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

PC Gamer
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:54:41 +0000

Arrowhead has significantly reduced the install size of Helldivers 2 from approximately 154GB to around 23GB by eliminating duplicated data, achieving an 85% reduction. This update, which has no functional differences from the original version, is available through a public technical beta on Steam. Players can opt into the beta now, and all progression and purchases will carry over between versions.

2025-12-02 | GamesRadar+: In the nick of time, Helldivers 2 rolls out a "slim version" shrinking file sizes by a whopping 85% on PC: "It's a low-risk way to save ~131GB of space on your drive"

Helldivers 2 has received a significant update that reduces its PC file size by approximately 85%, from 154GB to around 23GB. This "slim version" aims to alleviate storage issues for players and improve load times, which developers initially feared might worsen. Currently, a public technical beta is available for players to test these changes. If successful, the legacy version will be discontinued next year to streamline development.

2025-12-02 | IGN: Helldivers 2 Dev Worked With Sony Studio Nixxes to Create a 'Slim' Version for PC That Reduces File Size From 154GB to 23GB

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has collaborated with Sony's Nixxes to create a "slim" PC version, reducing the installation size from 154GB to 23GB. This change is part of a public technical beta, addressing player concerns about file size. Arrowhead reported minimal impact on loading times, primarily due to level generation rather than asset loading. The slim version will become the default after beta testing, coinciding with the 5.0.0 patch and the new Python Commandos Warbond.

2025-12-02 | Insider Gaming: Helldivers 2 PC File Size Reduced by 85%

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the file size of Helldivers 2 on PC by 85%, from 154GB to 23GB, addressing performance issues and installation size concerns. This 'slim version' is currently in a public technical beta, with plans to make it the default version after testing. The reduction was achieved through data de-duplication in partnership with Nixxes, improving load times significantly. A legacy version will remain available for troubleshooting.

2025-12-02 | Rock Paper Shotgun: Helldivers 2 install size reduction effort yields 131GB in cuts, and you can try the slim build right now

Helldivers 2 has significantly reduced its install size from 154GB to 23GB, a 131GB cut, now available in a beta build. Developers Arrowhead addressed concerns about loading times for players using mechanical HDDs, revealing that most loading delays stem from level generation rather than asset loading. Players can opt into the slim build via Steam's Properties menu. However, as a beta, it may still have bugs or performance issues.

2025-12-02 | Eurogamer: Helldivers 2 on PC will now take up 85% less space thanks to reduced installation size

The PC version of Helldivers 2 has reduced its installation size by 85%, now requiring approximately 23GB instead of 154GB. Arrowhead achieved this by eliminating duplicated assets, which were previously used to improve loading times for mechanical HDDs. The change has minimal impact on loading speed, primarily due to level generation. Players can opt into this "slim version" now, with plans to make it the default if testing goes well.

2025-12-02 | GameSpot: Helldivers 2 PC Install Size Is Now 85% Smaller, But Not Automatically--Here's How To Free Up Space

Helldivers 2 on PC has received a significant update, reducing its install size by 131GB to just 23GB, an 85% decrease. This change, facilitated by Arrowhead Studios and Nixxes Software, requires players to opt into a beta version on Steam to access the smaller size. The update also introduces a new Python Commando Warbond, featuring new weapons. Additionally, a Helldivers film has found a director in Justin Lin.

2025-12-02 | Push Square: Helldivers 2 on PC Sees Massive Reduction in Install Size Thanks to Sony Studio Nixxes

Helldivers 2 on PC has seen its installation size reduced from 154GB to 23GB, a decrease of about 85%, thanks to developer Arrowhead and Sony's Nixxes Software. This reduction was achieved through data de-duplication, with minimal impact on loading times for players using mechanical hard drives. The update is currently in beta, and once finalized, it will replace the old version while maintaining compatibility with existing save data. The PS5 version remains at approximately 36GB.

2025-12-02 | The Verge: Helldivers 2’s new ‘slim’ version saves 131GB of space on your drive

Helldivers 2's latest beta update has reduced the PC file size from approximately 154GB to 23GB, saving around 131GB of storage. This was achieved through data de-duplication, aiming to align the PC version's size with console versions. The developers noted that this change has minimal impact on load times, which are primarily affected by level generation. Players can opt into the technical public beta on Steam to access this slim version, which will become the default after testing.

2025-12-03 | VGC: Helldivers 2 PC install size is dropping by more than 80%, just two months after Arrowhead said HDD use made it difficult

Helldivers 2's PC install size will be reduced from approximately 154 GB to around 23 GB, as announced by developer Arrowhead Game Studios. This change follows concerns about HDD storage and loading times. The update, facilitated by Nixxes, shows that loading times for HDD users will only increase by a few seconds. A public beta for the reduced size is now available, allowing players to test it while retaining their progress and matchmaking capabilities.

2025-12-04 | Aftermath: A 23GB Helldivers 2 Is Better Than A 154GB Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2's installation size on PC has been reduced from 154GB to 23GB following developer Arrowhead's analysis of player hardware. Initially, the large size was intended to support older mechanical hard drives, but only about 11% of players use them. The team found that level generation caused more slowdown than asset loading. A public beta for the optimized version is currently available, promising minimal changes to load times.