Real Time Strategy (RTS) games have been facing a challenging phase, but Helldivers 2 might just hold the potential to revitalize the genre. The steadfast community around RTS has watched Blizzard seemingly overlook Starcraft, leaving a void Arrowhead could fill with a new contender set in the Helldivers 2 world.
Arrowhead has a history of adaptability, transforming Helldivers 1—a modest project—into the successful, cooperative shooter sequel we see today. The franchise’s dynamic design, characterized by vast resource-rich maps ripe for massive battles, is a promising foundation for breathing new life into the RTS market segment.
Anyone who spent time with Helldivers 1 will remember its isometric setup. The game smartly combined core strategy elements with twin-stick shooter mechanics, resulting in a tactical real-time experience. Arrowhead cleverly adapted many strategic elements into Helldivers 2, which transitioned smoothly into a third-person shooter format and proved popular among players.
When it comes to faction and map design, Helldivers is well-suited for RTS adaptation. With distinctive enemy races each featuring unique units and functioning buildings similar to RTS bases, the series captures a depth that strategy game lovers appreciate. For example, the Terminids, echoing the Zerg’s swarming tactics, use camouflaged movements to destabilize enemies. Meanwhile, Automatons employ robust defenses, and the Illuminate rely on elite forces shielded by drones.
Super Earth, with its specialized squads, could evolve into a faction reminiscent of bands of elite operatives, where each unit’s loss significantly impacts strategy—a divergence from typical human factions in RTS games.
Diving into the successes of past games like Starcraft offers a blueprint for what a Helldivers RTS could achieve. Emphasizing large-scale combat, resource management, and faction diversity, the foundational elements are present. The Dawn of War series, with its strategic map control mechanics as seen in the Dark Crusade expansion, mirrors what Helldivers could aim for with its galaxy map.
Moreover, games like Dawn of War 2 and Company of Heroes utilize commander systems akin to Helldivers’ stratagems. These features enable players to deploy unique abilities, mirroring Helldivers’ approach with stratagems. If expanded, each Helldivers faction could have unique global abilities that complement their styles.
Alternatively, gazing at Age of Empires offers insights into vast, thoughtful gameplay. This could inspire Helldivers to create expansive campaigns allowing factions to evolve as they solidify control over new territories.
Still, breaking into RTS today is no small feat. Starcraft’s decline isn’t due to replacement by another powerhouse but because MOBAs have evolved the strategy genre, presenting accessible isometric tactics without sacrificing depth. The demand for quick reflexes and high-level multitasking often deters average players, which are crucial to Starcraft’s appeal.
Total War: Warhammer’s success, while part of the RTS family, minimizes some traditional elements to broaden its player base. Helldivers would need more than just the pull of its brand or adopting popular models. It must offer a fresh spin on strategy gaming, recapturing the excitement that once surrounded co-op shooters by reviving the RTS allure.
Ultimately, standing out in the crowd requires more than a strong intellectual property; it’s about understanding what makes players tick in strategy games and bringing something genuinely fresh to the table. Helldivers has the potential to foster a resurgence in RTS passion, but it must break the mold to capture imaginations anew.
