When Helldivers 2 blasted onto the scene in February 2024, few could have predicted just how quickly the game would capture the hearts of players around the world. Developed by Arrowhead Studios and initially available on PC and PS5, the cooperative shooter quickly amassed more than 450,000 players on Steam alone within its first few weeks, according to reporting from GameRant. The combination of frenetic action, a steady stream of free content, and player-friendly battle passes kept the community engaged, making the game one of the year’s early success stories.
However, as is often the case in the ever-volatile world of live-service games, the honeymoon period didn’t last forever. By late June 2024, just five months after launch, Helldivers 2 had lost 90% of its PC player base, with daily active users dropping from an all-time peak of 458,709 to around 40,000, as noted by GameRant. Despite this steep decline, a dedicated core remained. Fast forward to August 2025, and the game still boasts a respectable 24-hour peak of approximately 31,845 players, a testament to its enduring appeal among loyal fans.
Now, with the game’s long-awaited arrival on Xbox Series X/S scheduled for August 26, 2025, excitement is surging once again. But it’s not just the new platform launch that has the community buzzing. A recent trailer, dramatically titled "Bring the Boom," dropped hints that have sent both Helldivers and Halo fans into a frenzy. The trailer’s closing moments feature unmistakable nods to Halo 3: ODST, the beloved 2009 Xbox 360 spinoff that introduced gamers to the gritty world of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) and set itself apart with its moody, rain-soaked cityscapes and jazz-infused soundtrack.
The connection between Helldivers 2 and Halo 3: ODST isn’t just skin-deep. Both games share a fascination with orbital paratroopers—soldiers dropping from the sky into the heart of battle. The heroes of Helldivers 2 deploy in orbital capsules, a visual and thematic echo of the ODSTs’ iconic drop pods. As Eurogamer points out, the similarities extend to their armor designs and the overall tone of the games, with both favoring gritty, boots-on-the-ground warfare over the superhuman exploits of characters like Master Chief.
For Halo fans, the prospect of a crossover is especially tantalizing. Halo 3: ODST left an indelible mark on the franchise, offering a fresh perspective by shifting focus away from the legendary Master Chief and instead following the exploits of Alpha-Nine, an elite squad of ODSTs led by Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck (voiced by Nathan Fillion). The game’s shorter runtime drew some criticism, but its atmospheric storytelling, memorable cast, and haunting soundtrack earned it a special place in the hearts of many. Over the past sixteen years, ODSTs have made sporadic appearances in titles like Halo Wars and Halo 5: Guardians, and their story has continued in novels such as Halo: New Blood and Bad Blood by Matt Forbeck. Still, fans have long hoped for a full-fledged return to the world of the ODSTs.
The "Bring the Boom" trailer seems designed to stoke those hopes. Its closing shot—a deserted city street, rain falling in sheets, and a lonely saxophone tune echoing in the night—evokes the unmistakable atmosphere of Halo 3: ODST’s New Mombasa. The homage is so direct that, as GameRant observes, "it seems incredibly likely given the obvious nature of the tease and the trailer’s direct connection to Helldivers 2’s imminent launch on Xbox." While Arrowhead Studios has yet to officially confirm the crossover, the evidence is hard to ignore.
If the collaboration materializes, it would mark a rare partnership between Sony’s Helldivers 2 and Microsoft’s Halo franchise—two titans of the gaming world that have traditionally operated in separate spheres. Previous crossovers in Helldivers 2, such as the December 2024 collaboration with Killzone, have included themed cosmetics and weapons. That event, however, drew criticism for its high prices, prompting Arrowhead to offer the second wave of content for free. As a result, expectations are that the potential Halo crossover will strike a balance, offering ODST-inspired cosmetics and perhaps new weapons at a more palatable price point.
Speculation is already running wild about what form the crossover content might take. The most likely additions are cosmetics modeled after the ODSTs’ distinctive armor, allowing Helldivers 2 players to channel their inner drop trooper. But there’s also hope for new weapons, with GameRant suggesting that "Halo 3: ODST’s silenced SMG and silenced pistol would be safe choices for Helldivers 2’s arsenal, but Arrowhead could always throw in some surprise additions like the Spartan Laser, Energy Sword, or Fuel Rod Cannon." Such additions would not only delight longtime Halo fans but also inject fresh excitement into the Helldivers 2 experience.
For Arrowhead Studios, the potential crossover represents both a creative opportunity and a business gamble. Cross-franchise collaborations are nothing new in the gaming industry, but pairing two such iconic properties—one from Sony, the other from Microsoft—is a bold move that could pay off handsomely if executed well. The timing couldn’t be better, with Helldivers 2 poised to reach a whole new audience on Xbox Series X/S. As the player base has dwindled since launch, a high-profile event like this could provide the shot in the arm needed to reinvigorate the community and attract lapsed or new players alike.
Of course, not everyone is convinced that crossovers are the answer to long-term engagement. Some fans worry that the focus on cosmetics and limited-time events can distract from deeper gameplay improvements or the addition of more substantial content. Others, however, see these collaborations as a fun way to pay tribute to gaming history and keep the experience fresh.
Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, there’s no denying the buzz surrounding the rumored Helldivers 2 x Halo event. As the August 26 Xbox launch date approaches, all eyes will be on Arrowhead Studios for official confirmation—and for a first look at what ODST-inspired surprises might be dropping from orbit.
For now, fans can only speculate and wait, but the prospect of seeing two of gaming’s most beloved squads—ODSTs and Helldivers—share the same battlefield is enough to get any shooter fan’s heart racing. Sometimes, the best crossovers are the ones you never saw coming.
