Galactic War Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 cuts its install size from ‘~154GB to ~23GB’ in a beta you can opt into now, defeating liberty-hating storage reqs with ‘no functional differences’ between versions

In 2025, game file sizes have significantly increased, with many exceeding 100 or 200 GB. Arrowhead has reduced the installation size of Helldivers 2 by 85%, from approximately 154 GB to 23 GB, saving around 131 GB. They credited Sony's port-house, Nixxes, for their support but did not disclose specific methods. A public technical beta for the streamlined version is available on Steam, and players can opt in through the game's Properties menu. The reduction in file size will have minimal impact on load times, and there are no functional differences between the legacy and slim versions; all progress and purchases will carry over.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

New Helldivers 2 update just shaved 131GB off its PC file size with a “slim version” beta, and I’m ecstatic — here’s how to opt into the patch

Helldivers 2, launched in 2024, initially had a file size of 70GB, which increased to 154GB due to performance and technical issues. A recent update, Python Commandos Warbond, reduced the file size by 131GB to 23GB, an 85% decrease. This slim version is currently in testing and not the default; players must manually opt into it via Steam. The Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions require 35-40GB of storage. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, with the PC version currently on sale for .99.

AppWizard

September 3, 2025

Helldivers 2’s new hive world update is absolutely kicking my ass, and it’s just what the game needed

Sean Martin, a Senior Guides Writer, has spent approximately 300 hours playing Helldivers 2, a game characterized by its challenging gameplay where players fight against alien bugs and robots to defend Super Earth. The game emphasizes problem-solving and teamwork, requiring players to adapt strategies for each mission. Notable gameplay elements include the need for strategic planning, such as bringing a portable hellbomb for underground missions and driving an oil tanker across the hive world's surface. Players face formidable enemies like the Hive Lord, necessitating versatile loadouts with weapons such as Heavy Machine Guns and Grenade Launchers. Despite some technical issues, Martin is enthusiastic about the game's focus on loadout-based problem-solving and the engaging experience it provides.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Helldivers 2’s latest warbond adds a stratagem I’ve craved since the galactic war started, a portable hellbomb

Helldivers 2 has introduced a new warbond called Servants of Freedom, featuring the B-100 portable hellbomb, which can be activated by players or teammates and has a ten-second countdown before detonation. The update also includes the LAS-17 Double Edge, an upgraded sickle laser rifle that may burn its user, and the GP-20 Ultimatum, a close-range grenade launcher. Players can equip two new armor sets, the IE-3 Martyr and the IE-12 Righteous, which provide medium protection and are designed for close combat. Additionally, the G-50 Seeker is a throwable drone that targets enemies for explosive effects. This update is set to launch on February 6 and follows improvements to game balance and the introduction of the Illuminate faction.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Helldivers 2’s first licensed crossover is also Killzone’s official debut on PC, sort of

Arrowhead Games has announced a licensed crossover for Helldivers 2 with the Killzone franchise, allowing players to access weapons, armor, and cosmetics inspired by Killzone's stormtroopers through the Helldivers Superstore. There are rumors of a unique Killzone-themed reward linked to the ongoing Galactic War. The collaboration has sparked mixed reactions from the gaming community, particularly regarding pricing and downloadable content for primary weapons. The second phase of the crossover is set to release on December 23rd, and Arrowhead has indicated potential for more collaborations in the future.

AppWizard

August 3, 2024

Helldivers 2 CEO goes straight to the tap, asks the Reddit think tank for ideas on how to use their oodles of in-game resources

Helldivers 2 has faced popularity challenges post-launch, including server overloads and review bombing. Arrowhead is focusing on comprehensive updates, with the next update titled "The Escalation of Freedom" scheduled for next week. The new CEO is engaging the community for feedback through platforms like Reddit, aiming to formalize this process into structured surveys. While he welcomes suggestions, he cautions that not all will be implemented. One notable suggestion from a player involves allowing resource donations for community-wide modifiers. Other ideas include weapon attachments and features inspired by MMORPGs to create a sustainable economic model. The CEO also shared a playful idea about mission unlocks inspired by Goldeneye 64, which was not pursued.

AppWizard

July 23, 2024

Helldivers 2 announces a massive new update: The Escalation of Freedom, bringing over 3 new enemy types, fresh objectives, a new difficulty, and votekick protection

Arrowhead Games has announced a major update for Helldivers 2 called The Escalation of Freedom, set to launch next month. The update will introduce new enemies, mission objectives, a fresh biome, a higher difficulty level, and a unique votekick protection system. One intriguing addition is the Super Helldive difficulty level, where players will face even more challenging foes. The update will also address the issue of grief kicking by allowing kicked players to spawn into their own session with a duplicate of their team's loot. The Escalation of Freedom is set to release on August 6.

Winsage

April 8, 2024

250,000 Helldivers 2 players destroyed the Automatons, so we’re headed back to the bug front to liberate 3 planets and build oil farms [UPDATED]

- The liberation of Maia, Tibit, and Durgen from the Automatons marks a significant victory in the ongoing Galactic War, achieved through collaborative efforts of over 250,000 space marines. - Players are now focusing on bug infestations on the Terminid front, awaiting a rumored counteroffensive by the bots known as "The Reclamation". - Super Earth High Command has dispatched a new Major Order for Helldivers to reclaim Hellmire, Estanu, and Crimsica to construct new E-710 farms. - A web application provides real-time updates on the Galactic War, including liberation status, time estimates for planet liberation, number of active players, and supply lines. - Helldivers gear up for their next assignments with an arsenal upgrade through the Democratic Detonation Warbond, introducing new armor suits, weapons, and equipment. - Helldivers 2 continues to engage players with satire and gameplay, supporting cross-platform play between PS5 and PC.