Helldivers 2 is releasing on Xbox on August 26, 2025, but it won’t be on Game Pass, and Arrowhead Game Studios says there are no plans to change that.
Many hopeful rumors didn’t hold up as the studio’s community manager shut them down right away on the official Discord.
When a player claimed that Helldivers 2 had been confirmed for Game Pass, the response was firm and direct: “Definitely not. No plans to bring it to Game Pass.”
That clear answer shut down any remaining hope that Microsoft’s subscription service would add the game, even after it launched on Xbox.
Why Did Sony Say No to Game Pass?
This might be disappointing to some, but it makes sense, considering the game’s publishing structure.
Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox through PlayStation Publishing LLC, Sony’s own label, which tends to be much more cautious about supporting cross-platform releases.
In the past, games like MLB The Show appeared on Game Pass, but those versions weren’t published directly by Sony. Helldivers 2 stands apart since Sony fully controls it, and giving one of its top live service games to Microsoft without any immediate benefit was never intended.
Is There a Financial Reason Behind the Decision?
From a business standpoint, the move is readily justifiable.
Helldivers 2 has already built a solid player base on PS5 and Steam, and it's maintained momentum thanks to regular content drops, meme-worthy community engagement, and a reputation for being a fast, brutal co-op shooter.
It’s also priced at a modest $40, making it more accessible than most modern AAA titles. Sony and Arrowhead are choosing not to follow Microsoft’s Game Pass model, which offers upfront payments in return for long-term game access. Instead, they are betting on strong standalone sales amid a subscription-focused market.
Do Other Sony Games Follow the Same Path?
Xbox players expect big games on launch day, thanks to Game Pass, but not all studios or publishers share that approach.
Arrowhead believes Game Pass isn’t always financially smart, especially for games that already have good sales and money plans. Helldivers 2 runs a seasonal Warbond system, but one that many players describe as fair, grindable, and not aggressively monetized.
Including the game in a subscription could hurt early sales, and Sony isn’t willing to take that risk. What’s ironic is that Helldivers 2 isn’t even available through PlayStation’s own subscription service, PS Plus.
This shows that Sony’s approach to its live service games is consistent across the board — if the goal is sustained success, putting it on a subscription platform may not be the first move.
Some Xbox fans want live service games included with subscriptions, but this game is different because it’s affordable, updated often, and successful without any subscription.
What Will Xbox Players Get?
Still, Helldivers 2 on Xbox launches with full crossplay, so Xbox players can squad up with PS5 and PC users.
However, cross-progression is not supported, and Arrowhead has confirmed they aren’t working on it. Players switching consoles have to start fresh. It’s not ideal for those with many hours played, but everyone shares the same battlefield.
In the end, Helldivers 2 skipping Game Pass may disappoint some, but it’s a strategic choice that shows the clash between subscription services and classic game sales.
Anyone ready to spend $40 can still get the game, and many fans say it’s worth it for the fun, replay value, and chaotic co-op. Xbox players won’t get the game included in their subscription, but they will still have access to the complete experience.
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