Buying Guide

The Best GPUs for Helldivers 2

From the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB to the Zotac 5070 Solid OC: five graphics cards ranked on video memory and card length, with who should skip each one.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read5 products evaluated

Helldivers 2 fills the screen with enemies and effects, and it supports both DLSS and FSR upscaling. Every pick is an RTX 50 or RX 9000 series card with at least 12GB of video memory that cost $850 or less.

We sorted these picks by GPU, VRAM and memory, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips length, the guide says so.

Quick Picks

Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC

    The lowest price of the group at our last check.

    Best for: Spending as little as possible.

    Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB

    An XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler.

    Best for: Buyers who want XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler.

    Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition

    An XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.

    Best for: Buyers who want XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.

    Our take Check price for XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth a Look

    ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB

    64 compute units.

    Best for: Buyers who want 64 compute units.

    Our take Check price for ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB (opens in a new tab)

  5. Premium Pick

    ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC

    The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.

    Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.

    Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

ASRock's Challenger gives the RX 9060 XT a full 16GB of memory in a two-slot, 249mm card.

Best for

Spending as little as possible.

Skip if

Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.

Why we like it

The maker offers a 550W power supply and a single 8-pin plug, so it drops into most existing builds. It matches the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend on video memory (16GB). A 3290MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT uses a 2970MHz boost clock.

It also comes with 32 compute units and 0dB fan stop at light load. Power for the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes through 1 x 8-pin, with 550W the maker's minimum PSU. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB was the next step up.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9060 XT
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Length: 249mm
  • Thickness: 2-slot
  • Recommended PSU: 550W
  • Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
  • Boost clock: 3290MHz

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • Short 249mm length suits compact cases
  • Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
  • A modest 550W PSU recommendation
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB

Also Consider2 of 5

XFX Swift Radeon RX 9060 XT OC Gaming Edition 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

XFX's Swift RX 9060 XT is the cheapest 16GB card in this guide, with a dual-fan cooler and a 3320MHz boost.

Best for

Buyers who want XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler.

Skip if

If budget leads, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

It suits 1440p at medium to high settings. It matches the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend on video memory (16GB). You get a 3320MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the Zotac 5070 Solid OC and its a 2542MHz boost clock.

No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB with the maker. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the pricier XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 249mm.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9060 XT
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Boost clock: 3320MHz
  • Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler
  • 3320MHz boost clock, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition

Strong Alternative3 of 5

XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT Triple Fan Gaming Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

XFX's Swift RX 9070 XT uses AMD's top RDNA 4 chip with 16GB of memory and a 2970MHz boost.

Best for

Buyers who want XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, which cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

It is the card to choose for a 240Hz 1440p monitor. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend at 16GB. It shares an RX 9070 XT gpu with the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend; the Zotac 5070 Solid OC goes with an RTX 5070 gpu.

Like the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend, it has a 2970MHz boost clock, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB uses a 3290MHz boost clock. It also comes with an XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler. No dimensions are published for the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. There is no published card length figure, whereas the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes in at 249mm.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9070 XT
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Boost clock: 2970MHz
  • Outputs: 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler
  • RX 9070 XT gpu
  • 16GB video memory

Cons

  • Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB

Worth a Look4 of 5

ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Steel Legend 16GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

ASRock's RX 9070 XT Steel Legend is the AMD route to 4K, with 16GB of GDDR6 and a reinforced metal frame.

Best for

Buyers who want 64 compute units.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: calls for a 800W or larger PSU.

Why we like it

It uses two 8-pin plugs, which suits power supplies without a 16-pin cable, but the maker recommends 800W. On video memory it ties with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB and the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT at 16GB. It shares an RX 9070 XT gpu with the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT; the Zotac 5070 Solid OC goes with an RTX 5070 gpu.

Like the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, it has a 2970MHz boost clock, while the Zotac 5070 Solid OC uses a 2542MHz boost clock. It also comes with 64 compute units and Polychrome SYNC lighting. Measure for 298mm and 2.9 slots before ordering the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend. It was priced above the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and below the Zotac 5070 Solid OC at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RX 9070 XT
  • VRAM: 16GB
  • Memory: GDDR6
  • Length: 298mm
  • Thickness: 2.9-slot
  • Recommended PSU: 800W
  • Power connector: 2 x 8-pin
  • Boost clock: 2970MHz
  • Outputs: DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b

Pros

  • 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
  • 64 compute units
  • Polychrome SYNC lighting
  • Reinforced metal frame

Cons

  • Calls for a 800W or larger PSU
  • Needs two 8-pin PCIe power cables
  • Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC

Premium Pick5 of 5

ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Zotac's RTX 5070 Solid OC offers a 2542MHz boost with three 90mm fans, FREEZE fan stop and a support stand in the box.

Best for

Buyers who want the most complete package.

Skip if

Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 16GB.

Why we like it

On video memory it trails the group at 12GB, while the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB offers 16GB. You get an RTX 5070 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend and its an RX 9070 XT gpu. No other pick in this guide offers GDDR7 memory; compare the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT, which has GDDR6 memory.

It is the only pick here with a 2542MHz boost clock; the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB has a 3290MHz boost clock instead. No dimensions are published for the Zotac 5070 Solid OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Zotac 5070 Solid OC with the maker. At our last price check it topped the group, with the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend the nearest cheaper option.

Key dimensions & specs

  • GPU: RTX 5070
  • VRAM: 12GB
  • Memory: GDDR7
  • Boost clock: 2542MHz
  • Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b

Pros

  • 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
  • Faster GDDR7 memory
  • Three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop
  • Bundled GPU support stand

Cons

  • Video memory trails the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB (16GB)
  • Costs more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB at the time of writing

How We Chose

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

What we compared
We set side by side five cards on GPU, video memory, memory and card length from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB to the Zotac 5070 Solid OC, state GPU, video memory and memory.
Where the specs have gaps
The XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC give no card length; the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC give no cooler thickness.
Price range
From the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB to the Zotac 5070 Solid OC, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.

What to Look for in a GPUs for Helldivers 2

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. How much video memory you need

    Here video memory runs from 12GB on the Zotac 5070 Solid OC to 16GB on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB is the pick for video memory.

  2. Card length across these picks

    Here card length runs from 298mm on the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend to 249mm on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. Start with the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB if card length decides it. No figure for the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC.

  3. Cooler thickness

    Here cooler thickness runs from 2.9-slot on the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend to 2-slot on the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB. The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB is the pick for cooler thickness. No figure for the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC.

  4. Memory

    The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend list GDDR6; the Zotac 5070 Solid OC lists GDDR7.

  5. Power connector

    The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB lists 1 x 8-pin; the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend lists 2 x 8-pin. Settle this first, then compare prices.

How to Choose a GPUs for Helldivers 2

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Spending as little as possibleASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GBThe lowest price of the group at our last check
Buyers who want XFX SWFT dual-fan coolerXFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GBAn XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler
Buyers who want XFX SWFT triple-fan coolerXFX Swift RX 9070 XTAn XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler
Buyers who want 64 compute unitsASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend64 compute units
Buyers who want the most complete packageZotac 5070 Solid OCThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB leads on video memory at 16GB, ahead of the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB at 16GB. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.

CardGPUVRAMMemoryLength
ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GBRX 9060 XT16GBGDDR6249mm
XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GBRX 9060 XT16GBGDDR6Not listed
XFX Swift RX 9070 XTRX 9070 XT16GBGDDR6Not listed
ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel LegendRX 9070 XT16GBGDDR6298mm
Zotac 5070 Solid OCRTX 507012GBGDDR7Not listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB ahead of the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend on card length?

The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes out best at 249mm, with the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend at 298mm. The XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.

Which has the slimmest cooler thickness: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB or the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend?

The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes out best at 2-slot, with the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend at 2.9-slot. The XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.

Which has the lowest recommended power supply: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB or the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend?

The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB comes out best at 550W, with the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend at 800W. The XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.

Is the Zotac 5070 Solid OC worth paying more than the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB?

On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB still leads on video memory (16GB). The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.

What makes the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB the Lowest Price Here?

It earns the label for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It suits spending as little as possible.

Do the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT differ on GPU?

The ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB and the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB use RX 9060 XT; the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend use RX 9070 XT; the Zotac 5070 Solid OC uses RTX 5070.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the ASRock RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the XFX Swift RX 9060 XT 16GB for an XFX SWFT dual-fan cooler, the XFX Swift RX 9070 XT for an XFX SWFT triple-fan cooler and the ASRock RX 9070 XT Steel Legend for 64 compute units if those matter more to you.

Use the game's upscaling options before cutting texture quality.