Helldivers 2 Beta Update Significantly Reduces PC File Size
If you’ve been struggling with storage limitations on your PC, the latest Helldivers 2 beta update offers promising news. On Tuesday, the developers announced an impressive reduction in the game’s file size, achieving an 85 percent decrease. This substantial cut not only frees up vital space but also allows players to potentially install one or two additional large games alongside Helldivers 2.
A Major Achievement for Developers
The developers expressed their satisfaction, stating, “The longer-term goal has always been to bring the PC installation size much closer in line with the console versions.” This reduction was achieved thanks to collaborative efforts with their partners at Nixxes. By completely de-duplicating the game data, the installation size has plummeted from approximately 154GB to around 23GB, resulting in an astounding total savings of about 131GB. This achievement highlights both technical expertise and a genuine consideration for player experiences.
Minimized Load Times with Optimized Data
While the downsizing of file size is a significant win, the developers also assured that this change would have a “minimal” impact on load times, estimating a delay that could be measured in seconds at most. Initially, the large file size stemmed from duplicating game asset data to enhance loading times, particularly for those still using mechanical HDDs—a demographic that constitutes about 11 percent of Helldivers 2 players.
Reevaluating Load Time Dynamics
However, the update revealed an interesting insight: the primary cause of load times in Helldivers 2 is related to level generation rather than the loading of game assets. As a result, the previous strategy of duplicating asset data proved to be of minimal benefit for the majority of players, ultimately inflating the game’s overall installation footprint.
Get Involved: Try the Technical Public Beta
For those eager to experience the streamlined version of Helldivers 2, the PC version users can opt in for the technical public beta available on Steam. This slimmer iteration of the game will transition to the default version once any remaining issues from the beta testing phase are addressed. This not only empowers players by involving them in the testing process but also showcases the developers’ commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience.
In summary, the significant reduction in Helldivers 2’s file size represents both a technical advancement and a response to community needs. With players now having more storage flexibility, the future for Helldivers 2 looks brighter than ever.
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Image Credit: www.theverge.com
