New ‘Fortnite’ alien update “rips off” ‘Helldivers 2’
The latest Fortnite update has introduced a number of bug-like aliens to the game, with many fans claiming it’s ripping off Helldivers 2.
Fortnite chapter six season four went live last week and as part of the update, a sci-fi take on the battle royale was launched.
“The orders are in, so charge headfirst into the hive! The bugs out there? Vicious, relentless, swarming. The vermin are dug in deep, and drawing out the queen won’t be easy. Neutralize the infestation with the latest and greatest high-tech tools,” reads the official announcement from developers Epic Games. “Make no mistake — this is warfare, and the bugs… well, the bugs are winning. The Island is an absolute mess of goopy nests and egg sacs. Prepare to stomp and smash the swarm with the O.X.R., the Island’s anti-bug military defence force.”
However, many fans have pointed out the similarities between the new Shock ‘N Awesome update and Helldivers 2. The popular shooter launched last year and has players teaming up to defend Super Earth from bug-like enemies.
Earlier this month, a number of teaser images were shared by Fortnite that encouraged gamers to “join the O.X.R.” and “defend the island” which saw a number of fans believing an official Helldivers 2 collab was coming. After chapter six season four launched, others accused Fortnite of “ripping off” Helldivers 2.
“Everything about this season from the trailers to the loading screen to the weapons screams ‘we wanted this IP and made the alpha build of this season as a rough draft pitch to the IP holders and they said no so we repurposed it’,” wrote one fan. “That’s what I’ve been saying. Bugs, flag salute emote, orbital drops, black and yellow alt style for the militaristic skin. The whole package,” added another.
Just say Its a collab with helldivers https://t.co/usnjLmx8qS
— Active Hooter (@ActiveHooter) August 6, 2025
Helldivers 2 developers Arrowhead have also responded to the accusations. “Hmmm… it’s giving ‘we have Helldivers at home,'” community manager Katherine Baskin wrote on the game’s Discord (via Videogamer).
“I’m not worried. Fortnite is Fortnite, Helldivers is Helldivers. If the kings of video game drip think our drip is cool enough to… inspire them… then that’s super cool. But our games couldn’t be more different from one another. There’s room for us all at the king’s table,” Baskins added.
Arrowhead CEO added that the new Fortnite season feels “very democratic.” Helldivers 2 takes place in a future era known as the ‘Great Democratisation.’
The latest Fortnite season has also added The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to the game. Last month, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hit back at claims that Fortnite is “ruining” video games with all the collabs and crossovers.
“Every game developer’s mission is to make the most fun game possible. All these cross-over events are really cross-promoting and enabling everybody to benefit from the rising tide that lifts all ships,” he explained.
In other news, Weapons’ star Austin Abrams will lead Zach Cregger’s “weird, fun and wild” Resident Evil adaptation.
The post New ‘Fortnite’ alien update “rips off” ‘Helldivers 2’ appeared first on NME.
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