Sony made a bold move by announcing that Helldivers 2 will launch on Xbox on August 26, 2025. Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani said PlayStation pushed for the move and urged fans to thank Sony. The date also sees Gears of War: Reloaded launch on both PlayStation and Xbox, a rare same-day release..
The co-op was first launched on PS5 and PC in February 2024 and hit a Steam peak of 458,709, per SteamDB. The Xbox launch will ship with crossplay on all platforms, per Xbox Wire.
A milestone in platform: First PlayStation-published game on Xbox
Sony’s move to bring Helldivers 2 to Xbox breaks with its past on rival systems. MLB: The Show reached Xbox after an MLB mandate; this time, the decision came from Sony. It’s the first time the firm has placed a Stake community around a title it owns and publishes on a direct rival’s console.
The move reflects a wider shift in how Sony values reach over strict platform control. By stepping into Xbox’s space, it opens the door for shared growth and fresh player links. This could pave the way for more cross-platform ventures ahead.
Xbox drops on August 26, 2025, the same day as Gears of War
The Xbox launch is set for August 26, 2025, the same day Gears of War Reloaded launches on both PlayStation and Xbox. This rare timing signals a shift in how major titles from rival platforms can share the spotlight. It reflects a growing push toward cross-platform reach that was once unthinkable in the console space.
For players, it’s a day of two big releases that cross old platform lines. The date marks a clear shift in the industry.
Full cross-play opens galaxy-wide co-op potential
With the Xbox release, Helldivers 2 will support cross-play on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, linking all players into one war effort. This setup means squads can mix across systems, with no split in the fight for Super Earth. It removes old barriers, letting the full force of the player base shape the Galactic War map in real time.
Cross-play also boosts the pace and scale of each campaign. More troops in the field mean faster gains and harder fights. It’s the kind of link that can keep the war fresh long after launch.
Live-service success pays off: Sony broadens reach
Launched in February 2024 on PS5 and PC, Helldivers 2 rose fast as one of Sony’s top live-service games. Steam alone saw a peak of over 450,000 players, with strong numbers held months after launch. That success gave Sony a clear case to bring the title to Xbox as part of a plan to reach new player groups.
The move adds reach without losing the game’s core model or pace. By linking all platforms, Sony builds a larger pool for its live-service cycle to thrive. It’s a choice that blends growth with the steady pull of long-term play.
Halo hints add hype to a cross-platform move
The Xbox trailer for Helldivers 2 features a clear nod to Halo 3: ODST, with its iconic horn sound echoing through the clip. The tease has fans eyeing a crossover, and some use a Stake calculator to guess the odds of Xbox-only extras.
If it happens, it could unite two major sci-fi titles, attract new players, and give Xbox fans a familiar touch in a fresh game world. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting to see if the tease becomes real content at launch.
