What should I upgrade first to run Helldivers 2 on my old PC?

A cheaper temporary option would be finding a used i7-4770 and a stronger graphics card, but it’s difficult to recommend spending much on such an old platform. The i7 could add extra threads, yet Helldivers 2 may still struggle in crowded scenes. If your budget is limited, upgrade the GPU only for now; otherwise, put the money toward a new CPU, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, and possibly power supply.

Upgrading does mean replacing individual parts, but computer components have to be compatible with each other. Your processor uses an old motherboard and DDR3 memory, so a modern CPU upgrade would also require a new motherboard and RAM. That’s why this would effectively become a rebuild rather than a simple part swap.

If you only want better performance in Elden Ring and similar games, a used GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600 could be a major improvement over the GTX 950, often around the €120–150 range depending on the local market. However, Helldivers 2 is demanding on the CPU, so the old i5 would still cause dips during large battles. Before buying a graphics card, check the power supply’s wattage, age, and whether it has the required PCIe power connectors.

Unfortunately, this platform is old enough that there isn’t much of an upgrade path. You could replace the graphics card, but the i5-4570 would still limit performance in CPU-heavy games. For Helldivers 2, you’d probably get better value by saving for a new or used system and putting this PC’s resale value toward it. A newer computer would also be easier to upgrade later.