamefound, and IGN got an exclusive look at a prototype, along with insights from designers Jamie Perkins, Derek Funkhouser, and Nicholas Yu about this dynamic tabletop experience.

Helldivers 2: The Board Game

Development kicked off soon after the video game’s debut last year, and Helldivers 2: The Board Game captures the essence of its digital counterpart—intense firefights, unpredictable challenges, and teamwork-driven gameplay—while introducing unique tweaks for the tabletop.

This cooperative, objective-based skirmish game supports one to four players (solo players are advised to control two characters) who collaborate to achieve mission goals while fending off waves of enemies and surprises. Players select from distinct Helldiver classes—each with a unique perk, action cards, and a once-per-game “Act of Valor” ability. The prototype featured classes like Heavy, Sniper, Pyro, and Captain. Each character equips a kit with primary, secondary, and support weapons, a grenade, and three stratagems, with suggested loadouts provided, though experienced players can customize their gear before starting.

Gameplay unfolds on grid-based boards that expand as players explore, revealing sub-objectives and primary mission goals, such as destroying Terminid hatcheries in the prototype. As exploration progresses, tougher enemies spawn, and a mission timer limits the rounds available to complete objectives and escape, keeping the pace fast and tense.

The prototype focused on a single objective—eliminating Terminid hatcheries—but the full release will offer varied missions. Designer Jamie shared that the base game includes two of the three main factions, Terminids and Automatons, each with 10 unique unit types. While unconfirmed, Steamforged’s history of campaign stretch goals hints at a potential Illuminate faction expansion.

A key question for this adaptation was how it would replicate the video game’s overwhelming odds. Unlike Zombicide’s horde-based approach, Helldivers leans toward fewer, stronger enemies, emphasizing tactical combat. As missions progress, increasingly formidable foes appear, demanding strategic coordination.

Turns involve players and enemies contributing action cards to a shared pool, which are shuffled and resolved via an initiative tracker, similar to Steamforged’s Elden Ring game. Combat relies on dice rolls, with random events triggered every four action cards, such as enemy hordes spawning or unexpected threats emerging, often sparking colorful reactions from players.

Player combat is streamlined: weapons dictate dice types and quantities, with damage calculated by the roll’s total value—every five points inflicts a wound. This system ensures hits always land, focusing on the degree of damage dealt. Area attacks risk friendly fire, adding a layer of chaotic strategy, especially when sacrificing a teammate to eliminate a tough enemy.

A standout feature is the “Massed Fire” mechanic, designed to mirror the video game’s cooperative shooting.

“The video game thrives on teamwork,” Nic explained. “You flank heavily armored enemies to hit weak points. We created ‘Massed Fire’ to reward group attacks—when one player shoots, others in range can join in, amplifying the impact without complex facing mechanics.”

While players can venture solo, Massed Fire reduces downtime by involving others during turns, boosting engagement and dice-rolling opportunities.

Enemy attacks are simpler, dealing fixed damage or effects via wound cards. Accumulating three wounds kills a character, but respawns—based on difficulty settings—restore full ammo and resources.

The galactic war, a hallmark of the video game, didn’t make the tabletop cut. Arrowhead and the designers opted for a unique experience, framing the board game as a “training simulation” for Helldivers, a playful nod to the lore.

The design team, led by Nic, Jamie, and Derek, ensures the game retains the Helldivers spirit despite its new format.

“We prioritized the unpredictable chaos of Helldivers,” Nic said. “Stratagems can backfire, hitting allies alongside enemies, and the dwindling reinforcement pool adds tension.”

Derek added, “We kept the core loop—pursuing objectives, uncovering points of interest, and battling relentless enemies.”

Currently, the game is 75-80% finalized, per Jamie, leaving room for community-driven tweaks and balance adjustments. Despite recent tariff concerns in the board gaming space, Steamforged remains on track, with contingency plans in place.

The prototype delivered thrilling moments, with random events and Massed Fire creating memorable gameplay. However, the focus on tougher enemies left me craving more low-level foes to mow down, reflecting my preference for the video game’s action-heavy style. Enemy attacks also felt static, and adding variable outcomes via dice rolls could align them with the game’s chaotic energy.

I’m excited to see Steamforged’s next steps, from new Helldiver classes to diverse missions and enemies. My friends and I are already planning our next drop.

Explore More Video Game-Inspired Board Games

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

3See it at Amazon

Bloodborne: The Board Game

4See it at Amazon

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

2See it at Amazon

Pac-Man: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon

Stardew Valley: The Board Game

4See it at Amazon

Doom: The Board Game

2See it at Amazon