Helldivers 2 Matchmaking Guide

by  John Uke Last update: December 15, 2024

Helldivers 2 continues to capture the attention of players around the world. In only a month, the game has already sold more than 8 million copies, and its popularity is only growing. 

However, playing Helldivers 2 on higher difficulties alone can be challenging and less fun than playing with friends. The game is all about cooperation and having fun with other players. In my Helldivers 2 review, I’ve already covered the game’s main features, the story, and the gameplay. So, now I suppose we should explore how Helldivers 2 matchmaking works. 

Does Helldivers 2 Have Matchmaking?

Yes, Helldivers 2 features a matchmaking system that allows players to join matches easily. Players can choose between private (friends only) or public settings for matchmaking

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Helldivers 2 LFG

How Does Matchmaking Work In Helldivers 2?

The first thing you need to do is go into options and set up matchmaking depending on how you want to play. If you’re going to run with friends only, then you should select Private mode. In this case, no one except your friends can enter your lobby. You can also select Public mode so that any player can join you at any time, provided there is a free slot. So, how to matchmake in Helldivers 2? Here’s what you need to do to choose your matchmaking type:

1. Open the Main Menu.
2. Navigate to the Options > Gameplay > Matchmaking Privacy.
3. Check that the Matchmaking Privacy is set to Public.

Enable the crossplay option if you and your friends play on different platforms, or you don’t care who you are matched with in the lobby.

Join An Existing Public Game

At the very beginning of the game, all players have access to the Quick Play queue. Quick Play doesn’t take into account enemy faction preferences, so you won’t be able to determine whether you’ll be fighting robots or bugs until you get on the host ship.

To join an existing public game quickly, go to the Galactic War Map and select Quickplay.

Host A Public Game And Have Randoms Join You

How to matchmake in Helldivers 2 with random people? Make sure that a public lobby is configured, and select any mission on the planet. Random gamers will be able to join you both during mission selection and when you have already landed on the planet.

• To create a lobby, go to the Galactic War Map and select the planet and mission you want to start.
• Check that the Matchmaking Privacy is set to Public.

How To Get More Players To Fill Your Squad

In my opinion, Helldivers 2 is one of the best games to make friends, and the fun of Helldivers 2 is in matchmaking with people you know because it has a lot of crazy moments that you want to laugh about. If you don’t have a team assembled, here are some ideas on where to find other players:

• Reddit threads – you can write that you’re LFG in Helldivers 2 in specific subreddits. If you are lucky, you will be able to find suitable players and gather a team.
• Official Helldivers 2 Discord channel. The game’s Discord community includes more than 300,000 people. It has a separate LFG branch as well.
• Social media. Well, why not? Let your friends know you’re looking for someone to play Helldivers 2 with.
• Applications for gamers. For example, you can use GameTree’s Helldivers 2 LFG feature to meet other players who also play the game and match your level.

Common Helldivers 2 Matchmaking Issues

The primary and most significant problem at the game’s start was a large influx of players. The servers were simply not designed for such a number of players, so many had to wait a long time for their turn in the lobby. The developers keep releasing patches related to Helldivers 2 matchmaking and other issues. The game still sometimes crashes, or there may be issues with friends joining your lobby, but the developers are actively working to solve technical problems.

Main Causes

Here are some of the main Helldivers 2 matchmaking issues you may encounter in game.

• “Failed to join game lobby” – if you see this message, then there is a difficulty related to the server or the fact that crossplay simply does not work.
• Heavy load on the server – it was the main issue in the first weeks after the release of the game.
• Various technical problems that are not often encountered by players – minor graphical bugs, game crashes, or bugs associated with the inability to complete a mission.

Official Fixes

The developers are actively releasing patches and have already fixed the main difficulties associated with the load on the servers and the inability to join other players in the lobby. However, the game still has crashes, minor matchmaking errors, and various bugs. 

Community-Driven Solutions

The Reddit community found a workaround for what to do if Helldivers 2 matchmaking is down. If you encounter a similar problem, try the following:

• Start a game solo.
• Deploy your SOS beacon.
• Exit to the main menu.
• Relaunch the same mission.

Get To Know The People You Play With! Try GameTree’s Helldivers 2 LFG

Although Helldivers 2 random matchmaking works well, and players rarely encounter problems, playing with people you don’t know is not that interesting. It is much more fun to assemble a squad of people who share your interest in the game, match your level, and want to enjoy the gameplay as much as you do.

I recommend installing the GameTree app – it is a matchmaking service and social network for those who are in love with video games. Our unique AI algorithm selects players for your party in a matter of seconds based on your personal preferences, level, and style of play. In addition, GameTree has a simple and convenient voice chat and can send invitations via messengers. I love GameTree for its simplicity and fast matchmaking, but most importantly, for the fact that only video game fans gather here, without toxic or random people. It’s precisely what you need to enjoy the gameplay and story of Helldivers 2!