How to Play with Randoms in Helldivers 2: Matchmaking Guide

Helldivers 2 offers thrilling co-op, but playing with friends isn't always possible. Fortunately, you can team up with random players online using the matchmaking features. This guide will cover how to join public games and squad up with randoms in Helldivers 2.

How to Play with Randoms in Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 multiplayer centers around co-op missions. If you don't have friends available, you can be matched with random players to fill out a squad.

There are two main ways to play with randoms:

• Join an existing public game
• Host a public game and have randoms join you

Both options require some multiplayer settings changes. Once configured properly, you'll be able to fight the alien hordes side-by-side with allies.

1. How to Play with Randoms in Helldivers 2: Joining a Public Game with Randoms

Here's how to find and join an existing public Helldivers 2 game to play with randoms:

• On the main menu, go to Settings > Gameplay and set Matchmaking Privacy to Public. This enables public matchmaking.
• From the star map, select a mission and press the Quick Play button (default Square on PS5 controllers).
• The matchmaking will search for open public games on that mission and automatically join one when available.
• Wait for 1-2 minutes as players join the match. Once 4 players are present, the mission will start.
• You can now play cooperatively with 3 random squadmates!

2. How to Play with Randoms in Helldivers 2: Hosting a Public Game for Randoms

You can also host a public game yourself and have randoms join you:

• Again, enable Public matchmaking in Settings first.
• Select a mission from the star map as usual. Before launching, press Triangle (on PS5) to make your game public.
• Launch the mission and head to the planet's surface in your dropship. Wait on your ship.
• After 1-2 minutes, random players should start joining the public game.
• Once 3 players join and are ready, the 4-player mission will commence.
• You're now playing co-op with random allies who joined your public game!

Team Up with Randoms for Exciting Missions

With Helldivers 2's public matchmaking options, you can always find allies, even if your friends aren't online. Join existing games or host your own and watch as comrades arrive to fight the alien hordes as a squad.

Bring your best loadout and Stratagems and cooperate closely with your randomly matched allies. Together, you can overcome challenging odds and complete missions for the glory of Super Earth!