Arrowhead Game Studios’ co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Johan Pilestedt has officially dismissed a prevailing fan theory about Helldivers 2, specifically concerning its playable characters. The cooperative shooter captured significant attention after its launch in 2024, quickly establishing itself as one of the year’s top games, winning both Best Ongoing Game and Best Multiplayer Game at the 2024 Game Awards.

The discussion, which unfolded on the official Helldivers subreddit, highlighted Pilestedt’s response to a user on Twitter. Pilestedt clarified that the supersoldiers in Helldivers 2 are not clones, humorously stating they are “real people with real families.” He added that the notion of Helldivers being stored in a freezer with a limited life expectancy is not something disclosed to their families.

Fans have engaged in a variety of theories regarding the identities of the Helldivers, often speculating they might be clones created to combat the game’s antagonists. Pilestedt’s quip about their “disposable nature” provoked further joking from community members, some of whom pointed out the potential for the military to mislead relatives about the fate of deceased Helldivers due to their armored appearance.

The Helldivers series continues to engage enthusiasts with new content updates, including the game’s forthcoming release on Xbox consoles on August 26. As the series progresses, developers are keen on maintaining its popularity and expanding the narrative, keeping fans excited about ongoing developments.