In a significant move that has been eagerly anticipated by players, Arrowhead Game Studios has announced a major reduction in the file size of Helldivers 2 for PC. After months of ballooning storage requirements, the latest update has trimmed the game’s memory footprint by an impressive 85%, creating what the studio refers to as a “slim version.”
File Size Transformation
Previously, Helldivers 2 occupied a hefty 154GB on players’ hard drives. With the recent update, this figure has plummeted to approximately 23GB, marking a substantial relief for gamers who have been struggling to allocate sufficient space for the multiplayer shooter. This change is not only a welcome development but also a necessary one, as many players have expressed frustration over the game’s increasing storage demands.
However, not all players will receive this update immediately. Currently, a public technical beta is underway, allowing select users to experience the new file size and provide feedback to Arrowhead. Interested players can sign up to participate in this beta, which offers a unique opportunity to witness the changes firsthand while contributing to the game’s ongoing development.
The patch notes reassure participants that they will still be able to matchmake and play with all other users. Additionally, players have the option to opt-out at any time should they encounter any issues during the beta testing phase. This presents a low-risk opportunity to reclaim approximately 131GB of valuable storage space while assisting Arrowhead in refining the game under real-world conditions.
Looking ahead, if the beta proves successful, the slim version of Helldivers 2 is set to become the standard, allowing all players to enjoy a more manageable file size. The developers have indicated that the differences in loading times between the legacy and slim versions are minimal, leading to the decision to phase out the legacy version in the future. “Maintaining the legacy version alongside the slim version would only add extra burden to our developers, build machines, QA teams, and release processes,” the blog post elaborates. The discontinuation of the legacy version is anticipated to occur sometime next year, assuming all goes smoothly.
In addition to the file size reduction, the latest patch also introduces balance changes and bug fixes. However, some fans have expressed disappointment over the removal of a particular feature: “Factory Striders will no longer be launched to the sky erratically,” with one player lamenting it as “the worst change ever.” Despite this, the overall sentiment surrounding the update remains positive, as players look forward to a more streamlined gaming experience.
