Best Helldivers 2 VPN: access the game and reduce lag in 2024

Helldivers 2 has taken the world by storm. The coop tactical shooter has taken a refreshingly new take on the genre, and everyone is dying to get their hands on it. Dropping in with your squad and hitting your objectives has never been more fun — especially if you have a group of regulars to call on and bring some democracy to the galaxy.

However, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) set a requirement that PC players needed a PSN (PlayStation Network) account in order to access the game. The problem is — PSN is not available worldwide. This caused many players to lose access to Helldivers 2 overnight. This PSN restriction also led to the game being delisted from over 180 Steam libraries, resulting in Helldivers squads being disbanded. After thousands of complaints on social media, Sony relented and removed the PSN requirement, but Helldivers 2 still remains unavailable in numerous Steam libraries around the globe.

Well, the good news is that you can use a VPN to play Helldivers 2 by changing your IP location to where it’s available. A reliable VPN can also help to fight off lag. After testing over 30 different providers, I found the best Helldivers 2 VPN options. Keep reading to learn exactly how to access Helldivers 2 using a VPN.

3 best VPN for Helldivers 2: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best overall Helldivers 2 VPN
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Most affordable VPN for Helldivers 2
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Beginner-friendly Helldivers 2 VPN
   8.6

Why do I need a VPN for Helldivers 2?

Using a VPN is an excellent method to bypass Helldivers 2’s geo-restrictions, which were implemented due to the publisher's mandatory PlayStation Network (PSN) requirement. In 180 countries, including Estonia and France, gamers don’t have access to PSN and, therefore cannot play the game without the help of a VPN. Those few who purchased Helldivers 2 before the changes can still reportedly play without needing a PSN account. However, thousands of less fortunate PC gamers have seen Helldivers 2 delisted from their Steam store, robbed of experiencing one of the most popular multiplayer games.

With the help of a gaming VPN, you can get your squad back together and dive into hostile planets again. Using a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to spoof your location and connect to a country where Helldivers 2 is available. Not only can this help improve your ping and bypass ISP throttling, but protects your IP from bad actors.

Best Helldivers 2 VPNs: overview

1. NordVPN - Top-tier Helldivers 2 VPN for bypassing geo-blocks
2. Surfshark - Fast VPN for Helldivers 2 with plenty of servers
3. Proton VPN - Well-balanced Helldivers 2 VPN

Helldivers from all corners of the world have been up in arms about the recent geo-blocking situation. I tried out over 30 VPNs to find the best VPN for Helldivers 2. During my testing, I had some strict criteria that VPNs needed to meet. For starters, the VPN needed to unblock the game despite geo-restrictions. Also, it had to eliminate lag, maintain excellent connection speeds, and offer a reasonable price.

Each provider that I tested comes with different perks and package deals. With that in mind, here are the top three options for a reliable Helldivers 2 VPN.

1. NordVPN - Best overall Helldivers 2 VPN

NordVPN is my top choice when it comes to getting Helldivers 2 unblocked. With 7000 fast low-latency servers armed with NordLynx technology, I had no issues getting into a Helldivers 2 lobby. During my tests, NordVPN provided minimal waiting times (ranging from 5 to 10 minutes) and lag (ranging between 40ms and 280ms), even when connecting to distant servers. In terms of the game’s download speeds using NordVPN, I was seeing an average speed of 70 mb/s.

One of the great things about using NordVPN to bypass Helldivers 2 geo-blocking is its speed. I recommend the nearest server for minimal speed loss (it’s worth remembering that no VPN will know which servers allow Helldivers 2). On top of satisfying speeds, NordVPN also uses the SmartPlay feature to minimize ISP throttling while keeping you secure. With state-of-the-art NordLynx technology, based on the WireGuard protocol, I noticed no significant drop in connection speed. Additionally, NordVPN offers AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activity is hidden.

Me and my team tried NordVPN servers in Vietnam, France and Estonia without running into any major issues. Occasionally, I was not able to join the crew without turning off NordVPN — something that other helldivers reported as well. But after rebooting the game and VPN everything would go back to normal. 

Best of all, NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and currently is 74% off. So if you’re not happy with the performance of this Helldivers 2 VPN, you can always dive out. Alternatively, you can take advantage of its 7-day free trial to test it out before committing. 

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark - Budget-friendly VPN for Helldivers 2

Surfshark is an excellent Helldivers 2 VPN alternative if NordVPN is a little bit on the pricey side for you. It doesn’t compromise quality for that price tag. Surfshark offers one of the best plan prices at $2.19/month and comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, dedicated IPs, and a Bypasser feature that allows you to route only Helldivers 2 internet traffic through the VPN.

I tested Helldivers 2 with Surfshark and was impressed by the performance as me and my squad cleared out hostile planets. With over 3200 servers in 100 countries, the ping, ranging between 80ms and 300ms, depending on the time of the day and server, was barely noticeable (which can also be blamed on the game's huge server load). The state-of-the-art WireGuard tunneling protocol contributed to an impressive 88% stable connection speed retention rate, which was more than enough to enjoy Helldivers 2 lag-free.

In terms of security, Surfshark employs state-of-the-art AES 256 encryption to secure your outgoing data and shield you from third-party intrusions. Additionally, it provides DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, ensuring your identity remains private online. Moreover, Helldivers 2 works seamlessly with your PlayStation 5 friends, thanks to the game's cross-platform feature, which is highly compatible with Surfshark.

Surfshark is also loaded with extra features, such as CleanWeb, and MultiHop, which come at extra cost. However, with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can always dive out if Surfshark is not exactly what you are looking for.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN - Secure Helldivers 2 VPN

Proton VPN is another amazing VPN choice for Helldivers 2, offering gaming-oriented features that can enhance your experience. With a massive network of over 9200 servers in 110+ countries, Proton VPN ensured minimal lag and reliability. The state-of-the-art WireGuard protocol, combined with its VPN Accelerator feature, which can help boost connection speeds by over 400%, provides a stable and fast connection with no rubber banding issues. 

Proton VPN doesn’t have gaming dedicated servers, like some of its competitors. However, it does provide a wide range of high-speed servers across various locations, including Spain, the UK, and Australia, where the game is accessible. While Proton VPN does not currently support automatic activation based on specific applications like Steam — unlike Surfshark or NordVPN — it offers a user-friendly interface and strong security features to ensure uninterrupted Helldivers 2 sessions.

When testing Proton VPN with Helldivers 2, it showed that I was playing on its dedicated 10 Gbps servers. It might not have reduced the usual wait time between the matches, but with the ping of 75-310ms, thanks to a number of servers close to my location, I could hardly complain. Even playing on servers located across the globe, the slight increase in ping (110-450ms) didn’t diminish the enjoyment.

Like Surfshark, Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers. What this essentially means is that all its servers are managed by Proton VPN, ensuring no third-party actor has access to your online traffic. Located in Switzerland, Sweden, or Iceland, the dedicated Secure Core servers offer enhanced security. However, this comes at a price of connection speed, which is essential when playing latency-sensitive games like Helldivers 2.

Other Proton VPN key features include an automatic kill-switch, split tunneling, ad and malware blocking. Plus, Proton VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is great when you want to take a quick break from shooting bugs in desolate planets with Netflix shows not available in your original location. Finally, Proton VPN offers an 64% discount and a lengthy 30-day money-back guarantee, proving that overcoming Helldivers 2 geo-lock doesn’t have to be costly.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

Comparison of Helldivers 2 VPNs

How we tested and chose best VPN for Helldivers 2

You might wonder how I tested which VPN works best with Helldivers 2. Well, I went through a carefully crafted process when testing different Helldivers 2 VPNs.

Firstly, I began by testing hand-picked VPNs on my Razer Blade 15 Advanced (16GB of RAM, Windows 10, 13th Gen Intel i7 Processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti) to ensure smooth gameplay in different servers and lobbies. Here are the key factors I focused on to help you choose the best VPN for Helldivers 2:

• Excellent speeds. In my tests, VPN providers using the WireGuard tunneling protocol, like Surfshark VPN and NordVPN, outperformed those with older protocols. For a smooth, lag-free experience in technically demanding games like Helldivers 2, low latency and stable connection are critical.
• Great server selection. I looked for VPNs with a high server count and a wide range of countries to connect to. Since Helldivers 2 is unavailable in many regions, a vast server network increases your chances of finding a nearby server where Helldivers 2 isn't blocked. Additionally, having connection points close to your location can enhance gameplay performance.
• Ability to bypass geo-restrictions safely. Helldivers 2 isn't available in many countries, and bypassing its geo-lock violates Steam's Terms of Use. Not only does using Helldivers 2 VPN can result in technical issues but account bans as well. Therefore, the VPN must offer AES-256 encryption and a reliable kill switch to prevent your ISP or Steam from tracing your traffic.
• Safety. Safety is paramount, especially for Twitch streamers and competitive gamers. There's always a risk of DDoS attacks aimed at disrupting your gaming session. To stay protected, I chose a no-logs VPN with a kill switch to secure your data even if the connection drops. Strong encryption is also essential for hiding your digital footprints from being detected by ISPs.
• Pricing. A higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality. I examined server availability, features, and security protocols carefully before choosing a VPN for Helldivers 2. Also, I made sure to check if the money-back guarantee applies in case you’re not happy with the results.

How to access Helldivers 2 anywhere using a VPN

If Helldivers 2 is geo-blocked in your country, there’s an easy way to regain access to the game. Get ready to squad up and spread democracy across the galaxy in four easy steps.

1. Get a reliable gaming VPN. I recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Connect to a server closest to where Helldivers 2 is available in a Steam store.
4. Download and install Helldivers 2 on your device.
5. Launch the game and jump into a lobby with your squad!

Unblock Helldivers 2 using NordVPN now >

Why does Helldivers 2 lag so much?

Tons of Helldivers have had some issues with lag. It’s been a common complaint since the game was released, and there could be a few causes of Helldivers 2 lag.

First, ensure your hardware meets the game’s demanding requirements and consider reducing graphics settings to improve your FPS. If your hardware is up to par, other factors might be causing Helldivers 2 lag.

The game’s popularity can also lead to overloaded servers, causing lag in Helldivers 2 lobbies — which might stay that way for a while after the game’s biggest expansion, Escalation of Freedom, comes out on August 6. If that’s causing you trouble, try switching to a different server or playing at a different time of day. Your internet connection can also be a culprit. Check your ISP and router for issues by testing it on other devices and applications.

Other benefits of using a VPN for Helldivers 2

Using Helldivers 2 VPN can help to unblock the game in geo-restricted locations and it can also lower your ping. But there are other great reasons to use a VPN while you’re dropping into hostile planets.

Since a VPN is a cybersecurity tool, it also helps to hide your IP address. This is particularly important since using a VPN to hide your home IP address and access geo-restricted games violates Steam's Terms of Service, which can lead to indefinite account suspension. However, when you're not fighting for democracy on distant planets, you can also use a VPN to stream movies and TV shows that are otherwise locked in your region.

Using a VPN can also help you combat throttling. Action-heavy games like Helldivers 2 use a ton of bandwidth, which can cause rubber-banding issues if your connection is not fast enough. Sometimes that is caused by ISP throttling your internet if you use a lot of bandwidth. However, premium VPNs like NordVPN can help you prevent that by connecting to a recommended server with blazing-fast speeds.

Unblock Helldivers 2 with NordVPN >

Bottom Line

Sony's decision (although retracted) to demand an active PSN account to play Helldivers 2 resulted in the game being delisted from many Steam storefronts worldwide. Naturally, these changes angered thousands of PC players. With a Helldivers 2 VPN, however, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions and join the action in no time.

My tests confirm that NordVPN provides a safe and reliable workaround to bypass PSN restrictions and access the game without a PSN account. With its state-of-the-art AES-256 encryption and 6400+ servers in 111 countries, NordVPN ensures you won’t be detected for using a VPN. Plus, with minimal speed loss, you can enjoy spreading democracy in bug-infested planets lag-free.

What's your favorite VPN for Helldivers 2? Share your tips and tricks for bypassing geo-restrictions in the comments below!

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FAQ

Can I play Helldivers 2 with VPN?

Yes, you can play Helldivers 2 with a VPN. Using a VPN, you can access this co-op multiplayer shooter even if your local Steam library has the game delisted. I would recommend trying NordVPN for Helldivers 2, as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Can I get banned for using VPN to play Helldivers 2?

Yes, Steam can ban players who are willing to bypass geo-restrictions using a VPN, as this is against Steam’s ‘Terms of Use’ agreement. Reportedly, over 20 million players based in Russia and Belarus have been banned for using VPN to play Helldivers 2. However, bans for using a VPN in other countries are very rare, and many players use them daily. And if you use a reliable VPN like NordVPN, the chances of getting banned are as slim as encountering a wild Obliterator.

Which VPN is best for Helldivers 2?

NordVPN is the best overall for Helldivers 2. After testing 30 different VPNs to bypass Helldivers 2 geo-restrictions, I found NordVPN to be the most reliable and lag-free option for gaming. Not only does it offer a 30-day money back guarantee, it is incredibly fast and offers an expansive server fleet, ensuring minimal ping.

Can I access Helldivers 2 in my country?

Whether you can play Helldivers 2 in your location depends on whether it has a PSN availability. If you cannot see it either on Steam or the PlayStation Store, that means it’s been delisted and is not available in your country. You can use a VPN to bypass geo-blocking and download the game by connecting to a server where it’s still available.

How to fix stuttering and lag in Helldivers 2?

The simplest way to reduce rubberbanding or lag when playing Helldivers 2 with a VPN is to connect to a server closest to a location where the game is not banned. With NordVPN's 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, finding a nearby server should be easy.

Why Helldivers 2 is geo-restricted in many countries?

On May 3, 2024, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that existing PC players will have to connect their PSN accounts by May 30 in order to continue playing. The problem is - PSN is not available in many countries, which resulted in Steam pulling Helldivers 2 from its digital store to prevent further confusion.

Will Escalation of Freedom DLC work with VPN?

Yes, the Escalation of Freedom expansion pack works using a VPN. Since the largest to-date expansion pack of Helldivers 2 comes out only on August 6, it’s difficult to test whether there will be any changes to the game’s compatibility with VPNs. However, it’s unlikely that the release of the Escalation of Freedom update will change anything about the beloved co-op shooter besides additional gameplay (and size of the install files).