Helldivers 2: Download Size & Storage Space On Steam

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Helldivers 2: Download Size & Storage Space on Steam

So, you're gearing up to dive into the chaotic, bug-squashing, and robot-dismantling world of Helldivers 2? Awesome! But before you can spread managed democracy across the galaxy, you're probably wondering: "Just how much space does this game need on my precious hard drive?" Well, you've come to the right place, fellow Helldiver. Let's break down the download size and storage requirements for Helldivers 2 on Steam, so you can prepare your rig for galactic domination.

Understanding the Initial Download Size

Alright, let's get straight to the point. The initial download size of Helldivers 2 on Steam is approximately 35 GB. Keep in mind, this is just the base game. Think of it as the foundation upon which your glorious, liberty-spreading adventures will be built. This initial chunk of data includes the core game files, essential textures, audio assets, and everything else you need to get the game up and running. Now, 35 GB isn't exactly a small number, especially if you're rocking a smaller SSD or a hard drive that's already feeling the strain. But in today's world of massive open-world games and ever-increasing graphical fidelity, it's actually quite reasonable. Many modern AAA titles can easily demand upwards of 50 GB, 80 GB, or even 100 GB of storage space. So, in that context, Helldivers 2 is relatively space-efficient. That said, it's always a good idea to double-check your available storage before hitting that download button. Nobody wants to start a download, only to realize they're a few gigabytes short! Also, remember that the download size can sometimes vary slightly depending on your region and the specific Steam servers you're connected to. But generally speaking, you can expect to download around 35 GB to get Helldivers 2 installed on your system. Once the download is complete, you're not quite ready to dive in just yet. You still need to install the game, and that brings us to the next important factor: the installation size.

Factoring in Installation Size and Updates

So, you've downloaded the 35 GB of Helldivers 2 goodness. Great! But here's the thing: the installation process actually requires a bit more space than the initial download. This is because the installer needs to unpack the downloaded files, decompress them, and copy them to their final destinations on your hard drive. As a general rule, you should expect the installation size of Helldivers 2 to be slightly larger than the download size. A safe estimate would be around 40 GB to 45 GB of total storage space required after installation. This extra space accounts for the uncompressed game files, temporary files created during the installation process, and any additional data that might be added during the initial setup. Now, here's another crucial point to consider: game updates. In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, updates are a constant reality. Developers are always tweaking the game, adding new content, fixing bugs, and optimizing performance. And these updates, while beneficial, can also add to the game's overall storage footprint. Over time, as Helldivers 2 receives new patches, content drops, and seasonal updates, the total amount of space it occupies on your hard drive will gradually increase. It's not uncommon for a game that initially requires 40 GB of storage to eventually balloon to 60 GB, 70 GB, or even more after several months or years of updates. Therefore, it's wise to plan ahead and allocate a bit of extra storage space for future updates. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 50 GB to 60 GB of free space available on your drive to comfortably accommodate Helldivers 2 and its future updates. This will ensure that you don't run into any annoying "low storage" errors down the line, especially when you're trying to download a critical update before hopping into a mission with your friends.

Minimum and Recommended System Requirements

Beyond the raw storage space, it's also essential to consider the minimum and recommended system requirements for Helldivers 2. These requirements dictate the hardware specifications that your PC needs to meet in order to run the game smoothly and enjoyably. Meeting the minimum requirements will allow you to play the game at a basic level, but you might have to sacrifice some graphical settings and performance. Meeting the recommended requirements, on the other hand, will provide a much better experience with higher graphical fidelity and smoother frame rates. Here's a quick rundown of the key system requirements:

  • Minimum System Requirements:
    • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 100 GB available space
  • Recommended System Requirements:
    • OS: Windows 10 64-bit
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 100 GB available space

Important Considerations Regarding Storage:

  • SSD vs. HDD: While the system requirements technically state 100 GB available space, it's highly recommended to install Helldivers 2 on an SSD (Solid State Drive) rather than a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs offer significantly faster loading times, snappier performance, and an overall smoother gaming experience. HDDs, on the other hand, can be noticeably slower, leading to longer loading screens and potential stuttering during gameplay. If you have the option, definitely prioritize installing Helldivers 2 on an SSD. 100 GB available space on SSD.
  • Why 100 GB? You might notice that the storage requirement listed in both the minimum and recommended specs is 100 GB, which is more than the initial download and installation size we discussed earlier. This is likely to account for future updates, DLC, and other content that may be added to the game over time. Developers often overestimate the storage requirements to ensure that players have enough space to accommodate all future content without needing to constantly uninstall and reinstall the game.

Optimizing Storage Space for Helldivers 2

Okay, so you know how much space Helldivers 2 needs, and you've checked your system requirements. But what if you're running a bit tight on storage? Don't worry, there are a few things you can do to optimize your storage space and make room for galactic freedom.

  1. Uninstall Unused Games and Applications: This is the most obvious solution, but it's often the most effective. Take a look at your installed games and applications and identify anything that you haven't used in a while or no longer need. Uninstalling these programs can free up a significant amount of storage space, especially if you have some large games hogging your drive.
  2. Clean Up Temporary Files: Windows tends to accumulate a lot of temporary files over time, which can eat up valuable storage space. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove these temporary files and free up some space. Simply search for "Disk Cleanup" in the Windows search bar and follow the prompts.
  3. Move Files to an External Drive: If you have a lot of large files, such as videos, photos, or music, consider moving them to an external hard drive. This will free up space on your primary drive without deleting your files.
  4. Compress Files: You can compress files to reduce their size, but this will also increase the time it takes to open and access them. This is a good option for files that you don't access frequently.
  5. Upgrade Your Storage: If you're constantly running out of storage space, it might be time to upgrade your hard drive or SSD. A larger drive will give you more room to install games and applications without having to worry about running out of space.

Conclusion: Prepare for Intergalactic Warfare!

So, there you have it! Helldivers 2 requires a download size of around 35 GB on Steam, with an installation size of approximately 40 GB to 45 GB. However, it's wise to have at least 50 GB to 60 GB of free space available to accommodate future updates. And remember, installing the game on an SSD is highly recommended for optimal performance. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you can prepare your system, clear some space, and get ready to dive into the action-packed world of Helldivers 2. Spread managed democracy, liberate planets, and squash those bugs! For Super Earth!