Arrowhead Game Studios, the creative force behind the wildly popular cooperative shooter Helldivers 2, has officially announced that while the game is coming to Xbox Series X/S in August 2025, it won't be available through Xbox Game Pass. This decision comes despite the game's massive success on PlayStation 5 and PC, where it became one of 2024's most surprising hits.

Since its February 2024 launch, Helldivers 2 has captivated players with its intense cooperative gameplay and satirical take on militaristic propaganda. The game broke records as PlayStation Studios' fastest-selling title, maintaining strong player numbers despite occasional controversies. Its expansion to Xbox platforms was seen as a major move toward cross-platform accessibility in the gaming industry.

The Game Pass exclusion was confirmed by Arrowhead's Community Manager Baskinator on the official Helldivers 2 Discord server. When asked about the possibility of a Game Pass release, Baskinator stated definitively: "Definitely not. No plans to bring it to Game Pass." This means Xbox players will need to purchase the game separately when it launches on August 26, 2025.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions within the gaming community. While some players hoped for Game Pass availability to maximize the player base, others understand the financial considerations behind keeping Helldivers 2 as a premium title. The move also reflects broader industry trends questioning the sustainability of subscription-based gaming services.