Helldivers 2 matchmaking explained: How to play with randoms

Helldivers 2 is a perfect game to play in a squad and if you’re primarily a solo player having the option to match with randoms is always handy. So, here’s everything you need to know about matchmaking in the game and how you can play with random players online.

The sequel to Helldivers, Helldivers 2, has arrived with a bang, becoming immensely popular among PS5 and PC players. The chaotic third-person shooter is a fantastic co-op experience where you’ll be taking on hordes of enemies, using powerful stratagems to survive, and making your way through the various difficulty levels.

While it’s a great game to enjoy with a group of friends, some may prefer to play Helldivers 2 solo but having the option to matchmake with randoms online is still helpful, esepically if you’re finding things too challenging.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about matchmaking in Helldivers 2, and how you can play with randoms.

Helldivers is a great game to play with others.

How to play with randoms in Helldivers 2

In Helldivers 2 you can play via random matchmaking through either hosting a public game or joining an existing one. You can find a step-by-step rundown of how to do each below:

How to create a public game in Helldivers 2

1. Ensure that your matchmaking settings are Public. To do this open the Main Menu, navigate to the Settings tab, and make sure the Matchmaking option is set to Public.
2. Choose a mission from the Galatic War table in your ship, and launch into it via the Hellpod.
3. Once you’ve landed on the surface of the planet, wait a few minutes and random players should begin to join you.

Alternatively, if you’ve taken on most of a mission solo but find yourself struggling, you can activate the SOS Beacon and this will prioritize getting more players into your game. It’s worth noting that the resource has been temperamental for players recently due to the game’s server problems but once they’re ironed out it should be a reliable way to call in back-up from randoms.

How to join an existing game in Helldivers 2

1. Make sure your Matchmaking settings are set to Public.
2. Either press the Quickplay button (Square on PS5 or R on PC) for a random mission or manually select a specific mission for Quickplay from the Galatic War table.
3. The game will then search for a group of players who have open public games in any mission or, the mission you’ve chosen, and you should automatically be matched and join them after a couple of minutes.

For more Helldivers 2 content, check out our guides below:

How to change your ship name in Helldivers 2 | Does Helldivers 2 have vehicles & mechs? | How to fix Helldivers 2 failed to join error | All titles and how to get them | How to get free Super Credits | How to rescue the science team | Bile Spewers locations & how to kill them | Is Helldivers 2 on Steam Deck? | Can you play Helldivers 2 offline? | Helldivers 2: Trophies and Achievements