Rising Frustration Among Helldivers 2 Players
In recent weeks, Helldivers 2 players on PC have expressed mounting frustration over the game’s rapidly increasing file size. Following the release of the “Into The Unjust” update, the file size has risen to a staggering 140GB. This has raised eyebrows and sparked debates among the player community about whether such a size is necessary or justified.
A Case of Digital Discontent
Players have turned to platforms like Reddit and Steam to voice their concerns. Many have pointed out that while the PC version now exceeds 140GB, console versions, such as those on PlayStation and Xbox, have significantly smaller footprints. The divide has left PC players feeling especially disenfranchised. They argue that the latest updates have not only ballooned the file size but have also introduced performance hiccups and new bugs, leading to a gaming experience that many describe as “beyond ridiculous.”
Addressing Community Concerns
Recognizing the frustration within the community, Shams Jorjani, the CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, stepped into the conversation. During a recent interaction on the Helldivers 2 Official Discord server, he acknowledged the players’ concerns surrounding the increased file size. Jorjani noted that the studio has prioritized addressing the issue but refrained from offering a specific timeline for a solution. This response embodies Arrowhead’s generally responsive approach to community feedback, though it leaves many players anxious for immediate answers.
An Unprecedented Growth
For some context, Helldivers 2 launched with a modest file size of 25GB. Over time, updates have nudged this size considerably upwards: the PS5 version has grown to around 35GB, while the Xbox Series S|X version stands at approximately 36GB. Players have speculated that this growth stems from duplicated assets within the game, pointing to inefficiencies in the PC build. Reports indicate that while the unique assets total around 30.39GB, instances of duplicate assets—such as 2K normal maps for rocky terrain being repeated up to 128 times—are significantly inflating the file size.
Acknowledging the Technical Bottleneck
In his feedback, Jorjani mentioned the “technical debt” the studio is currently grappling with, admitting that the recent update didn’t meet the standards they had aspired to achieve. This acknowledgment of internal challenges signals a willingness to confront the issues head-on, even if immediate fixes are not yet available.
Despite Issues, Players Remain Engaged
Despite these technical woes, Helldivers 2 continues to be a commercial success. The game maintained its relevance in the gaming community, especially following its arrival on Xbox platforms on August 26, 2025. In just six days, it reportedly sold nearly one million units, making it the top paid title on the platform. It’s clear from recent reports that the player base is robust, with a peak concurrent player count surpassing 500,000.
The Bigger Picture
As the discourse around file size and gaming performance continues, it’s evident that Helldivers 2 has made a significant impact since its launch. However, the challenges related to its growing file size and performance issues highlight a broader conversation in gaming: the balance between content richness and technical viability. Arrowhead Game Studios has a road ahead of them, with the community eager for updates that promise a more streamlined gaming experience.
For those interested in diving into the world of Helldivers 2, it’s important to stay informed about ongoing patches and community developments. The journey of this game continues to unfold, and players remain hopeful for improvements in the near future.