How to get into Helldivers 2 servers: A comprehensive guide

So you couldn’t start a game and wonder how to get into Helldivers 2 servers? This seems to be a fairly common problem and Helldivers 2 gamers are facing disappointment. But don’t worry, we’re here to save you once again, this time with how to get into Helldivers 2 servers!

Helldivers 2 is a chaotic, top-down, twin-stick shooter where teamwork and fast reflexes are key to your survival against relentless alien hordes. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it’s the sequel to the popular 2015 game Helldivers.

Helldivers 2 features a dynamic campaign where your actions directly impact the ever-shifting war against a relentless alien threat. The community as a whole works to achieve milestones and objectives but there is one problem: The game’s servers. Welcome to our how to get into Helldivers 2 servers guide!

How to get into Helldivers 2 servers

Helldivers 2’s launch popularity has been immense, but unfortunately, this means many players trying to join the fun are greeted with “Login Limit Reached” and “Servers at Capacity” messages. It’s a frustrating, but temporary, situation that Arrowhead is actively working to resolve.

Simply put, there are more players trying to log in than available server slots. Arrowhead has made significant server expansions, increasing both the login rate per minute and the maximum number of players the game can support. Despite this, demand still occasionally outstrips supply. The attempt to improve server stability by capping the official Helldivers 2 Discord server at 450,000 members had unintended consequences. Players were understandably frustrated when they were abruptly kicked out of missions or denied hard-earned rewards due to these issues.

Here are some solutions on how to get into Helldivers 2 servers that have worked but aren’t guaranteed:

• Tweaking your network
• Trying repeated logins
• Disabling Firewall and antivirus
• Letting the intro play
• Checking files on Steam
• Disabling VPN

Tweaking your network

If you’re on Wi-Fi, try connecting directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for a stronger, more stable connection. Conversely, if you’re already wired, temporarily switching to Wi-Fi might bypass unknown network bottlenecks.

Another way on how to get into Helldivers 2 servers is by switching IPv6 to IPv4. IPv4 is an older but very common internet protocol. For some players, like DaD_main on Reddit, forcing your connection to use IPv4 instead of the newer IPv6 can improve compatibility with Helldivers 2 servers.

Here is how to switch IPv6 to IPv4 on Windows:

1. Type “View Network Connections” in the Windows search bar and click on the matching result
2. Identify your active network connection (either “Ethernet” if wired, or your Wi-Fi network name). Right-click on it and select “Properties“
3. In the list of options, find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and check/uncheck the box beside it. Click “OK“
4. Find “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” and check/uncheck the box as well. Click “OK“

A computer restart may be necessary for the changes to take effect. Some routers also allow you to change IPv4/IPv6 settings directly. Consult your router’s manual if you want to explore this option.

Trying repeated logins

This isn’t glamorous, but with full servers, hitting the spacebar repeatedly can eventually squeeze you in when someone else leaves. It highlights the server strain issue but works as a stopgap solution.

Disabling Firewall and antivirus

Firewalls or antivirus programs can sometimes block legitimate games like Helldivers 2. Adding the game as a trusted exception to these programs ensures there’s no interference with the game’s online connection attempts.

Here is how to allow a game trough Windows Firewall, Helldivers 2 in our case:

1. Type “Firewall” into the Windows search bar and select “Windows Defender Firewall“
2. On the left-side menu, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall“
3. Click the “Change Settings” button (you might need administrator permissions)
4. Click “Allow another app,” then “Browse”
5. Navigate to where your Helldivers 2 game files are and select the main game executable (often ends in .exe) and Click “Add“
6. Ensure both “Private” and “Public” network types are ticked for Helldivers 2 in the list
7. Click “OK“

Letting the intro play

While strange, some players report the issue resolving by allowing the full intro video to play rather than skipping it. The reason behind this fix for how to get into Helldivers 2 servers is unknown, but it’s worth a shot!

Checking files on Steam

Another way how to get into Helldivers 2 servers is to check for corrupted game files. Game files can become corrupted during download or over time. Steam’s built-in “Verify Integrity of Game Files” tool scans Helldivers 2 files and redownloads any that are corrupted or missing, which can solve connectivity problems.

Here is how to check Helldivers 2 files on Steam:

1. Launch the Steam client and go to your “Library” tab
2. Find Helldivers 2 in your list of games. Right-click on the game’s title
3. In the pop-up menu, select “Properties“
4. In the Properties window, click on the “LOCAL FILES” tab
5. You’ll see a button labeled “Verify Integrity of Game Files…” Click on it

Steam will now begin scanning all the files associated with Helldivers 2. This might take a few minutes, depending on the size of the game and the speed of your hard drive.

Disabling VPN

VPNs are great for privacy but can introduce routing complications that may interfere with connecting to a game server. Temporarily disabling your VPN or changing to a different location may eliminate this as a potential blocking factor.

While these fixes on how to get into Helldivers 2 servers work for some, the server issues are ultimately on the developer’s side. True resolution on how to get into Helldivers 2 servers depends on Arrowhead further expanding server capacity to meet ongoing demand. Luckily, they are aware of the issue and shared the following post on their HELLDIVERS™ 2 account on X:

Despite our best efforts to increase server capacity to accommodate all of you who want to dive for Freedom, we are experiencing capacity issues. We are once more working without delay to improve the issue and we hope to have a fix in place as soon as possible. Thank you

— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) February 17, 2024

If you are among the lucky ones and able to fix the issue by following our guide on how to get into Helldivers 2 servers, you should check out how to kill Helldivers 2 Bile Spewers as they are quite annoying!

Featured image credit: Helldivers 2/Steam.