Helldivers 2 Developers Explain Massive PC File Size and Loading Issues

Helldivers 2 Developers Explain Massive PC File Size and Loading Issues

Arrowhead Game Studios has officially responded to players’ growing frustrations about Helldivers 2’s massive PC file size and lengthy load times. The studio provided detailed insight into why the game requires so much storage space and what steps are being taken to address the issue in upcoming updates.

In recent weeks, Helldivers 2’s Steam reviews dropped to “Mixed”, as users complained about poor optimization, performance instability, and an enormous 140GB installation size. CEO Shams Jorjani acknowledged these concerns, assuring the community that the team is working hard to resolve the issues while maintaining a balance between visual fidelity and performance efficiency.

Why Helldivers 2’s File Size Is So Huge

According to Arrowhead’s Deputy Technical Director, the unusually large file size is primarily caused by a method called data duplication, implemented to optimize performance for players still using mechanical hard drives (HDDs). This process involves creating multiple copies of frequently used assets so that the HDD’s read arm doesn’t have to move excessively, which helps reduce load times.

While this optimization is beneficial for HDD users, it leads to major file bloat on PCs equipped with solid-state drives (SSDs) — which load data instantaneously without physical movement. As a result, Helldivers 2’s PC version occupies around 140GB, compared to just 35GB on consoles, which are fully optimized for SSD storage.

The Studio’s Plan to Reduce the File Size

Arrowhead clarified that it cannot immediately drop HDD support, as many players still rely on traditional drives. However, the development team is exploring several strategies to balance performance and size:

• Removing unused assets and duplicate files to reclaim wasted storage.

• Bundling common assets to improve loading speeds without extra duplication.

• Optional 4K texture packs to allow users to choose between visual quality and disk space.

• Enhanced compression techniques and engine-level improvements aimed at long-term optimization.

In the near term, players can expect small updates designed to reduce the footprint of the game while keeping load times manageable. Arrowhead also hinted at gathering telemetry data to determine how many players use HDDs, which could guide whether future patches focus solely on SSD optimization.

No Helldivers 3, Just More Improvements

The studio confirmed that there are no current plans for Helldivers 3, meaning the entire development team remains focused on improving the current game. Arrowhead emphasized that its priority is to enhance stability, performance, and accessibility for all players, regardless of their hardware setup.

While there’s no definitive timeline for when the optimizations will roll out, players can expect consistent updates addressing both load time performance and massive file size — ensuring that Helldivers 2 continues to deliver a high-quality cooperative experience without overwhelming system resources.