# Helldivers 2: Major Patch and Game Size Reduction Update

Helldivers 2 players are in for a treat as developers Arrowhead Game Studios have recently launched the “Into the Unjust 5.0.0” patch, which includes various buffs to weapons and improvements to gameplay. In addition to this patch, Arrowhead has announced significant progress in reducing the game’s massive install size, transitioning from an overwhelming 154GB to a more manageable 23GB — a remarkable 131GB reduction.

## Massive Size Reduction

The substantial size reduction is facilitated through a beta build that players can try out. The reduction is akin to surgically removing an entire game, analogous to the game’s former size dwarfing other titles. This dramatic shrinkage not only frees up storage space but also enhances accessibility for players with limited disk space.

### Addressing HDD Concerns

One main concern that Arrowhead faced was related to players using mechanical hard drives (HDDs), which tend to have slower load times compared to solid-state drives (SSDs). Initially, developers believed that removing duplicated assets to reduce size could potentially lead to performance issues for players on older systems. However, a follow-up blog post has clarified these concerns.

Arrowhead has confirmed that their worst-case assumptions regarding increased loading times for HDD users did not come to fruition. Actual data collected showed that the true rate of players using HDDs was around 11% in the last week, indicating a smaller subset of users might be affected. It turns out that the majority of loading time in Helldivers 2 is primarily due to level generation rather than asset loading, which occurs concurrently with data loading from the disk.

## Testing the New Build

While the beta offers a lighter version of the game, it’s important to note that this is still a beta, meaning bugs or performance issues may still arise. Players interested in testing the slimmer version can easily opt in via the game’s Properties menu on Steam. Under the Betas tab, players need to input “prod_slim” in the Private Betas field to switch to the slim version. If users wish to revert back to the original version, they can simply select “None” in the same menu.

## Conclusion

The latest updates surrounding Helldivers 2 mark a significant step forward for the game, both in terms of gameplay enhancements and technical efficiency. Arrowhead’s efforts to optimize the game and address player concerns regarding storage and loading times demonstrate their commitment to providing a more enjoyable gaming experience. As players look forward to diving into the newly streamlined version, the excitement for Helldivers 2 continues to grow.