If you play Helldivers 2 on PC, you will soon need far less storage space to keep the game installed. Arrowhead Game Studios confirmed that its slimmed-down beta client will replace the current standard PC build later this month after weeks of player testing and feedback.
Right now, you can choose between two PC versions, including one that takes up 154 GB of space. The newer build reduces that requirement to about 23 GB, bringing it in line with console versions and freeing up significant room on your drive.
Helldivers 2 PC Players Will Soon Have Extra Storage Space
Arrowhead Game Studios will soon replace the large legacy PC client of Helldivers 2 with a much smaller standard build. On March 17, the current 154 GB installation will give way to a streamlined 23 GB version, cutting more than 130 GB from the required storage space.
The studio tested this reduced client for months as a public beta. After reviewing player feedback and performance data, Arrowhead confirmed that the slimmer build will become the default download on Steam, and the older version will be removed from the platform.
This change follows extensive testing during recent updates, including February’s Machinery of Oppression campaign on Cyberstan. Both new and returning players used the beta client during that period, giving the developer a broad sample of feedback across different hardware setups.
Arrowhead reported only minor differences in loading times between the two builds. Based on that data, the team determined that the smaller install delivers comparable performance without the large storage demand.
What Changes on March 17
Once the update goes live:
- The 23 GB client becomes the standard PC version.
- The 154 GB legacy build disappears from Steam.
- New downloads default to the slim installation.
If you already use the beta version, you will not need to reinstall the game after the switch. If you remain on the legacy build, Steam will transition you to the updated version once support ends.
The dramatic size reduction comes from internal data optimization. Earlier versions duplicated certain game data to improve compatibility with traditional hard disk drives. With modern storage becoming more common, Arrowhead consolidated that data without sacrificing functionality.
Why the Smaller Client Matters
Freeing over 130 GB can make a practical difference in how you manage your PC storage.
| Version | Install Size | Status After March 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Client | ~154 GB | Removed |
| Slim Client | ~23 GB | Standard |
You gain space for other large titles, media files, or system updates. If you use a smaller SSD, this shift reduces pressure on limited capacity.
The timing also matters. Storage and memory prices have increased in recent months due to supply constraints in the DRAM market. Requiring less drive space allows you to run Helldivers 2 without upgrading to a larger SSD.
Although you can still install the game on a traditional HDD, an SSD remains the recommended option for smoother performance. The slimmer build reduces space requirements, but faster storage still improves load consistency.
Helldivers 2 Players Can Start Freeing Up Space Now
You do not need to wait for the official transition date. Steam already allows you to opt into the 23 GB build.
Follow these steps:
- Open Steam.
- Right-click Helldivers 2 in your library.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Betas or Game Versions tab.
- Choose the “prod_slim” client.
Steam will then download the smaller installation. Download times depend on your connection speed.
Switching early lets you reclaim storage immediately. If you currently use the 154 GB version, replacing it with the slim client can free over 130 GB once installation completes.
The slim client maintains feature parity with the legacy build. You retain access to:
- Online co-op for up to four players
- Cross-platform play
- Ongoing Galactic War progress
- Active content updates
You do not lose campaign access, weapons, stratagems, or mission types by moving to the smaller client.
Recent Rewards and Ongoing Support
While storage changes prepare for the March update, you can also claim a recent in-game cosmetic reward if you logged in during February. Arrowhead distributed the Eye of Liberty cape to eligible players to mark the game’s second anniversary.
This item serves as a visual variant of last year’s anniversary cape. You can equip it through your armory like other cosmetic gear.
The next major patch arrives on March 17 alongside the client transition. Arrowhead has not detailed all included changes yet, but the studio confirmed continued support following the recent Cyberstan campaign.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Original PC Release: February 8, 2024
- Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios (with Nixxes support)
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment / PlayStation Publishing
- Genre: Third-person shooter, extraction shooter
- PC Platforms: Steam
- Player Count: 1–4 online co-op
- ESRB Rating: Mature 17+
The new standard PC size of 23 GB now aligns more closely with console storage requirements. For comparison, the Xbox Series version sits at just under 26 GB.
By mid-March, the large legacy footprint will no longer define the PC experience. You will install a substantially smaller version by default, with no major trade-offs in functionality or performance.
