How to fix Helldivers 2 matchmaking issues

A soldier in silhouette in Helldivers 2.
Arrowhead Games

Helldivers 2 is a ridiculously-fun squad shooter for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. With a major emphasis on co-op play, one of the core features of any multiplayer game is matchmaking. This is the game’s ability to group random players together for an online session. While this should be a pretty automated process that players don’t have to worry about, some Helldiver fans have reported failed matchmaking. If you keep finding yourself unable to land in a lobby, here’s a couple of things you can try to fix the issue.

How to fix matchmaking issues

Before offering some potential solutions, know that these are workarounds and not official remedies to the problem. Arrowhead has stated in its official Discord that it is aware of the problems and is working on a fix. However, if you just can’t wait to get back to blasting bugs with your pals, here are some methods some players have found success with.

Recommended Videos

The first two easy methods are to attempt to turn off Crossplay. Helldivers 2 is on PlayStation 5 and PC, with Crossplay enabled by default. Turning it off in your settings, restarting the game, and attempting to use matchmaking again have allowed some players to find matches. Another, less elegant way some players have managed to brute force their way past the error is to simply spam the Quick play option until they are let through.

Another odd fix found on Reddit involves going into a game, deploying an SOS beacon, and then quitting the match. When you return to your ship, you may be able to join up with other players.

These options are hacky workarounds as opposed to proper fixes, but they’re your best bet for now. Try these if you’re feeling frustrated with constant matchmaking failures, but you might want to wait for a patch for a true fix.

Can you play Helldivers 2 solo? 

Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Indeed you can, but you may find yourself wanting some assistance on harder difficulty settings. Generally speaking, approaching the game as a solo player is relatively easy when playing on Trivial and Easy difficulty settings. Medium and Challenging modes are a little tougher to handle on your own; but once you’re playing on Hard or Extreme, it’s going to be very difficult to stay alive without some friends by your side.  

How many people are playing Helldivers 2?

As of March 2024, there are more than 265,000 players logged into the world of Helldivers 2 per month.

Editors' Recommendations

Jesse Lennox loves writing, games, and complaining about not having time to write and play games. He knows the names of more…
Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2?

Helldivers 2 has been a huge hit this yea,r with a consistent player base since its launch in February and a peak of over 450,000 players. Fighting for Super Earth, players have been waging war against monstrous insects and deadly robots and laying down their lives for democracy. But the game's reputation took a hit recently when it was announced that PC players would have to register for a PlayStation Network account to continue playing the game — a move that would have left players in parts of the world with no PSN support high and dry.

In  response, there was a major outcry (and review bombing of the game on Steam) in response, which led Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios to swiftly alter their policies to appease the player base. The entire ordeal has been a bit of a whirlwind, so it's OK if you're a little lost. Here's what you need to know.
Do you need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2?
No, you don't need a PSN account to play Helldivers 2 right now.

Read more
Helldivers 2 just showed the highs and lows of live service in one chaotic weekend

Helldivers 2 was on top of the world. Released in February to surprise acclaim, PlayStation and Arrowhead's co-op shooter quickly became the kind of success story that any gaming company would want to emulate. In a world of live service risks, this one was paying off thanks to a dedicated community whose commitment to democracy showed no signs of slowing down.

Then it all came crashing down in an instant.

Read more
PlayStation reverses course on controversial Helldivers 2 PC change

Sony will no longer require PC players of Helldivers 2 to create a PlayStation Network account in order to access the game. This reversal followed a weekend of controversy that saw both Helldivers games getting review bombed on Steam.

If you're unfamiliar with this controversy, Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios angered Helldivers 2 players with an announcement last week. They planned to start enforcing a PlayStation Network account requirement that Helldivers 2 on PC had ignored since shortly after launch. This already didn't sit well with PC players who flock to Steam in order to avoid making accounts elsewhere, but the situation worsened once players noticed Helldivers 2 was sold and purchased by people in regions where people can't create a PlayStation Network account. This resulted in a massive review-bombing campaign on Steam, Valve allowing refunds, and Steam delisting the game in regions that don't allow PlayStation Network accounts.

Read more