Clones of popular games have surfaced on Steam, Valve’s digital storefront, and Helldivers 2 is frequently among the first results when users search. A correspondent from Socialbites.ca highlighted that fraudulent versions of Helldivers 2 appear in search results, even on well-known platforms. The presence of these deceptive pages can mislead players who assume they are accessing legitimate content, especially when the listing mirrors the official store page in every visible aspect.
On search engines like Google and other services, the official Steam page for Helldivers 2 typically appears first, which helps legitimate players locate the real product quickly. However, several listings leading to counterfeit pages can appear side by side with the authentic one, differing mainly in price. For instance, the genuine Helldivers 2 is priced at around $40, whereas counterfeit versions are shown at discounts such as $12.50 or $9.50. When users click through to the project page, the description, publisher, developer, screenshots, and system requirements often look identical to the real game, creating a confusing and potentially dangerous browsing experience.
The key differentiator is the release date. Helldivers 2 officially released on Steam on February 8, 2024, while the counterfeit pages started appearing earlier, in 2023. This discrepancy strongly indicates that these pages represent entirely different games, and a buyer who purchases a Helldivers 2 clone could end up with a different title on their computer. In some cases, the listing on search engines may reference a game that appears to be related but is, in fact, a misnamed title. For example, a page labeled as Helldivers 2 could be linked to a project originally named Figurality, with reviews from 2023 referencing a different game entirely. Similar patterns have been observed with other high-profile releases around that period, including Palworld, which faced similar issues in early 2024.
There is concern that Valve’s moderation system struggles to curb malicious rebranding of games and pages. Nevertheless, Steam’s refund policy offers a remedy. Players may request a refund for any reason within two hours of playtime, which provides a safety net for those who suspect they have encountered a counterfeit listing or a fraudulent purchase. This policy helps protect consumers who realize they have bought a title that is not what it claimed to be, or that fails to meet expectations.
After detection, the counterfeit pages often disappear from prominent display for a period, and a notice may appear stating that Helldivers 2 is no longer visible in the Steam store or search results at the publisher’s request. In such cases, the pages are not removed entirely; they might still be accessible for viewing or added to wish lists, which can prolong confusion among potential buyers. This situation underscores the importance of verifying the exact product before purchase and of relying on official storefronts for confirmation of authenticity.
Historically, Helldivers 2 campaigns were designed to involve a masterful player who can influence the flow of a galactic conflict, a concept that underscores the game’s strategic depth. While this description adds to the game’s appeal, it also highlights why players should be vigilant about the authenticity of the pages they encounter. Authentic sources provide consistent information, while counterfeit listings can mimic these details but fail to deliver the actual product. Players are advised to use official channels and to cross-check publisher names, developer details, and release timelines when in doubt.