PC players of Helldivers 2 frequently notice that the game`s file size is substantially larger compared to its console versions. At approximately 150GB, the PC installation is nearly triple the size of the game on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5. According to Brendan Armstrong, Arrowhead Game Studios` deputy technical director, this considerable difference is attributed to the game`s continued support for a specific segment of PC users.
In a comprehensive post on Steam, Armstrong elaborated that Helldivers 2`s expansive installation footprint is largely due to extensive data duplication. This method is employed to enhance performance for players still utilizing traditional mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs). This older approach involves grouping identical data segments closely together to minimize loading times. While this duplication is not necessary for players who have upgraded to modern solid-state drives (SSDs), Arrowhead has encountered difficulties in accurately determining the precise number of players who still rely on mechanical HDDs.
Armstrong stated, “How many Helldivers 2 players are still using mechanical HDD? The truth is that we don`t currently know.” He further explained that even Steam`s user surveys fail to provide reliable data on mechanical HDD usage within the broader gaming community. Their best estimations place this figure at around 12% of all PC gamers, but this data is acknowledged as highly unreliable and based on significant extrapolations. Until Arrowhead can more accurately ascertain the number of mechanical HDHDs on which Helldivers 2 is installed, it remains challenging to predict how many players would be affected by reducing data duplication. He also highlighted that even if this number is small, mission load times for an entire squad are ultimately determined by the slowest member`s system.
Armstrong proposed several potential solutions and indicated that the next update would include some progress towards reducing the overall file size. However, he warned that players might not immediately notice this reduction because “the new stuff we`ve added will eat those gains.” For a medium-term strategy, Arrowhead plans to bundle common assets together, moving away from the current system of numerous duplicate files. The drawback of this approach is that it may slightly increase loading times for mechanical HDD users, but Armstrong hopes to keep these load times to “less than 30 seconds.”
Looking ahead, Arrowhead is also committed to improving its game engine and refining compression techniques to further reduce the need for data duplication. Nevertheless, Armstrong added that the studio has not yet determined if the potential impact on load times would render this solution infeasible.
Shams Jorjani, CEO of Arrowhead Game Studio, recently articulated the team`s long-term objective for Helldivers 2: to ensure its continuous evolution and longevity, rather than pursuing a sequel in Helldivers 3. The studio has also previously released a patch designed to address issues such as cave crashes and audio glitches. More recently, Arrowhead acknowledged a comprehensive list of known problems that require attention, including “performance drops, stability hiccups, freezes, and the annoying audio bugs.” While an update is scheduled for later this month, many of these complex issues may require a more extended period to fully resolve.