HELLDIVERS 2 vs Split Fiction
Four-player chaos vs two-player storycraft — both require a partner, but one is a bottomless war and the other a finite adventure.
Updated 11d ago
Still the best chaotic 4-player co-op shooter on PC despite the playerbase falling from 458k peak to 30k after Arrowhead's balance churn.
A fresh mechanic every ten minutes and a sci-fi/fantasy split worth two playthroughs — the best co-op game Hazelight has made, but there's no solo mode at all.
By the numbers
Prices checked Aug 7; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Aug 7.
| Measure | HELLDIVERS 2 | Split Fiction |
|---|---|---|
| Value HELLDIVERS 2 wins on value | ||
| Price now | $30.95 −23% · GameBillet | $32.49 −35% · EA Store |
| All-time low | $25.47 | $32.49 |
| Cost / hour | $0.97/hr $30.95 · 32 h main story | $2.37/hr $32.49 · 14 h main story |
| Off its low | +22% low was Mar 2025 | At its low low was Jun 2026 |
| Main story | 32 h | 14 h |
| Health Split Fiction wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 75% 1.2M reviews | 97% 125k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 81% 3k votes · vs 75% lifetime · improving | 95% 1k votes · vs 97% lifetime |
| Peak players | 43,782 Jul 2026 · ↓ 4% MoM | 17,127 Jul 2026 · ↑ 8% MoM |
| Launch peak | 10% of Feb 2024 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 | 7% of Mar 2025 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 |
| All-time peak | 458,208 Feb 2024 | 258,641 Mar 2025 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 5 weeks ago | 17 months ago |
| Patch cadence | 4 in last 90 days | 0 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | Gold | Platinum |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
HELLDIVERS 2
The core co-op PVE loop remains engaging and fun for hundreds of hours despite ongoing frustrations.
Persistent balance changes, performance bugs, and poor developer communication erode trust and enjoyment over time.
from our May 2026 verdict
Split Fiction
The constant mechanic rotation is the hook — every chapter drops a fresh twist, and long-time players say the sci-fi/fantasy blend keeps both playthroughs lively.
A few puzzles miss and require trial-and-error, but the occasional stumble is easy to forgive next to the near-constant inventiveness.
from our August 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick HELLDIVERS 2 if
- You have a regular squad of 3–4 friends for chaotic sessions.
- You prefer repeatable missions over a one-off story.
- You enjoy strategizing loadouts and handling friendly fire.
Pick Split Fiction if
- You have exactly one consistent co-op partner.
- You want a polished narrative that changes mechanics every hour.
- You have limited time and want a self-contained 12–15 hour experience.
Bottom line
Helldivers 2 is for groups wanting endless chaotic missions; Split Fiction is for pairs wanting a tight inventive co-op story.